To find the IP address of a website, enter its hostname in the ipdnslookup Hostname to IP Lookup. You can also run nslookup example.com on Windows or dig example.com on macOS and Linux. The result may contain several IPv4 and IPv6 addresses because modern websites often use CDNs, load balancers, and multiple servers.

First Identify the Website Hostname

A complete web address contains more than the name DNS resolves. Consider this URL:

https://www.example.com/products/item?id=25

The hostname is www.example.com. Remove the following parts before a DNS lookup:

  • Scheme: Remove https:// or http://.
  • Path: Remove everything beginning with the slash after the hostname.
  • Query: Remove parameters beginning with a question mark.
  • Fragment: Remove anything beginning with a hash sign.
  • Port: Remove a port such as :8443 when the lookup form requests only a hostname.

The root domain and a subdomain can have different records. Look up example.com and www.example.com separately when you need both. Do not assume that mail, API, shop, and website hostnames share one address.

Method 1: Use the Hostname to IP Lookup

  1. Open the Hostname to IP Lookup.
  2. Enter the website hostname without the scheme or path.
  3. Select the lookup button.
  4. Review every returned IPv4 and IPv6 address.
  5. Check the address type and reverse DNS query name when shown.

This method works from a computer, phone, or tablet without installing a command-line tool. The lookup asks public DNS for A and AAAA records. It does not scan the website or attempt to bypass a CDN.

Example hostname lookup

Input: www.example.com

  • IPv4 result: 93.184.216.34
  • Version: IPv4
  • Type: Public

This documentation example shows one address. A live production hostname can return several records or different results from another network.

Method 2: Use nslookup on Windows, Mac, or Linux

Open Command Prompt, PowerShell, or a terminal and run:

nslookup example.com

Microsoft's official nslookup documentation describes noninteractive mode for one lookup and explains that the default DNS server is used when another server is not provided.

To request IPv4 A records:

nslookup -type=A example.com

To request IPv6 AAAA records:

nslookup -type=AAAA example.com

The output first identifies the resolver that answered, then lists the response. Do not mistake the DNS server address for the website address. Look under the answer associated with the requested hostname.

Method 3: Use ping for a Quick Resolution Check

On Windows, macOS, or Linux, run:

ping example.com

The first line often shows an IP selected for that hostname. You can stop repeated requests with Ctrl + C on macOS or Linux. Windows normally sends a limited number by default.

Ping is convenient, but it is not a complete DNS lookup:

  • It may display only one address even when several exist.
  • The operating system may prefer IPv4 or IPv6.
  • A firewall or CDN may block ICMP echo replies.
  • No reply does not prove that the website is offline.
  • The selected address can change between attempts.

Use nslookup, dig, or the Hostname to IP tool when you need the actual record list. Use ping mainly as a quick name-resolution and connectivity clue.

Method 4: Use Resolve-DnsName in PowerShell

On supported Windows systems, open PowerShell and run:

Resolve-DnsName example.com

To request only IPv4 records:

Resolve-DnsName example.com -Type A

For IPv6 records:

Resolve-DnsName example.com -Type AAAA

PowerShell presents record names, types, TTL values, and address data in structured columns. A CNAME entry can appear before the final A or AAAA records when the requested hostname is an alias.

Method 5: Use dig on macOS or Linux

Open Terminal and run:

dig example.com A

For IPv6:

dig example.com AAAA

For short results:

dig +short example.com A
dig +short example.com AAAA

The complete output includes the answer section, TTL, queried server, response status, and timing. Some Linux installations do not include dig by default. Install the distribution's normal DNS utilities package only when you are authorized to change the system.

Run separate A and AAAA queries when both protocols matter. DNS standards note that an ANY query cannot be trusted to return every available record set, so explicit record types are clearer.

Method 6: Find a Website IP on iPhone or Android

Mobile operating systems do not always include a normal DNS terminal. The simplest approach is:

  1. Open a browser.
  2. Visit the Hostname to IP Lookup.
  3. Enter the hostname, not the complete web page URL.
  4. Review the IPv4 and IPv6 results.
  5. Repeat on Wi-Fi and mobile data only when you need to compare resolver paths.

Different networks may use different recursive DNS resolvers and return different CDN edges. Mobile data can incur charges, so switch connections only when the comparison is necessary.

How DNS Maps a Website Name to an Address

The Domain Name System stores several resource record types. For website address checks, the main records are:

  • A record: Maps a hostname to one IPv4 address.
  • AAAA record: Maps a hostname to one IPv6 address.
  • CNAME record: Makes one hostname an alias of another hostname.
  • TTL: Tells resolvers how long an answer may be cached.

RFC 3596 defines the AAAA record used to store IPv6 addresses. DNS terminology in RFC 8499 identifies A and AAAA as address records.

A browser can follow a CNAME chain before connecting to a returned address. That is why a command may show an alias name in addition to one or more addresses.

Why a Website Can Have Multiple IP Addresses

  • Load balancing: Requests are distributed across several servers.
  • Content delivery network: Users receive an edge address selected for their location or network.
  • High availability: Multiple addresses reduce dependence on one endpoint.
  • IPv4 and IPv6: Dual-stack sites publish A and AAAA records together.
  • Regional routing: DNS responses can vary by resolver location.
  • Service migration: Old and new endpoints can overlap during a change.

All returned records can be correct at the same time. Do not select one as the permanent address unless the website owner documents that requirement.

CDN Address Versus Origin Server Address

A public DNS lookup returns the address intended for visitors. When a site uses a reverse proxy or CDN, that value usually belongs to the delivery or security network. It may be shared by many websites.

The result does not prove the location, ownership, or private address of the origin server. Trying to discover or bypass a protected origin without authorization can create security and legal problems. Use the published endpoint for normal diagnostics.

Why Different Tools Show Different Website Addresses

Different answers are not automatically errors. Common causes include:

  • One tool requested IPv4 while another preferred IPv6.
  • Resolvers held answers from different points in the TTL period.
  • A CDN selected different regional edges.
  • The DNS owner changed records recently.
  • A VPN, secure DNS feature, or corporate resolver changed the query path.
  • The root domain and www hostname use different records.
  • A local hosts file overrides public DNS.

Record the hostname, record type, resolver, time, and network when comparing results. That context is more useful than treating one answer as universally correct.

What a Website IP Address Does Not Prove

  • It does not prove who owns the website content.
  • It does not reveal an exact physical server location.
  • It does not prove that one server hosts only that website.
  • It does not confirm that the address accepts ping requests.
  • It does not reveal every internal or origin address.
  • It does not guarantee the same result tomorrow.

Use the IP WHOIS Lookup to check official registration details for a public address. Registration describes an allocated network and contact structure, not necessarily the website owner.

Common Lookup Problems and Fixes

  • Invalid input: Remove the scheme, path, port, spaces, and punctuation.
  • No A record: The hostname may use IPv6 only, an alias, or no website address.
  • No AAAA record: The site may currently publish only IPv4.
  • NXDOMAIN: The name may be misspelled or may not exist in public DNS.
  • Timeout: The configured resolver or network may not be responding.
  • Ping fails: Test the website in a browser and query DNS directly because ICMP may be blocked.
  • Old result: Wait for relevant TTLs and resolver caches after a confirmed DNS change.

Do not repeatedly flush system caches unless you are diagnosing a known change. Another resolver may still hold a valid cached answer until its TTL expires.

Use Website Addresses Safely

DNS lookups are normal diagnostic actions, but an address result is not permission to scan, attack, bypass controls, or access a system. Follow the website owner's published security and testing policies.

Do not replace a domain with its IP in a browser and expect the same page. HTTPS certificates, virtual hosting, CDN routing, and the HTTP Host header depend on the hostname. Many servers share one address and choose content using the requested name.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to find a website IP?

Use the Hostname to IP Lookup or run nslookup hostname.

Can a website have more than one IP?

Yes. Multiple IPv4, IPv6, CDN, and load-balanced results are common.

Why does ping show only one IP?

The operating system selects one address for that attempt. It does not necessarily display the complete DNS record set.

Is the website IP the origin server?

Not always. A CDN or reverse proxy address is commonly returned instead.

Can I find an IP from a full URL?

First extract the hostname and remove the scheme, path, query, fragment, and port.

Why did the result change?

DNS updates, TTL expiration, CDNs, load balancing, resolver location, and protocol preference can all change answers.

Does the IP identify the website owner?

No. Hosting and CDN networks can serve many unrelated customers from shared infrastructure.

Can I browse directly to the IP?

It may fail or show different content because HTTPS and virtual hosting usually depend on the hostname.

Choose the Right Website Address Result

Start with the exact hostname, query both A and AAAA records, and keep every returned address when troubleshooting a modern website. Note the resolver and lookup time if results differ.

Use the Hostname to IP Lookup for the address list, the IP to Hostname Lookup for public reverse DNS, and the IP WHOIS Lookup for network registration context. Together, these ipdnslookup tools explain the public DNS relationship without claiming unsupported origin or ownership details.