What Is My IP Address?
Find your IP address and detailed information about your internet connection.
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What is an IP Address?
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. It serves two main functions: identifying the host or network interface, and providing the location of the host in the network.
IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4)
The original IP address format, consisting of 32 bits written as four numbers separated by periods (e.g., 192.168.1.1). With only about 4.3 billion possible addresses, IPv4 addresses are becoming scarce.
IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6)
The newer standard using 128 bits, written as eight groups of hexadecimal digits separated by colons (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334). IPv6 provides an almost unlimited number of addresses, solving the scarcity problem.
Public IP Address
Assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and visible to the outside world. This is what websites see when you connect to them and what we're showing you on this page.
Private IP Address
Used within local networks (like your home Wi-Fi) and not routable on the public internet. Common private IP ranges include 192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x, and 172.16.x.x to 172.31.x.x.
IP addresses function like postal addresses for devices on the internet. When you visit a website, your device sends data packets with your IP address as the return address. The website's server uses this address to know where to send the requested information back to.
Your IP address can reveal information about your approximate geographic location, your Internet Service Provider (ISP), and sometimes even the type of connection you're using. This is why many people choose to mask their IP addresses using VPNs or proxy services for privacy reasons.
Why Check Your IP Address?
Knowing your IP address and related information can be useful for several reasons:
Confirm your internet connection is working properly and identify your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Verify if your VPN is working correctly by checking if your apparent location differs from your actual location.
Diagnose connection problems, verify network configurations, or troubleshoot website access issues.
Why You Might Want to Hide or Change Your IP Address
Your IP address can reveal more about you than you might realize. Here are some reasons why many people choose to hide or change their IP address:
Your IP address can be used to track your online activities and build a profile of your browsing habits. Hiding your IP address helps prevent this kind of tracking and protects your privacy.
- Prevent websites from tracking your location
- Reduce targeted advertising based on your location
- Maintain anonymity while browsing sensitive content
Many streaming services, websites, and online content are only available in specific countries or regions. By changing your IP address to one from an allowed region, you can access this content.
- Access streaming services from other countries
- View region-restricted YouTube videos
- Use websites and services not available in your country
In some countries, governments restrict access to certain websites and online services. Changing your IP address can help you bypass these restrictions and access the free internet.
- Access news sites blocked in your country
- Use social media platforms where they're restricted
- Communicate freely without government surveillance
Using a VPN to hide your IP address adds an extra layer of security, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks or when you're concerned about potential cyber attacks.
- Protect yourself on public Wi-Fi networks
- Prevent DDoS attacks by hiding your real IP
- Reduce the risk of targeted hacking attempts
Recommended VPN Services
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the most effective way to hide your IP address and protect your online privacy. Here are some trusted VPN providers we recommend:
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely believe will help protect your online privacy and security.
Related IP Tools
Explore our other free IP-related tools to help you with network diagnostics and security:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can websites see my IP address?
Yes, when you visit a website, your IP address is visible to that site. This is how the website knows where to send the requested information. Websites can use your IP address to determine your approximate location and sometimes track your online activities across multiple visits.
Does my IP address change?
It depends on your internet setup. Most residential connections have dynamic IP addresses that change periodically (when you restart your router or when your ISP assigns you a new one). Business connections and some premium residential services may have static IP addresses that remain constant. Using a VPN allows you to change your apparent IP address whenever you want.
Can someone hack me with just my IP address?
While having your IP address alone isn't usually enough for someone to hack your devices, it can be a starting point for targeted attacks. An IP address can reveal your approximate location and ISP, and in some cases, hackers might attempt to scan your IP for vulnerabilities or launch DDoS attacks. Using a VPN helps mitigate these risks by masking your real IP address.
How accurate is IP-based geolocation?
IP-based geolocation is typically accurate to the city or regional level, but not to your exact address. The accuracy depends on how IP addresses are assigned and registered by ISPs. In some cases, especially with mobile connections or certain ISPs, the location might be off by a significant distance, showing a nearby city or even a different region within your country.
Will a VPN slow down my internet connection?
Using a VPN typically causes some reduction in speed because your data is being encrypted and routed through an additional server. However, premium VPN providers invest in high-speed servers and optimized networks to minimize this impact. Many users experience only a minor slowdown that doesn't affect normal browsing, streaming, or downloading. The actual impact depends on factors like your base connection speed, the VPN server's location, and the VPN provider's infrastructure.