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What Is My IP Address - Free IP Lookup Tool
Find your public IP address instantly with our free IP lookup tool. Discover your IPv4 or IPv6 address, precise geographic location (city, region, country), ISP information, timezone, and complete network details. Essential for network configuration, security testing, remote access setup, VPN verification, and understanding your internet connection footprint.
What Is an IP Address?
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique numerical label assigned to every device connected to the internet. It serves two critical purposes: identifying your device on the network and providing your approximate location for routing internet traffic correctly. Think of it as your device's mailing address on the internet - it tells other computers where to send data you've requested.
IPv4 vs IPv6 Addresses
IPv4 Address
Format: 192.168.1.1 (four numbers 0-255 separated by dots)
Total Addresses: ~4.3 billion addresses
Most common format worldwide, but running out of available addresses due to internet growth
IPv6 Address
Format: 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334
Total Addresses: 340 undecillion addresses
Newer format with virtually unlimited addresses, gradually replacing IPv4
Why Check Your IP Address?
- Remote Access Setup: Configure remote desktop, FTP servers, or SSH connections
- Network Troubleshooting: Diagnose connectivity issues and routing problems
- Security & Privacy: Verify your connection and detect unauthorized access
- VPN Testing: Confirm your VPN is working by checking IP changes
- Geolocation Verification: See how websites detect and use your location
- Firewall Configuration: Provide your IP for whitelist/blacklist rules
- Gaming & P2P: Share your IP for direct connections and hosting
- Privacy Awareness: Understand what information websites can see about you
Public vs Private IP Addresses
🌐 Public IP Address
Your unique address on the internet, visible to all websites and services you visit.
Example: 203.0.113.45
Assigned by your ISP and used for all internet communication
🏠 Private IP Address
Your device's address on your local network, not visible on the internet.
Example: 192.168.1.100
Used for communication within your home or office network
IP Address Security & Privacy
Your IP address reveals your approximate location (city/region), ISP, and can be used to track your online activity across websites. While it doesn't expose your exact home address or personal identity directly, it can be combined with other data for tracking. Websites use your IP for analytics, ad targeting, and geographic restrictions.
Privacy Protection: Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to mask your real IP address and enhance privacy. VPNs route your traffic through their servers, showing the VPN's IP instead of yours. Our tool shows exactly what information websites can see about your connection.
Dynamic vs Static IP Addresses
Dynamic IP: Changes periodically (daily, weekly, or when you restart your router). Most home users have dynamic IPs assigned automatically by their ISP. Cheaper and more common for residential connections.
Static IP: Never changes and remains constant. Typically used for business connections, web servers, email servers, and remote access. Costs more but essential for hosting services.
Privacy & Security Tips
- • Never share your IP address publicly on forums or social media
- • Use a VPN when connecting to public WiFi networks
- • Enable your router's firewall to block unauthorized access
- • Regularly check your IP to detect unauthorized VPN disconnections
- • Be aware that websites log your IP for security and analytics
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone find my exact location from my IP address?
No. IP geolocation shows your city or region, not your exact street address. Accuracy is typically within 50-100 miles. Only your ISP knows your exact address.
Does my IP address change?
Most home users have dynamic IPs that change periodically when you restart your router or after a certain time. Business connections often have static IPs that never change.
How do I hide my IP address?
Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or proxy service to route your traffic through their servers, masking your real IP address. Tor browser also hides your IP through multiple relay nodes.
Is it safe to share my IP address?
Generally yes for legitimate purposes, but avoid sharing it publicly. Websites see your IP automatically, but publicly sharing it could expose you to DDoS attacks or targeted hacking attempts.
What's the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses (4.3 billion possible), while IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses (virtually unlimited). IPv6 was created to solve IPv4 address exhaustion and offers better security and performance.