What is an IP address?
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a numeric label assigned to every device that connects to a network that uses Internet Protocol. The public IP is the one the internet sees — it usually belongs to your router, not directly to your phone or laptop. The devices behind your router all share that one public IP using a system called NAT (Network Address Translation).
There are two versions: IPv4 (four numbers 0–255 separated by dots, e.g. 203.0.113.42) and IPv6 (eight groups of up to four hex characters separated by colons). IPv6 exists because we ran out of IPv4 addresses.
What your IP does and doesn't reveal
Your IP can tell websites your approximate location — typically the right city or metro area — and who your internet provider is. Our "Region / City" result above is based on that lookup; it's rarely pinpoint-accurate, and on mobile networks it's often off by hundreds of kilometers because the IP belongs to a carrier gateway, not a cell tower.
Your IP alone cannot reveal your name, exact home address, or what websites you've visited. Your ISP can link an IP to your account at a given moment, but they don't hand that over without a legal process.
When would you need to know your IP?
Network troubleshooting (does my VPN work? Am I leaking my real IP?), setting up remote access to a home server, configuring firewall allow-lists at work, reporting abusive behavior to a service, or simply verifying you're connected through the network you expect — a common check before joining a video call on a shaky hotel Wi-Fi.
FAQ
Why does the location not match exactly where I am?
IP-based geolocation uses public databases that map IP ranges to ISPs' registered regions. They're generally accurate to city/metro level for fixed broadband, but mobile and VPN connections often show a different location altogether.
Is my IP private or confidential?
Not really — every website you visit sees it. Treat it as roughly as sensitive as your neighborhood (not your front door).
How do I change my IP?
Restarting your router often triggers your ISP to assign a new one (if you have a dynamic IP). Using a VPN or proxy service will make the internet see the VPN's IP, not yours.
Do you log my IP?
We don't store IP data on our servers. The lookup happens live from your browser to the public geolocation API shown below. See the privacy policy for details.