What Is My IP?
Instantly discover your public IP address, location, and network information.
Detecting your IP information...
Understanding IP Addresses
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique identifier assigned to every device connected to the internet. It serves two main purposes: identifying the host or network interface, and providing the location of the device in the network. Think of it as your device's digital home address on the internet.
IPv4 Address
The most common format, consisting of four numbers separated by dots (e.g., 192.168.1.1). With about 4.3 billion possible addresses, IPv4 addresses are becoming scarce.
IPv6 Address
The newer format with significantly more addresses, using hexadecimal notation separated by colons (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334). Designed to replace IPv4.
Why Check Your IP Address?
- Network Troubleshooting: Diagnose connectivity issues and verify network configurations
- Security: Identify if you're using a VPN or proxy, and verify your online privacy
- Geolocation: Understand where your internet traffic appears to originate from
- Remote Access: Set up remote connections to your devices or network
- Website Testing: Test how your website appears to visitors from your location
- Network Configuration: Configure firewalls, routers, and other network equipment
Public vs Private IP Addresses
Public IP Address
Your public IP address is assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and is visible to websites and services you connect to. This is the address shown above.
Public IPs are unique across the entire internet and allow devices to communicate globally.
Private IP Address
Your private IP address is assigned by your router and is only used within your local network. Common private IP ranges include 192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x, and 172.16.x.x to 172.31.x.x.
Private IPs are not routable on the internet and are reused across different networks.
IP Address Privacy & Security
Your IP address can reveal your approximate location and ISP. While it doesn't directly expose personal information like your name or exact address, it can be used for tracking and profiling. Here are ways to protect your privacy:
- Use a VPN: Virtual Private Networks mask your real IP address and encrypt your traffic
- Use Tor Browser: Routes traffic through multiple servers to anonymize your connection
- Use a Proxy: Acts as an intermediary between you and the internet
- Secure Your Network: Use strong passwords and enable firewall protection
- Regular Updates: Keep your router firmware and devices updated
Understanding the Location Data
The location information displayed is based on your IP address and provided by geolocation databases. This data is generally accurate to the city or regional level, but may not reflect your exact physical location. The accuracy depends on your ISP's infrastructure and how IP addresses are allocated. The map shows the approximate center of the detected region. If you're using a VPN or proxy, the location shown will be that of the VPN server, not your actual location.