Every device connected to the internet has an IP address (Internet Protocol address). It works like a postal address — without it, data wouldn't know where to go.

What Does IP Address Mean?

IP stands for Internet Protocol. The address is a numerical label assigned to each device participating in a network. There are two versions in use today:

  • IPv4 – The older format, e.g. 93.184.216.34. Four numbers (0–255) separated by dots. About 4.3 billion possible addresses.
  • IPv6 – The newer format, e.g. 2001:db8::1. Eight groups of hexadecimal characters. Virtually unlimited addresses.

Public vs. Private IP Address

  • Public IP: The address your router presents to the internet. Assigned by your ISP. This is what websites see when you visit them.
  • Private IP: The address your router assigns to devices inside your home network (e.g. 192.168.1.5). Not visible outside your network.

The IP address shown on this page is your public IP.

What Can Your IP Address Reveal?

Your IP address can expose:

  • Country and approximate city – Via IP geolocation databases
  • ISP name – The company that provides your internet connection
  • ASN – Which network block your IP belongs to

It does not reveal your exact street address, name, or phone number — only your ISP can link your IP to your identity, and only under legal authority.

Dynamic vs. Static IP

  • Dynamic IP: Changes periodically — most home users have this. Your ISP reassigns it after a router restart or after a set period.
  • Static IP: Never changes — used by servers, businesses, and remote access setups. Costs extra.

How to Find Your IP Address

The easiest way: use our What Is My IP tool — it shows your public IP instantly along with your location and ISP.

On your device:

  • Windows: Open Command Prompt → type ipconfig
  • macOS / Linux: Open Terminal → type ifconfig or ip a

These commands show your private (local network) IP address.

Can Others See Your IP?

Yes. Every server you connect to sees your IP — it's a technical requirement for communication. Your ISP also keeps logs of which IPs were assigned to you and when.

To mask your IP, you can use a VPN, Tor, or a proxy server.

Conclusion

Your IP address is your identity on the internet — essential for communication but also a source of privacy concerns. Check yours with our IP checker, or look up any IP with our IP lookup tool.