What is an IP address?
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is the number that identifies your connection on the internet, so websites know where to send data. The address shown above is your public IP, assigned by your internet provider to your router or mobile connection. All devices on your home Wi-Fi usually share it.
| IPv4 | IPv6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Example | 203.0.113.42 | 2001:db8:85a3::8a2e:370:7334 |
| Format | Four numbers 0–255 | Eight groups of hex digits |
| Addresses | About 4.3 billion | About 3.4 × 10³⁸ |
| Status | Still most common | Growing; default on many mobile networks |
Public vs private IP
Your router gives each device a private IP like 192.168.1.23 or 10.0.0.5, which only works inside your network. You can find it in your device’s Wi-Fi settings. The public IP shown here is what the outside world sees.
What can someone tell from my IP?
An IP address can reveal your internet provider and an approximate location — usually your city or region, not your street address. Your provider knows which customer used an address at a given time, but it shares that only under legal process. Most home IPs are dynamic and change from time to time, for example when your router restarts.
How to hide or change your IP
- VPN: routes your traffic through a server elsewhere, so sites see the VPN’s IP.
- Tor Browser: routes traffic through several volunteer relays for strong anonymity.
- Restart your router or switch to mobile data to get a different address from your provider.
See what else your browser reveals with the user agent checker, and look up a domain’s records with the DNS lookup tool.
Frequently asked questions
What is my IP address?
It’s shown at the top of this page — the public address websites see when you connect.
Is my IP address private information?
It reveals your provider and approximate area, not your exact address or name.
Why does my IP address change?
Most providers assign dynamic IPs that change periodically or when the router restarts.
How do I find my local (private) IP?
Check your device’s Wi-Fi or network settings; it usually starts with 192.168. or 10.