What Is My IP Address?
Your IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique numerical label assigned to your device by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Every time you visit a website, your IP address is visible to that server — it's how the internet knows where to send data back to you.
Use our free What Is My IP tool to instantly see your public IP address, location, ISP, timezone, and whether you're using a VPN or proxy.
What Information Does Your IP Address Reveal?
Your IP address reveals more than most people realise. Here's what websites can see about you from your IP alone:
- Country, region and city — accurate to city level in most cases
- Internet Service Provider (ISP) — the company providing your internet connection
- Organisation or company network — if you're on a business network
- Timezone — revealing your approximate location even if location data is disabled
- Whether you're using a VPN or proxy — many VPN IP ranges are publicly known
- IPv4 or IPv6 — the version of the internet protocol your connection uses
IPv4 vs IPv6 — What's the Difference?
IPv4 addresses look like 192.168.1.1 — four numbers separated by dots. There are about 4.3 billion possible IPv4 addresses, and we essentially ran out in 2011.
IPv6 addresses use a longer hexadecimal format like 2001:db8::1 and provide an astronomically larger pool of addresses. Most modern devices support both, and your connection may use either depending on your ISP.
How to Hide Your IP Address
There are several ways to protect your IP address from websites:
- VPN (Virtual Private Network) — Routes your traffic through a server in another location. The website sees the VPN server's IP instead of yours. Most reliable method.
- Tor Browser — Routes traffic through multiple encrypted relays. Slower but provides stronger anonymity. Used by journalists and privacy advocates.
- Proxy server — Similar to a VPN but without encryption. Hides your IP but does not protect your data in transit.
- Mobile data — Switching from WiFi to mobile data gives you a different IP assigned by your mobile carrier.
What Is a WebRTC Leak?
Even with a VPN active, your real IP address can sometimes be exposed through WebRTC — a browser technology used for video calls and peer-to-peer communication. Use our WebRTC Leak Test to check if your VPN is properly protecting you.
What Is a Browser Fingerprint?
Beyond your IP address, websites can identify you through browser fingerprinting — collecting data about your screen resolution, fonts, GPU, timezone, and dozens of other browser properties. This creates a unique identifier that works even without cookies or an IP address. Check yours with our Browser Fingerprint Checker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my IP address reveal my home address?
No. Your IP address reveals your approximate city and ISP but not your street address. Law enforcement can request address information from your ISP with a court order, but websites cannot obtain this themselves.
Does my IP address change?
Most home internet connections use a dynamic IP that changes periodically — often when you restart your router. Some ISPs offer static IPs that never change, typically for business accounts.
Is sharing my IP address dangerous?
On its own, your IP address is not particularly sensitive. However, combined with other tracking methods it contributes to a profile of your online activity. Using a VPN adds an important layer of privacy protection.