Wondering what is my IP address? Our free tool shows your public IP instantly — IPv4 or IPv6, approximate location and your internet provider. No sign-up, completely free, results in under a second.
What is an IP address and what is it for?
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is the unique numerical identifier assigned to your device when it connects to the internet. Think of it like a postal address: it tells servers where to send the data you request.
There are two main types. Your public IP is what the outside world sees — the one assigned by your internet provider that appears in our tool. Your private IP is what your router assigns within your local network (typically in the 192.168.x.x range) and is not visible from outside.
IPv4 vs IPv6: which one do you have?
IPv4 is the classic format: four groups of numbers from 0 to 255 separated by dots, like 85.123.45.67. It supports about 4.3 billion unique addresses — a number that proved insufficient as the internet grew.
IPv6 is its successor: eight groups of four hexadecimal digits separated by colons, like 2a01:cb05:8f1a:2400::1. It offers a practically unlimited address space and is being progressively adopted by ISPs worldwide.
Does my IP change over time?
It depends on your contract. Most home connections have a dynamic IP that can change when you restart the router, after a period of inactivity, or whenever your provider decides to reassign it. If you need a fixed address — for example to host a server or set up remote access — you will need to request a static IP from your ISP, usually at a small extra cost.
When do you need to know your public IP?
There are several everyday situations where knowing your IP is essential: setting up a home game server, configuring remote access to your local network, troubleshooting connectivity issues, checking whether a VPN is working correctly, or verifying which country websites see you as connecting from.
Frequently asked questions
What is an IP address?
An IP address is a unique number that identifies your device on the internet. Your public IP is what the outside world sees; your private IP is assigned by your router inside your local network.
What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 uses four dot-separated numbers with space for 4.3 billion addresses. IPv6 uses eight hex groups with a practically unlimited address space.
Can my IP address change?
Yes. Most home connections use a dynamic IP that changes periodically. If you need a fixed address, request a static IP from your ISP.
How can I hide my IP address?
Use a VPN, the Tor network, or a proxy server. Each offers different levels of privacy, speed and cost.
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