What Is My IP Address?

An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique numerical label assigned to every device connected to the internet. It serves two main purposes: identifying your device and providing your location on the network.

Why Check Your IP Address?

• Troubleshoot network connectivity issues
• Configure network settings and firewalls
• Verify VPN or proxy connections
• Set up remote access to your devices
• Check if your location is being detected correctly

IPv4 vs IPv6

Your device may use IPv4 (e.g., 192.168.1.1) or the newer IPv6 format (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334). IPv6 was introduced to address the shortage of IPv4 addresses as more devices connect to the internet.

Public vs. Private IP Addresses

Your public IP address is the one visible to websites and services on the internet — it's what our tool detects. Your private IP address is used within your local network (home or office) and is typically assigned by your router. Common private IP ranges include 192.168.x.x and 10.x.x.x. Multiple devices on the same network share one public IP but each has a unique private IP.

How VPNs Affect Your IP Address

When you use a VPN (Virtual Private Network), your traffic is routed through a remote server, and websites see the VPN server's IP address instead of your actual one. This tool is useful for verifying that your VPN is working correctly — if the IP address shown matches your VPN provider's location rather than your physical location, your connection is properly secured.

IP Geolocation Accuracy

The location shown for your IP address is an approximation based on your ISP's registration data. It is typically accurate to the city level but may not pinpoint your exact street address. Factors like VPN usage, mobile networks, and ISP routing can cause the detected location to differ from your actual physical location.