What is an IP Address?

Every device on the internet has a unique address. Here's how it works.

The Basics

An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network. Think of it like a phone number for your computer—it's how other devices know where to send data.

When you visit a website, your browser sends a request from your IP address to the server's IP address. The server then sends the webpage back to your IP. Without this system, internet communication wouldn't work.

IPv4 vs IPv6

There are two versions of IP addresses in use today:

IPv4

The original format, still the most common. It looks like this: 192.168.1.1

IPv4 uses 32 bits, which allows for about 4.3 billion unique addresses. That seemed like plenty in 1981, but we've since run out of available IPv4 addresses due to the explosion of internet-connected devices.

IPv6

The newer format designed to solve the address shortage. It looks like this: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334

IPv6 uses 128 bits, providing 340 undecillion addresses (that's 340 followed by 36 zeros). We won't run out of those anytime soon.

Public vs Private IP Addresses

Public IP

Your public IP is the address visible to the outside world. It's assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and is what websites see when you connect to them. You can check your public IP here.

Private IP

Private IPs are used within local networks (like your home WiFi). Common ranges include:

• 192.168.x.x – Most home routers use this
• 10.x.x.x – Often used in larger networks
• 172.16.x.x to 172.31.x.x – Also reserved for private use

Your router translates between your private IP and public IP using a process called NAT (Network Address Translation).

Static vs Dynamic IP Addresses

Dynamic IP

Most home internet connections use dynamic IPs. Your ISP assigns you an address from a pool, and it might change periodically (typically when your router restarts or your lease expires).

Static IP

A static IP never changes. Businesses often pay extra for static IPs because they need a consistent address for hosting servers, remote access, or running services that require a fixed endpoint.

What Can Someone Do With Your IP?

Your IP address reveals some information about you, but less than you might think:

• Approximate location – Usually accurate to the city level, based on ISP records
• Your ISP – The company providing your internet service
• Connection type – Whether you're on residential, business, or mobile internet

Your IP does not reveal your name, exact address, or browsing history. Only your ISP has that information, and they require a legal warrant to share it.

How to Find Your IP Address

The easiest way is to use our IP lookup tool. It shows your public IP instantly, along with your approximate location and ISP information.

You can also find your private IP in your device settings—but that's only useful for local network troubleshooting.