What Is My IP Address?
2026-01-21
What Is My IP Address?
“What is my IP address?” is one of the most common networking questions on the internet.
An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is the unique identifier assigned to your device or network when you connect to the internet. It tells websites and online services where to send data back to you.
Understanding your IP address helps with privacy awareness, network troubleshooting, and online security.
What Does “My IP Address” Mean?
When people ask “What is my IP address?”, they usually mean one of two things:
- Your public IP address (visible on the internet)
- Your private IP address (used inside your local network)
Both are important, but they serve different purposes.
Public IP Address
A public IP address is assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). It represents your network on the open internet.
Key characteristics:
- Visible to websites and servers
- Shared by all devices on the same network (home or office)
- Can be IPv4 or IPv6
Example:
8.34.176.92
This is typically the IP address shown by online tools when you check “my IP”.
Private IP Address
A private IP address is used within your local network (LAN), such as your home Wi‑Fi or office network.
Common private IP ranges:
192.168.0.0 – 192.168.255.25510.0.0.0 – 10.255.255.255172.16.0.0 – 172.31.255.255
Private IPs are not accessible from the internet and are managed by your router.
How to Find My IP Address
1. Check Your Public IP Address
The easiest way is to use an online IP lookup tool.
It instantly shows:
- Your public IP
- IP version (IPv4 / IPv6)
- Approximate location
- ISP and ASN information
This is what most people mean when they search “What is my IP address?”.
2. Find Your Private IP Address
You can also find your private IP directly on your device.
On macOS / Linux:
ifconfig
On Windows:
ipconfig
Why Knowing Your IP Address Is Useful
Knowing your IP address helps you:
- 🔐 Troubleshoot network issues
- 🌍 Diagnose geo‑blocking problems
- 🧩 Configure routers and firewalls
- 🖥️ Set up remote access or servers
- 🛡️ Understand your online privacy
Does My IP Address Change?
In most cases, yes.
Dynamic IP
- Assigned automatically by ISPs
- Changes periodically
- Common for home users
Static IP
- Remains the same
- Used by servers and businesses
- Often requires an extra fee
Can Someone Track Me Using My IP?
An IP address can reveal:
- Country
- Region or city (approximate)
- Internet Service Provider
It cannot reveal your exact physical address by itself. However, combined with other data, it may reduce anonymity.
This is why many users choose to use VPNs or proxies.
IPv4 vs IPv6 — Which One Is My IP?
Your IP address may be:
- IPv4 (most common)
- IPv6 (newer and increasingly adopted)
Many networks support both, and your device may use one or the other depending on availability.
Common Questions About My IP Address
Is my IP address personal data?
In many regions, yes. IP addresses are considered personal data under privacy laws such as GDPR.
Can I hide my IP address?
Yes. VPNs, proxies, and the Tor network can mask your real IP address.
Is my IP address the same on all devices?
Devices on the same network usually share the same public IP but have different private IPs.
Summary
Your IP address is your network identity on the internet:
- Public IP identifies your network online
- Private IP identifies devices locally
- IPs can be IPv4 or IPv6
- They may be static or dynamic
If you want to instantly check “What is my IP address?” and analyze detailed network information, IP Web Tools provides fast, accurate, browser‑based IP lookup utilities.