What Is My IP Address?

What is an IP address?

An IP address is a network address used to identify a device or connection on an IP network. Your internet service provider normally assigns your public IP address to your connection.

Public IP vs private IP

A public IP can be visible to internet services, while private IP addresses are normally used inside local networks such as your home or office network.

IPv4 vs IPv6

IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses such as 192.0.2.1. IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses and provides a much larger address space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my IP address change?

Yes. Many residential connections use dynamic public IP addresses that can change over time.

Does a VPN change my public IP?

A VPN normally makes websites see the VPN server's public IP instead of your normal connection's public IP.

Can an IP address reveal my exact home address?

IP geolocation is generally approximate. An IP address alone should not be treated as a precise physical address.