What is an IP address?
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a number that identifies your connection on the internet, a bit like a mailing address for data. When you visit a website, your IP address tells the site where to send the page.
The address shown here is your public IP address. It's usually assigned to your home router or mobile network by your internet provider, and every device on your Wi-Fi shares it. Each device also has a private IP address (often starting with 192.168 or 10.) that's only used inside your home network.
IPv4 vs IPv6
IPv4 addresses look like 203.0.113.42: four numbers separated by dots. The world ran short of them, so IPv6 was created, with much longer addresses like 2001:db8::8a2e:370:7334. Many connections now use IPv6, and you might see either one.
How accurate is the location?
IP location is approximate. It usually identifies your country correctly and often your region, but the city may be your internet provider's nearest hub rather than where you are. It can't reveal your street address.
Why does my IP address change?
Most home and mobile connections get a dynamic IP address that can change when your router restarts or over time. Using a VPN also changes the IP address websites see. If you're using one, this page shows the VPN's address instead of yours.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone find my home with my IP address?
Not from the IP address alone. It shows an approximate area and your internet provider. Only the provider can link an IP address to a customer, and generally only with a legal order.
How do I hide my IP address?
A VPN or the Tor browser routes your traffic through another server, so websites see that server's IP address instead of yours.
Do you store my IP address?
No. This page shows your IP address to you and doesn't save it.