Your IP address is your online identity – the number that identifies your device on the internet. This guide explains what it means, what it reveals about you, and how to protect your privacy.
Quick Answer
Your IP address is shown above. It’s a unique number assigned to your internet connection that allows websites to send data back to you. It reveals your approximate location (usually city-level) and your ISP, but not your exact address or identity.
Table of Contents
What Is an IP Address?
IP stands for “Internet Protocol.” An IP address is a numerical label assigned to every device connected to the internet. Think of it like a mailing address – it tells the internet where to send the data you request.
When you visit a website:
- Your device sends a request to the website’s server
- That request includes your IP address
- The server sends the webpage to your IP address
- Your device receives and displays it
Without IP addresses, data wouldn’t know where to go. It’s fundamental to how the internet works.
Public vs Private IP Addresses
You actually have two IP addresses:
Public IP Address
Your public IP is assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). It’s the address that websites see when you connect. All devices in your home share the same public IP address.
Example: 203.45.167.89
Private IP Address
Your private IP is assigned by your router. It identifies your specific device within your home network. Private IPs are only visible within your local network – websites can’t see them.
Example: 192.168.1.105
Common private IP ranges:
- 192.168.x.x (most home routers)
- 10.x.x.x (large networks)
- 172.16.x.x – 172.31.x.x (medium networks)
| Public IP | Private IP |
|---|---|
| Assigned by ISP | Assigned by your router |
| Shared by all home devices | Unique per device on network |
| Visible to websites | Only visible locally |
| Changes periodically (usually) | Can be static or dynamic |
IPv4 vs IPv6
There are two versions of IP addresses in use today:
IPv4
The original format, still most common. Four numbers (0-255) separated by dots.
Example: 192.168.1.1
Total possible addresses: About 4.3 billion (not enough for today’s internet)
IPv6
The newer format, designed to solve the address shortage. Eight groups of four hexadecimal characters.
Example: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334
Total possible addresses: 340 undecillion (essentially unlimited)
Most devices support both. You may have both an IPv4 and IPv6 address. The internet is gradually transitioning to IPv6, but IPv4 remains dominant for now.
Static vs Dynamic IP Addresses
Dynamic IP (Most Common)
Your ISP assigns you an IP from a pool, and it can change periodically. This is the default for most home internet connections.
When it changes: When your router reconnects, after a lease period expires, or seemingly randomly.
Static IP
A fixed IP that never changes. Usually requires a special request (and often extra cost) from your ISP.
Common uses: Running a server, remote access, security systems.
What Does Your IP Address Reveal?
What It Shows:
- Approximate location – usually accurate to city level (not street address)
- Your ISP – who provides your internet
- Connection type – residential, business, mobile, datacenter
- Organization – if you’re on a business/university network
What It Doesn’t Show:
- Your exact address – only your ISP and law enforcement can link IP to physical address
- Your name or identity
- Your browsing history
- Personal information
IP Geolocation Accuracy
IP-based location is approximate, not precise:
- Country: ~95-99% accurate
- Region/State: ~70-90% accurate
- City: ~50-80% accurate
- Street address: Not possible from IP alone
Mobile IPs are particularly inaccurate – you might appear to be in a different city entirely.
How to Find Your IP Address
Public IP
Simply look at the top of this page – your public IP is displayed there. Or:
- Search “what is my IP” on Google
- Visit ipchange.net
Private IP on Windows
- Open Command Prompt
- Type
ipconfigand press Enter - Look for “IPv4 Address” under your connection
Private IP on Mac
- Open System Settings → Network
- Select your connection → Details → TCP/IP
- Your IP is shown there
Or in Terminal: ipconfig getifaddr en0
Private IP on iPhone/Android
iPhone: Settings → WiFi → tap (i) next to network → IP Address
Android: Settings → Network → WiFi → tap network → IP address (may vary by device)
What Can Someone Do With Your IP?
Having your IP address isn’t as dangerous as some articles suggest, but there are legitimate concerns:
Realistic Risks:
- Targeted advertising – Companies use IP for ad targeting
- Geo-blocking – Services restrict access based on location
- DDoS attacks – Rare for individuals, common in gaming
- Personalized pricing – Some sites show different prices by region
- Tracking across sites – Linking your activity
Exaggerated Risks:
- “Hackers can break into your computer” – Your router’s firewall blocks incoming connections. An IP alone isn’t enough to hack you.
- “They can find your exact address” – Only your ISP can do this, and they require legal process to share it.
- “All your data is exposed” – Your IP doesn’t reveal your files or browsing history.
How to Protect Your IP Privacy
1. Use a VPN
A VPN replaces your visible IP with the VPN server’s IP. Websites see the VPN, not you.
Learn more: How to Hide Your IP Address
2. Use Tor Browser
Tor routes your traffic through multiple servers, making it nearly impossible to trace back to you.
3. Change Your IP
Restart your router, contact your ISP, or use different networks to get a new IP.
Learn more: How to Change Your IP Address
Frequently Asked Questions
Can two devices have the same IP address?
Different devices can have the same private IP on different networks (your 192.168.1.5 and someone else’s 192.168.1.5 are separate). But public IPs are unique on the internet. All devices in your home share the same public IP.
Is my IP address permanent?
Most home connections have dynamic IPs that change periodically. Business connections often have static (permanent) IPs. Check with your ISP if you need a static IP.
Can I choose my own IP address?
You can set your private IP on your local network. Your public IP is controlled by your ISP – you can’t choose it, though you can change it by using a VPN or requesting a new one from your ISP.
Does my phone have an IP address?
Yes. On WiFi, it gets a private IP from your router. On mobile data, it gets an IP from your carrier. Mobile IPs often change and may be shared with other users (CGNAT).
Should I be worried about my IP being public?
Your IP is necessarily shared with every website you visit – that’s how the internet works. The concern isn’t that it’s visible, but how it’s used. For everyday browsing, it’s fine. For privacy-sensitive activities, use a VPN.
Summary
- IP address = your device’s address on the internet
- Public IP is what websites see; private IP is for your local network
- IPv4 (like 192.168.1.1) is common; IPv6 is the newer, longer format
- Your IP reveals approximate location and ISP, not exact address
- Use a VPN to hide your IP for privacy