What Is My IP Address?

Every device connected to the internet needs an IP address to send and receive data. Think of it like a mailing address for your computer, phone, or smart TV. When you visit a website, your browser sends a request to that site's IP address, and the response is routed back to yours.

There are two versions in use today. IPv4 has been the standard since 1983 and uses four numbers separated by dots (e.g., 203.0.113.45). Because the world ran out of new IPv4 addresses in 2011, IPv6 was introduced, using longer hexadecimal strings that provide enough addresses for every grain of sand on Earth.

Your router manages a local network using private IP addresses (like 192.168.1.5) and uses a technique called NAT (Network Address Translation) to share one public IP among all your devices. Our DNS Lookup Tool can show you the IP addresses behind any domain name.

Your IP address is visible to every website you visit and every online service you use. While it does not identify you personally, it can be combined with other data to track your browsing habits and approximate location. Here are practical steps to protect your privacy:

• Use a reputable VPN to encrypt your traffic and mask your real IP. Choose a no-logs provider based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction.
• Enable HTTPS everywhere using browser extensions like HTTPS Everywhere to prevent ISPs from reading your traffic.
• Use privacy-focused DNS like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Quad9 to prevent your ISP from logging the domains you visit.
• Consider Tor for maximum anonymity, though it is slower than a VPN.
• Disable WebRTC in your browser if you use a VPN, as it can leak your real IP even when connected.