Last updated: March 2026
How This Tool Finds Your IP
When you open this page, your browser makes a request to a trusted API service that simply echoes back the IP address it sees in the request. This is the same IP that every website you visit already sees — we just display it for you.
We check both IPv4 and IPv6 endpoints to determine which protocol your connection uses. If your ISP supports dual-stack (most modern ISPs do), you may have both an IPv4 and IPv6 address. The tool shows your primary address prominently and notes if a secondary address is available.
The location data comes from a separate geolocation API that maps your IP to an approximate geographic location based on ISP infrastructure records. This is the same technology used by weather websites, content delivery networks, and streaming services to serve you region-appropriate content.
Why You Should Know Your IP Address
Troubleshooting network issues: When your internet isn't working properly, knowing your IP helps diagnose whether the problem is with your local network, your ISP, or the service you're trying to reach. Tech support will often ask for your IP as a first step.
Verifying your VPN: If you use a VPN for privacy, checking your IP confirms the VPN is working. Your IP should show the VPN server's location, not your real one. If you see your actual location, your VPN may not be connected properly.
Remote access and hosting: Setting up remote desktop, game servers, or smart home devices often requires knowing your public IP. If you run any services from your home network, your IP is your address on the internet.
Security awareness: Understanding what information your IP reveals helps you make informed decisions about your online privacy. Knowing that websites see your approximate location and ISP empowers you to decide when a VPN is appropriate.
Understanding Your Privacy Online
Your IP address is just one piece of your digital footprint. Websites also collect your browser fingerprint — a combination of your browser version, operating system, screen resolution, installed fonts, and other technical details that can uniquely identify your device even without cookies.
This tool shows your browser details so you can see exactly what websites learn about you. The privacy check section tests for common leaks: timezone mismatches that reveal VPN usage, and WebRTC leaks that can expose your real IP even behind a VPN.
For maximum privacy online, combine a reputable VPN with a privacy-focused browser, disable WebRTC when not needed, and use browser extensions that limit fingerprinting. No single tool provides complete anonymity, but layering protections significantly improves your privacy.
Public vs Private IP Addresses
Your public IP address (shown on this page) is assigned by your ISP and is visible to every website and service you connect to. It's shared by all devices on your home network — your phone, laptop, and smart TV all appear as the same IP to the outside world.
Your private IP address (like 192.168.1.x or 10.0.0.x) is assigned by your router and only visible within your local network. Your router uses Network Address Translation (NAT) to map multiple private IPs to a single public IP, which is how dozens of devices can share one internet connection.
This distinction is important for security: devices on the internet cannot directly reach your private IP. Your router acts as a firewall, only forwarding traffic that your devices initiated. This is why port forwarding is needed to host services from your home network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my IP address right now?
Your current public IP address is displayed at the top of this page. It's the address that every website and online service sees when you connect. This tool detects it automatically — no action needed on your part.
Can my IP address be used to identify me personally?
Your IP address alone cannot identify you by name. It reveals your approximate location (usually city-level) and your ISP, but not your identity, home address, or personal details. Only your ISP can link your IP to your account, and they require a legal warrant to share that information.
Why does my IP address show a different city than where I live?
IP geolocation maps your address to your ISP's infrastructure, not your physical location. If your ISP routes your traffic through a hub in a nearby city, that city will appear instead. VPN users will see the VPN server's location. The accuracy is typically within 25-50 miles in urban areas.
Is my IP address static or dynamic?
Most residential internet connections use dynamic IPs that can change periodically (when your router restarts or your ISP's lease expires). Business connections often use static IPs. You can check by noting your IP now and comparing it in a few days. If it changes, you have a dynamic IP.
How do I get a different IP address?
The easiest way is to use a VPN, which gives you the IP of the VPN server. You can also try restarting your router (may get a new IP from your ISP), using a proxy server, or connecting through a different network (like mobile data or a different Wi-Fi network).
Should I be worried that websites can see my IP?
Sharing your IP address is a normal, necessary part of how the internet works. Every website you visit receives your IP. While it reveals your approximate location and ISP, it doesn't expose personal information. For enhanced privacy, use a VPN to mask your real IP address.