What is an IP address?
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is the number that identifies your connection on the internet, much like a postal address for data. Every website you visit sees the public IP address of your network so it knows where to send the page. Your public IP is usually assigned by your internet provider (for example Jio, Airtel, BSNL or your broadband company) and is shared by every device on your home Wi-Fi.
How to use this tool
- Click Show my IP address.
- See your public IP, whether it is IPv4 or IPv6, and the approximate location and provider associated with it.
For your privacy, the lookup only happens when you click the button. It is the one tool on this website that needs an outside service, because a web page cannot see your public IP address by itself.
IPv4 vs IPv6
- IPv4 addresses look like
203.0.113.42: four numbers from 0 to 255. There are only about 4.3 billion of them, which is not enough for every device in the world. - IPv6 addresses look like
2401:4900:1c2a::5fand provide a practically unlimited number of addresses. Indian mobile networks use IPv6 widely.
What can someone learn from your IP?
An IP address reveals your internet provider and an approximate location, usually the city or region where the provider's equipment is, which can be many kilometres from you. It does not reveal your name, exact address or phone number. Only your internet provider can link an IP to a customer, and it releases that information only under legal processes.
Public vs private IP
Inside your home network, your router gives each device a private IP such as 192.168.1.5. These are not visible on the internet. The router translates them to your one public IP, a process called NAT. That is why the IP shown here is the same on your phone and laptop when both use the same Wi-Fi.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my IP change?
Most home and mobile connections have dynamic IPs that change when the router restarts or the phone reconnects.
Why is the location wrong?
IP location databases estimate locations from provider records. Mobile data often appears in a different city from where you really are.
How can I hide my IP?
A trusted VPN service shows websites the VPN server's IP instead of yours.