What Is My IP? Complete Guide to Finding and Understanding Your IP Address
Hi! Wondering what is my IP? Your IP (Internet Protocol) address is your device’s online identifier — like a postal address for data packets. In this original, step-by-step guide you’ll learn what an IP is, differences between public vs private and IPv4 vs IPv6, how to find it on any device, how to change or hide it for privacy, and which tools help you stay safe online.
Your IP is a number such as
203.0.113.10 (public) or 192.168.1.23 (private) that identifies your device on a network.
Find it fast: visit
WhatIsMyIP.com for your public IP. On Windows run ipconfig, on macOS run ifconfig (or ipconfig getifaddr en0), on phones go to Wi-Fi details.
1) What Is an IP Address? The Basics
An IP address is a unique number assigned to every device on a network so data knows where to go. It lives in the TCP/IP stack created in the early days of the internet. When you open a website, your browser sends a request from your IP to the server’s IP and receives a response back.
How it works: each data packet carries a header with source and destination IPs; routers forward packets like post offices forward letters.
| IP Version | Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IPv4 | 172.217.14.206 | 32-bit, about 4.3B addresses. |
| IPv6 | 2607:f8b0:4004:809::200e | 128-bit, effectively unlimited. |
Pro tip: See whether you’re using IPv4 or IPv6 with WhatIsMyIPAddress.com.
2) Types of IP Addresses (Public/Private, Static/Dynamic)
| Type | Description | Example | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public | Assigned by your ISP and visible on the internet. | 104.16.25.34 | Web access, geolocation. |
| Private | Used only inside local networks; not routable on the internet. | 192.168.1.1 | Home/office LANs. |
| Static | Doesn’t change. | 198.51.100.7 | Servers, remote access. |
| Dynamic | Changes periodically via DHCP. | (varies) | Typical home connections. |
Pro tip: Test IPv6 readiness with Test-IPv6.com.
3) How to Find Your IP Address on Any Device
Windows
- Press Win + R → type
cmd→ Enter. - Run
ipconfigfor your private IPv4. Useipconfig /allfor full details.
Public IP: open WhatIsMyIP.com.
macOS
- System Settings → Network → Wi-Fi → Details.
- Or Terminal →
ifconfig(oripconfig getifaddr en0).
iPhone / Android
- Settings → Wi-Fi → tap the network → view “IP Address”.
Pro tip: Apps and websites can also show your public IP along with city/ISP; e.g. IPLocation.net.
Router
- Open
http://192.168.1.1orhttp://192.168.0.1in a browser. - Log in (often
admin/adminunless changed) and check Status → WAN IP.
4) How to Change or Hide Your IP (Privacy & Access)
| Method | How | Pros | Cons | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VPN | Install a reputable no-log VPN and connect to a server. | Encryption + location change. | Quality varies; free VPNs can be slow/log. | $3–$12/mo |
| Proxy | Browser extension or manual proxy. | Quick geo-change. | No encryption; limited to browser. | Free–$5 |
| Tor | Use Tor Browser. | High anonymity. | Slower speeds. | Free |
| Mobile Data | Switch from Wi-Fi to cellular. | New IP instantly. | Data usage; less control. | Plan |
| Restart Router | Power off for a few minutes. | Often assigns a new dynamic IP. | Not guaranteed; temporary. | Free |
5) IP & Privacy: What Websites Learn and How to Protect Yourself
Websites log your public IP, which can reveal city-level location and ISP. Combined with cookies and browser fingerprints, this can track activity across sites.
- Mask it: use a trustworthy, no-log VPN.
- Harden browser: enable tracking protection and a content blocker.
- Check exposure: see if your email appears in data breaches at HaveIBeenPwned.com (emails only).
6) A Short History: From ARPANET to IPv6
The Internet Protocol emerged from ARPANET research in the 1970s; IPv4 was standardized in the 1980s and became ubiquitous. As IPv4 space filled up, IPv6 was introduced in the 1990s to provide an enormous address pool and modern features.
7) Networking Tools & Troubleshooting
| Tool | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ping | Test reachability/latency | ping google.com |
| traceroute / tracert | Show the path packets take | tracert google.com |
| whois | Owner/registry info | whois 8.8.8.8 |
Pro tip: A handy toolbox of DNS/IP utilities lives at DNSStuff.com.
8) Final Tips: Master Your IP
- Bookmark an IP checker: WhatIsMyIP.com.
- Prefer HTTPS and modern routers with IPv6 support.
- Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi; avoid unknown proxies.
- Learn more from ICANN.org resources.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What is my IP address?
Answer: It’s your device’s public identifier on the internet. Check it at WhatIsMyIP.com.
How do I find my IP on a phone?
Answer: Settings → Wi-Fi → tap the network → see “IP Address”.
What’s the difference between public and private IP?
Answer: Public is internet-facing (assigned by your ISP); private is used inside your local network.
How can I change my IP?
Answer: Use a VPN, switch to mobile data, or power-cycle your router for a new dynamic IP.
What is IPv6 and do I need it?
Answer: It’s the newer protocol with vastly more addresses. Many networks support it; it’s recommended to enable when available.
Can someone track me by IP?
Answer: They can often infer city/ISP. Use a VPN to mask your public IP.
Is my IP the same as my MAC address?
Answer: No. IP is a network address; MAC is a hardware identifier on your device’s network interface.
