What Is My IP Address? – Instantly View Your Public IP & Location
Instantly find your public IP address and see your approximate location as seen by websites and online services. Your IP address is a unique identifier for your device on the internet, used for everything from connecting to websites to determining your general location.
Understanding your IP address is important for privacy, troubleshooting, and online security. This page shows your current public IP and geolocation details, along with tips and answers to common questions.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Country | US |
| Region | OH |
| City | Columbus |
| Latitude | 39.9625 |
| Longitude | -83.0061 |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
What Is a Public IP Address?
A public IP address is the unique number assigned to your device when you access the internet. It allows websites and services to send information back to you. Every device online has an IP address, but most home networks share a single public IP through their router.
Why Does Your IP Address Matter?
- Location: Your IP can reveal your approximate city, country, and timezone.
- Access: Some services use your IP to allow or block access based on region.
- Security: Knowing your IP helps with troubleshooting, remote access, and online privacy.
IPv4 vs IPv6 – What’s the Difference?
IPv4 addresses look like 203.0.113.5 and are still the most common. IPv6 addresses, like 2001:db8::1, are longer and provide many more unique addresses for the growing internet.
How Does IP Geolocation Work?
Geolocation uses public databases that map IP address ranges to physical locations. This process is not exact—your IP usually points to your city or region, not your precise address. Accuracy can vary, especially for mobile networks, VPNs, proxies, and corporate connections.
Why Can Your IP Address Change?
- Your internet provider assigns a new address (dynamic IP).
- You connect to a different Wi-Fi, network, or cellular tower.
- You use a VPN, proxy, or corporate gateway.
- Your router or modem is restarted.
Tips for Privacy & Security
- For extra privacy, use a reputable VPN to mask your real IP.
- Always use HTTPS websites to encrypt your traffic.
- Keep your devices and router firmware up to date.
- Be cautious when sharing your IP address publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this my internal (local) IP?
No. Internal or private IPs (like 192.168.x.x or 10.0.0.x) are used inside your home or office network. This page shows your public IP as seen by websites and services on the internet.
Why does my geolocation look wrong?
IP-based geolocation points to where your provider registered the IP range or where your traffic exits to the internet, which might be a nearby city or even a different region.
Can someone find my exact address from my IP?
No—your public IP only reveals your general area, not your street address or name. Only your internet provider knows the exact assignment, and they only share it with authorities when required by law.
What’s the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 is the older, shorter format (e.g., 192.0.2.1). IPv6 is newer, longer, and designed to support more devices (e.g., 2001:db8::1). Both serve the same purpose.
How do I hide or change my IP address?
Use a VPN, proxy, or Tor browser to mask your real IP. Disconnecting and reconnecting to your network may also assign a new IP if your provider uses dynamic addressing.
Why do some websites block my IP?
Sites may block IPs due to suspicious activity, region restrictions, or abuse prevention. If you’re blocked, try using a VPN or contacting the site for help.
Interesting Facts & Guidance
- Every device online has an IP address—even your smart fridge or TV!
- Most people share a single public IP with all devices in their home via their router.
- Some streaming services use your IP to determine what content you can watch.
- Using a VPN can make it appear as if you’re browsing from another country.
- IP addresses are essential for troubleshooting network issues and remote access.
Get the Most from This Tool
Use this page to quickly check your public IP, troubleshoot connectivity, or verify your VPN is working. For maximum privacy, combine a VPN with secure browsing habits. Stay informed and stay safe online!