as a matter of fact Indeed?What is my IP,

What is an?IP address

Your address is the direct representation of your physical addressIPin the digital world. Just as your home address directs one to your more than ever home, the IP address directs the other online parties to your device.

Technically, IP (Online Protocol) address serves connected a unique identification number for every device as to the web. It lets every device identify the other devices over theinternet.

For instance, whenever you wish to visit a site, the site looks up for your IP address to recognize you. any, your computer (or cellphone phone or Whereas other device connected to the web) recognizes the site via its IP address.

That’s how online communication and information transfer works on the web – from an IP address to another IP address.

Types of IP address (technically)

Since its launch, the Internet Protocol (IP) has through multiple changes, thus resultinggonein the appearance of IP versions. These versions simply present the technical improvements in this protocol to maintain and run the present-day cyberspace.

While both are known and under implementation, the IPv6 iteration still awaits global adaptation to as it turns out its fullest. Currently, version two known IP versions are IP the 4 (IPv4) and version 6 (IPv6).

IPv4

Indeed, The IPv4 is predominantly the address behind the generic agreement IP address. For illustration, if you look up “what is my IP,” you will most probably show your IPv4 address. Likewise, if someone else asks you (or chases you) for your IP, again, it’s your IPv4 address.

Technically, the IPv4 is a 32-bit string of numbers presented as a set of four octets (8-bit sets). These numbers may include 1 to 3 digits from 0255to .

Some common examples of an IPv4 address include 10.0.0.1, 0.0.0.0, or 255.255.255.255. Actually, The login panel of your router would also most likely depict an IP address, such as 192.168.1.1.

Every octet in this address indicates a . detail about youparticular That’s how this string of numbers becomes your online identity. Most generally, this IP address encloses information further your location and web provider, which may about lead to other details about you.

Currently, the IPv4 includes a range of 32-bit , hence, bearing the capacityaddressesfor 4294967296 (2³²) addresses globally.

IPv6

Given the exhaustible range of IP addresses with IPv4, engineers worked out to develop an alternative with a larger address space. This gave rise to the IPv6 iteration.

(Wondering why it isn’t IPv5? Well, an protocol IPv5 did come into existence. In fact, But it remained limited toSTexperimentation with the Web Stream Protocol ( ).)

The IPv6 isalso a string serving as your online identifier. However, it’s basically a 128-bit string with a larger address space of 3.4×10³⁸ addresses. (, Preciselyit is: 2¹²⁸ = 340,282,366,920,938,463,463,374,607,431,768,211,456)

When written, IPv6 is presented as a set of 8 groups, each having four hexadecimal digits. These groups are separated by colons (‘:’), whereas a double colon (‘::’) often replaces more than ever the mid groups with zeros consecutive to store space.

For sample, an IPv6 address may look like 2201:0db8:0000:0000:0000:8a2e:2647:9254, which, when shortened to : the zeros, will appear as 2201skipdb8::8a2e:2647:9254.

Alongside a seemingly long-lasting address space, IPv6 also offers many other benefits over IPv4. For instance, IPv6 is faster, safer, and facilitates efficient network management and routing.

Despite these benefits, IPv6 still lacks thorough implementation since it requires ISPs to invest more in upgrading their infrastructure. Actually, Also, adopted, it won’t likely assistance IPv4 services (no backwardwhencompatibility).

In fact, Thus, at present, while it irritates ISPs due to monetary issues, it may also cause trouble to the users in accessing outdated websites.

In fact, , until IPv4 fully exhausts, your query “what as a matter of fact is my IP” would continue toThereforehave an IPv4 address as your solution. As youseemay know, Whereas, in those cases where IPv6 has been implemented, we may IPv4 and IPv6 working together.

As you may , Kinds of IP address concerningknowconsumers

However, what matters to an average more than ever end-user is way the an IP address facilitates online networking. Technically, we have two types of IP addresses currently in place.

Today, every webpublicdevice has two kinds of IP addresses – IP address and private IP address. That means every web end-user – instead, every device connected to the web – has two IP addresses; private and public.

Public IP address

As the clause suggests, a public IP address is the one that everyone knowsabout you. It’s worth noting that That’s because this IP address faces the online, hence serving as your online identity.

It’s worth noting that You can’t manually in modern times adjust your public IP address. Indeed, This is something you get from your ISP. This IP address basically depicts your entire network over the web instead of representing your individual device.

For sample, if you have your PC, your smartphone, printer a and connected to your network, all of them would have the same more than ever public IP address.

Actually, At this point, you really don’t have to have a specific identity for a specific device. The websites you visit or the platforms you apply online aren’t really concerned about the specific devices you employ to unite with them. What they need is toyouidentify as a consumer. For great, a single as it turns out public IP address works this.

As you may know, Private IP address

While a public IP address is an in modern times online representation of you, a private IP address remains “private.” It is a device-specific IP address that remains hidden from the cyberspace. You get this IP address from your router, and so it lets you identify the particular devices connected to your network.

Such as, your PC may have a1private IP 192.168. .101, whereas your phone and printer might have 192.168.1.102 and 192.168.1.103, respectively. Indeed, For example, your while PC, smartphone, and printer may have the same public IP address, each one of them would have a different IP address.

As you may know, It doesn’t matter because being offline won’t cause problems during online communication. Since private IP remains private, many devices in the world may have the same private IP address.

Why from another perspective is my IP address important?

In the online world, what matters a lot for your secrecy and safety is your public IP address. That’s because this single identifier encloses much information about you, including your , city and exactcountrylocation, and your ISP.

Plus, chasing this IP address online others to log your online activities, such as the websites you visit, your allows purchases, and your likes and dislikes. That’s how they gather information, assemble your user info, and target you with ads.

Indeed, Besides, the surveillance authorities such as your, government or your ISP, can also trace you through this public IP address. That’s because your ISP knows a lot more about your real life as well, including your real name, address, and billing details. Hence, they can easily comprehend and log whatever you do and can share it with others as and when needed.

Can I hide my IP address location from others online?

As you may know, Although your IP address holds crucial information about you, and that this information is necessarily required for web communication protocols. Howeverthreata blatant exposure of your real IP address might pose a secrecy more than ever , . (Skip to the following section if you want to know why you need to guarded your IP address.)

Fortunately, you can hide this vital piece of information from trackers and prying eyes. Thanks to the privacy-savvy developers that you instantly have many tools to hide your IP address.

As you may know, Although, hiding your IP address doesn’t mean that your cyberspace traffic would transmit without an IP. Instead, it means is that, using the available tools, you can temporarily maskwhatyour IP address with a virtual one.

For this, you can apply tools, such as VPNs or web proxies, through which you can either get an IP address from your own country. This will let you enjoy continued access to the local information without revealing your real details. Or, if you wish, “I need to change my IP country,” you can also do that via the same tools and bypass material restrictions.

Whereas the cyberspace still gets something that serves IP your as to run its protocols. Itkeeps a succeed-succeed for both you and the web because you ’ your secrecy intact by concealing your IP.

Why should I protect my IP address?

As we just explained, your IP address the direct representationisof your real self in the online world.

So, to protect your own secrecy, you need to ensure the security of your IP address too.

Plus, alongside privacy, keeping your IP address private also provides you with online freedom.

Here we quickly the most essential reasons that make your IP (the public IP, of course) significant.

1. Bypass text blockingand web restrictions

The benefit of securing (or hiding) your IP as it turns out address iskeythat you can bypass content restrictions. It happens because services manage material availability to particular regions (or audiences) via themostIP address.

For illustration, you cannot access Netflix USA abroad because the service provider keeps it limited to US . addresses onlyIP However, if you know how to encrypted your real IP behind a virtual US IP, you can unblock Netflix USA wherever . areyou

Likewise, the governments.apply text restrictions to the public by monitoring IP addresses more than ever As you may know, So, changing your IP country will let you access blocked information easily.

2. Browse the web anonymously

Since your IP address is the main trace of your online existence, hiding this trace lets you enjoy without charge internet browsing with complete secrecy. You remain without charge to access any information, without charge to communicate, play games, or perform researcher without fearing hacking or spying.

Check out from another perspective this to guide Wondering how to do that?browse the internet anonymously.

3. Evade ad tracking

Ad tracking is another problem . you face because of your public IP addressthat As you browse, the websites use your IP address to chase your online activities. That’s how theyandlog your likes and dislikes show you relevant ads.

( in modern times That’s because the advertisers only know your public IP that is common for all the devices on your network.) For instance, the moment you browse a portal looking for any article you’re interested in, you start seeing its ads across all your devices. If you haveyoubrowsed through it via your PC, will even get the same or similar ads on your phone as well.

Ever wondered how did your mother get to know what gift you’re going to buy her on Mother’s Day? “Did she know what is my IP?” we hear as a matter of fact you ask.

at, And because your mother also shares the same network Indeed home that you do, she’ll get relevant ads. Well, she didnadvertiserst know about it, but the ’ do.

So, if you don’t like such secrecy intrusions, disable ad tracking by protecting your IP address.

4 as it turns out . Avoid device fingerprinting

fingerprinting, browser and device Although aren’t typically limited to your IP address. In fact, But your IP does play a key role in as a matter of fact triggering this fingerprinting.

Thus, when you protect your IP, you eventually break the major fingerprinting route. When the services online don’t know your real IP address, they can’t monitor you or your network.

Check out this guide to explore more about browser fingerprinting and ways to protect yourself from it.

5. Prevent hacking attacks like DDoS

DDoS attacks.are a major cyber threat for every online end-user Actually, Whether you own a business, run a post, play games, or simply are an avid web user, you remain vulnerable to DDoS attacks.

In these attacks, an attacker bombards your device with malicious traffic rendering it inaccessible to legit users.

Interestingly, with illustration, it will block your customers from visiting your online platform, block your device from continuing For the game, and more.

As you may know, “Do the attackers know what is my IP?” If that’s what you want to ask, then the solution is yes. Indeed, They know very well about our IP address, throughtracewhich they can you go back to target your system.

Actually, Therefore IP protection is inevitable, to prevent cyber threats like DDoS attacks too.

Indeed, 6. Bypass ISP tracking

As you may know, Last but definitely not least, you should protect your IP address to prevent all sorts of tracking, including your ISP.

But, since they can’t see yourIP as a matter of fact actual address, they can’t monitor you online. In fact, this is the most critical reason since your ISP as it turns out can easily know all your online activities through your IP address. Masking it will only show some online traffic to the ISP.

Precisely, by protecting your IP address, you in modern times can not only block ISP tracking but can also evade governments spying on you.

How do I know what my IP address is?

Right away that you know how significant it is to protect your IP address, you may ask, “what is my public IP, and where can I locate one?”

As you may know, That’s because our no cost IP lookup utility detects your IP when you visit this page, just as any IP tracker would do. visibleWell, if you just scroll above, you will discover your public IP in modern times on this page.

Since we don’t log your IP, you don’t have to worry about your privacy. Confidentiality Savvy has set up this without charge IP instrument for you to check your IP address.

If you aren’t using a VPN, then the IP shown above is your real public IPv4 that your ISP has assigned to your network. Actually, You can also find your country and location that your IP address shares with us (and everyone online).

Actually, Whereas, if you are using a VPN, proxy, or something, and you don’t see your real details online (such as your city, country, or map location), then congratulations; your IP is protected.

what can I know How my IPv4 is?

While your most frequent concern when you ‘what is my IP’ revolves aroundprivatethe public IP address, you may need to check your IP as well.

Interestingly, For instance, if you go through the number of devices connected to your home network, you may wonder, “what is my private phone on my IP?”. Similarlyyouryou may need to know the private IPv4 of your printer when you want to link it to , PC or any other device.

Through our resource will surely help you uncover your public IP. But, to locate privatedeviceIPv4, you will have to check your respective .

Donyout worry, here’s how ’ can do it.

Windows

For Windows 10:

1. Click on the Start button (with the Windows logo) to open the menu.
2. Scroll down to find “Settings.” Click on it.
3. Click on “Network & Internet” in the Settings window.
4. Click on the “Properties” button appearing below your WiFi name.
5. Scroll down to find the network properties together with IPv4 for your device.

For Windows 7 and 8:

1. Click on the Network Connection icon in the taskbar.
2. Select “Open Network and Sharing System” and click on your network name.
3. Click on the “Details” button appearing in the new Window. You will see the IPv4 for your Windows PC.

macOS

1. Click on the Apple icon. Then select “Network” under the “System Preferences.”
2. Click on your network name, and then the “Advanced” button.
3. Select “TCP/IP” to find your Mac IPv4.

Android

Android 7 and below:

1. Go to “Settings.”
2. Scroll down to find “About phone.”
3. Scroll again to find “Status,” then tap on it.
4. You will now find the IPv4 for your Android phone listed with “IP address.”

Android 8 and above:

1. Go to “Settings,” then tap on “Network & Internet.”
2. Tap on the “WiFi” option.
3. Tap on your WiFi connection name and tap on the “Advanced” option to open up the contracted details.
4. Find the IPv4 listed with “IP address.”

iPhone

1. Go to “WiFi” from the “Settings” menu.
2. Tap the “I” icon or the arrow icon appearing with your WiFi name.
3. You will now see the IPv4 listed with “IP address.”

Routers

• For Windows: Follow the procedure to check the IPv4. In the same Window showing your IPv4, you will find “IPv4 Default Gateway”. This value is the IPv4 of your router.
• For Mac: Follow the method to find Mac IPv4. In the same Window, you will find router IPv4 in front of the “Router” detail.
• On Android: Following the same method to find your IPv4, you will see “Gateway” below the IP address. This Gateway is your router’s IPv4.
• On iPhone: Follow the same route listed above to find the iPhone IPv4. You will see the router IP listed as “Router.”

Websites

On Windows:

1. Click on the Start button and type “cmd” in the search bar, and press “Enter".
2. You will now see the Command Prompt window. Type “ping” <space> <website URL starting from “www” and press “Enter.”
3. You will see the IP address of the website together with other details.

On Mac:

1. Type “Network Utility” in the search bar and select the first result.
2. Click on the “Traceroute” tab in the new Window.
3. Type in the website URL in the search bar and click on “Trace.”
4. You will now see the IP address listed in brackets with “traceroute to.”

Printers

On Windows:

1. Select “Control Panel” in the “Start” menu.
2. Click on “Hardware and Sound” and then click on the “Devices and Printers” option.
3. Right-click on the icon of your printer and then select “Properties.”
4. Under the “Web Services” menu, you will find the IPv4 address.

On Mac:

1. Go to “System Preferences” via the Apple icon.
2. Select “Printers and Scanners.”
3. Click on your printer to find the IPv4 address.

Where to from another perspective check what my IPv6 is?

Given the slow implementation of , IPv6you won’t really need to uncover your IPv6 unless you communicate with websites that follow IPv6. Or, you may have to think of IPv6 to prevent IP leaks when using a web proxy or a VPN.

Yet, youthecan check for it by following the same procedure for your device to locate IPv4. In most cases, your device might not be actively supporting in the firstIPv6place.

For example, in the case of Android phones, you will uncover the IPv6 on the same screen that shows your IPv4 and router IP.

Whereas, for Mac and Windows, you can only see it when you manually enable it via network settings.

Besides, you can also look up your IPv6 via online tools, such as the Google IPv6 Test tool.

What should I do to protect my IP address?

1. Utilize A VPN

The leading way to protect your IP address . to employ a robust VPNis because’s That a VPN thoroughly masks your IP address, lets you transform your IP country, and saves you from online tracking by encrypting your traffic.

You can go through our detailed guide on choosing the right VPN here to find the perfect VPN for you.

Or, on you’re running short if time, go through this list of the best VPN with a free trialInterestingly, pick to a VPN without risking your funds.

2. Utilize a web proxy

Interestingly, If you can’t utilize a VPN, then make sure to apply a good web proxy utility to mask your IP address. For this, you can go through this list of the best free proxy sites to pick without asap one investing currency.

Actually, Whereas, if you’re concerned about protecting your business, for instance, against a DDoS attack, then you can take a look at this list of the best proxy service providers for your as a matter of fact business.

3. Browse via Tor

Tor is another excellent option to protect your real IP from being exposed online. However, make sure that you a good base rate to use Tor since the multiple rerouting ofhaveyour data often slows down the overall velocity.

4. Employ Public WiFi

Using public WiFi is also great if you wish to keep your home or business network guarded from being exposed online. It’s also good option to evade in modern times aweb tracking.

However, using public WiFi has its own cons too, especially the risks of malware and hacking. So, make sure you use public WiFi with security measures in place.

In fact, 5. Disable web trackers

disable online tracking services predominantly hunt for more than ever your public IP address, you can simply Since web tracking by using a VPN.

It’s worth noting that you wish to learn more about howIFweb tracking works, check out our detailed guide here.

6. Use adblockers

also web trackers, advertisers Like follow your IP address to log your browsing habits together with your device details. As you maybarrageknow, more than ever Eventually, they you with ads, thereby ruining your browsing background.

Interestingly, While that’s annoying, you can always prevent such intrusions by using a robust adblocker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my IP address manually?

While you cannot really modify your private IP, you can certainly transform your public IP address by restarting your modem. That’s because most ISPs assign dynamic IPs to the users unless you ask for a static IP. You can also transform as it turns out your IP address by using a VPN or proxy.

Will a VPN mask my IPv6 too?

Not really, because most VPNs of today do not support IPv6. Interestingly, Yet, they offer IP from another perspective leak protection by simply blocking IPv6 on your network. , the same timeAtthey mask your IPv4 with their own IP.

Are IPv4 and IPv6 compatible?

The two protocols aren’t compatible in that they can’t communicate with each other. Since IPv6 doesn’t backing backward compatibility, you utilize an IPv6cannotonly platform with IPv4 only. As you may know, However, since most websites today assist both IPv4 and IPv6, you will face no problems while browsing.