What Is "My IP Address"?
Your IP address is the unique number assigned to your device by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) when you connect to the internet. It acts like a return address on mail — it tells websites and services where to send the data you request.
When you visit this page, our server sees your IP address as 216.73.217.120. This is your public IP address — the one visible to every website you visit.
What Can Someone Learn from My IP?
- Approximate location — IP geolocation can reveal your country, region, and often your city.
- Your ISP — The internet provider you're using (e.g., Comcast, Vodafone, AT&T).
- Connection type — Whether you're on residential, mobile, or corporate internet.
- VPN/Proxy use — Whether you're masking your real IP with a VPN or proxy.
Public vs Private IP Address
| Feature | Public IP | Private IP |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Visible to the entire internet | Only visible within your local network |
| Assigned by | Your ISP | Your router |
| Example | 203.0.113.45 | 192.168.1.100 |
| Can be looked up? | Yes — by any website you visit | No — not visible externally |
How to Hide My IP Address
If you're concerned about privacy, there are several ways to mask your public IP:
- VPN (Virtual Private Network) — Routes your traffic through an encrypted tunnel. Check if your VPN is working →
- Proxy Server — Acts as an intermediary between you and websites. Check proxy detection →
- Tor Browser — Routes traffic through multiple relays for maximum anonymity.
Why Does My IP Change?
Most residential ISPs assign dynamic IP addresses that change periodically (every few hours to days). Business connections often have static IPs that remain constant. Connecting to a different Wi-Fi network or using mobile data will also change your visible IP address.