What Is My IP Address — Public IP Lookup Tool
Your IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique numerical label assigned to your device by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). It identifies your device on the internet and allows websites, servers and services to communicate with you. This tool detects your public IP address — the address that the outside world sees — along with your ISP, approximate location, timezone and connection details.
Public IP vs Private IP
There are two types of IP address you deal with daily. Your private IP is assigned by your router and is only visible within your local network — typically in the 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x range. Your public IP is what this tool shows — the address your ISP assigns to your internet connection, visible to every website and server you connect to.
IPv4 and IPv6
Most connections still use IPv4 — a 32-bit address written as four numbers separated by dots (e.g. 203.0.113.42). The internet is gradually migrating to IPv6, a 128-bit address written in hexadecimal groups (e.g. 2001:db8::1). If your ISP and device support IPv6, this tool will show both. Many modern ISPs now assign both simultaneously in a dual-stack configuration.
Why Does My IP Address Show the Wrong Location?
IP geolocation is approximate. ISPs often register IP addresses to their headquarters or data centres, which may be in a different city or region than where you actually are. The location shown is where your ISP's infrastructure is registered, not necessarily your physical location. If you're using a VPN, the location shown will be the VPN server's location, not yours.
Common Uses for Knowing Your IP Address
- Configuring firewall rules or IP allowlists on servers and cloud platforms
- Setting up remote desktop or VPN access that requires your public IP
- Troubleshooting connectivity issues with your ISP or network team
- Verifying that a VPN is working and masking your real IP correctly
- Checking which IP your outbound mail server uses for SPF record configuration
- Confirming your IP before setting up port forwarding on your router
Does My IP Address Change?
Most residential ISPs assign a dynamic IP — it can change when you restart your router or after a period of inactivity. Business connections typically use a static IP which stays the same. Mobile connections often change IP very frequently as you move between cell towers. If you need a permanent IP for hosting or server access, ask your ISP about a static IP allocation.