What is an IP address?
An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique number that identifies your connection on the internet. Every time you open a website, watch a video or send a message, your device uses this address so the data knows where to come back to. You can think of it as the postal address of your internet connection.
The address shown above is your public IP address: the one websites, apps and online games see when you connect to them. It is assigned by your internet service provider (ISP), not by your device.
Public IP vs. private IP
Most homes actually use two kinds of IP addresses at the same time:
- Public IP – given to your router by your ISP. All the devices on your WiFi share this same address when they go online. This is the address displayed on this page.
- Private (local) IP – given to each device by your router, so it can tell your phone, laptop and TV apart. Private addresses usually start with
192.168.,10.or172.16.to172.31.and are never visible on the internet.
This is why your phone and your laptop show the same IP on this page when they are connected to the same WiFi, but a different one when your phone switches to mobile data.
IPv4 vs. IPv6
IPv4 is the classic format, made of four numbers separated by dots, such as 203.0.113.42. It allows about 4.3 billion addresses, which is no longer enough for every device in the world.
IPv6 is the newer format, written with letters and numbers separated by colons, such as 2001:db8:85a3::8a2e:370:7334. It offers an almost unlimited number of addresses. Many ISPs now give both, and your browser picks one automatically. The “IP version” box above tells you which one you are using right now.
What can someone learn from my IP address?
An IP address reveals less than most people think. From your public IP, a website can usually see:
- Your internet provider (for example, your mobile operator or broadband company)
- Your approximate location – usually the city or region, sometimes only the country
It does not reveal your name, your exact home address or your phone number. Only your ISP can link an IP address to a customer account, and they normally share that information only with a legal request. The location shown above is often the location of your provider’s equipment, so it may be a nearby city rather than your own.
Why does my IP address change?
Most home and mobile connections use a dynamic IP, meaning your ISP can give you a new address from time to time. Your IP may change when you restart your router, when your connection drops, when you switch between WiFi and mobile data, or simply after a few days. Businesses that host servers or cameras often pay for a static IP that never changes.
Some providers also use a technology called CGNAT, where many customers share one public IP. If you need to open ports for gaming or remote access, CGNAT can get in the way – your ISP can tell you whether it applies to your line.
How to hide or change your IP address
- Use a VPN – the most common option. A VPN sends your traffic through another server, so websites see the VPN’s IP instead of yours, and your connection is encrypted on public WiFi.
- Restart your router – with a dynamic IP, unplugging the router for a few minutes often gives you a new address.
- Switch networks – moving from WiFi to mobile data (or the opposite) gives you a completely different public IP.
- Use the Tor browser – very private, but much slower than a normal connection.
Frequently asked questions
Do all my devices have the same IP address?
On the same WiFi network, yes – they share one public IP. Each device still has its own private IP inside your home network.
Is the location shown here accurate?
It is an estimate based on public databases. It is usually correct for the country, often correct for the region, and only sometimes correct for the city.
How do I find my private (local) IP address?
On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig. On a Mac, go to System Settings → Network. On Android or iPhone, open your WiFi settings and tap the network you are connected to.
Does a slow connection have anything to do with my IP?
No. Your IP address does not affect your speed. If your internet feels slow, run our free speed test to measure your real download, upload and ping.
Do you store my IP address?
No. Your IP address is shown only to you on this page and is not saved by WiFiTest.