What's My IP
Quick lookup of your IP, location basics, ASN, ISP, and proxy/VPN signals.
IP addresses explained
IPv4 vs IPv6
IPv4 looks like 203.0.113.42; IPv6 is longer, like 2001:0db8::. IPv6 exists because the world needed more addresses. Modern devices and networks can use both, and sites may show whichever version your connection prefers.
- IPv4: Shorter, widely supported, running low on free space.
- IPv6: Massive address space, built-in improvements, adoption rising.
How IP-based location works
Location is estimated from ISP records and public IP databases. It usually narrows to city/region—rarely to a specific street address. Accuracy depends on how the ISP assigns and documents address blocks.
- Mobile and VPN connections often show the gateway city, not your exact area.
- Data centers can point to their hosting region, not the user.
Why your IP can change
Most home connections use dynamic IPs. ISPs rotate them, and many users can share a single public IP (CGNAT). That’s why the same IP may be reused by different people over time.
- Rebooting a modem or moving networks can give you a new IP.
- Shared IPs mean traffic from multiple households may appear as one source.
Proxy / VPN / hosting signals
Services flag IP ranges known to belong to VPNs, proxies, Tor exits, or hosting providers. A “proxy detected” message means the IP is associated with shared or hosted use—It doesn’t identify you personally.
- Office, hotel, and campus networks often look like “shared” IPs.
- Cloud hosts and CDNs may also be tagged as hosting.
Privacy basics
An IP alone is usually not enough to identify you, but it can be combined with cookies, fingerprinting, and account logins. Basic hygiene lowers your exposure.
- Use HTTPS and avoid unknown Wi‑Fi networks without a VPN.
- Keep browsers and devices updated; disable unneeded extensions.
- Review app/site permissions; clear cookies or use private browsing when needed.
Staying in control
You can influence what your IP reveals by choosing your connection path and tightening tracking controls.
- Use a reputable VPN when you need to mask your source IP.
- Use privacy-focused DNS (e.g., DNS-over-HTTPS) to limit ISP-level lookups.
- Sign out of accounts or use separate profiles when researching sensitive topics.