An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique number that identifies a device on a network. Think of it like a postal address: just as the post office needs your street address to deliver mail, the internet needs your IP address to send data to the right device.
What an IP address looks like
There are two versions in use today:
- IPv4 — four numbers from 0 to 255, separated by dots, like
203.0.113.42. This is the format most people recognise. - IPv6 — a longer format using letters and numbers, like
2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334, created because the world is running out of IPv4 addresses.
Curious which you have? The home page shows your current IPv4 and IPv6 address instantly.
Public vs private IP
You actually have more than one IP. Your public IP is the internet-facing address your ISP assigns you — it's the one websites see. Your private IP (like 192.168.1.5) identifies your device inside your home or office network. We cover the difference in public vs private IP addresses.
What your IP reveals
Your public IP can be used to estimate your approximate location (city and region, not your street address) and identify your internet provider. It's how websites show you local content and how services detect suspicious logins. You can see exactly what your IP reveals with our IP lookup tool.
How to find your IP address
The easiest way is to visit a site like this one — your public IP is shown right at the top of the home page. To find your device's private IP, check your network settings (Wi-Fi or Ethernet details) on your computer or phone.