Public vs private IP addresses
| Public IP | Private IP | |
|---|---|---|
| Who assigns it | Your ISP | Your router |
| Visible to websites | Yes | No |
| Typical ranges | Anything outside private ranges | 10.x, 172.16–31.x, 192.168.x |
IPv4 or IPv6
IPv4 looks like 203.0.113.45; IPv6 like 2001:db8::1. Many mobile networks now give phones IPv6 addresses. Which one you see depends on your connection.
Why your IP changes
Most home and mobile connections get a dynamic IP that can change when your router restarts or your phone reconnects. Businesses can buy a static IP for servers, VPNs and allow-lists. Mobile carriers often share one IP between many customers (carrier-grade NAT).
What an IP reveals
An IP shows your provider and an approximate region — usually the city or country of your ISP's network, not your street address. A VPN replaces your IP with the VPN server's.
Uses
- Allow-listing your IP for a server firewall or admin panel.
- Checking that a VPN is working.
- Diagnosing network problems with support teams.
Look up another IP or domain's network with the Hosting Checker, or check whether an IP is on a spam list with the Blacklist Checker.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my IP address?
Open this page. Your public IP address is shown automatically, with your internet provider and country.
Why is my IP different on my phone?
Your phone may be on mobile data with a different provider, or on IPv6 while your computer uses IPv4.
Can someone find my home address from my IP?
Not from the IP alone. It usually reveals your provider and an approximate region; only your ISP can link it to an account.
How do I hide my IP address?
Use a reputable VPN or the Tor browser. Websites then see the VPN or Tor exit address instead.