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1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 192 (from laksa062)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa192.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/what-is-an-ip-address\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/what-is-an-ip-address\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/what-is-an-ip-address","crawl_time":1775449122,"first_indexed_time":1663807188,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,norton!us,\/blog\/privacy\/what-is-an-ip-address s443","src_root_hash":"8619398741630905392","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"What is an IP address and how does it work?","meta_descriptions":["Learn what IP addresses are, and how different IP types work, in our guide."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"IP address definition\nAn IP address is a unique identifier assigned to a device on the internet or a local network. Short for \"Internet Protocol,\" IP refers to the rules that dictate how data is formatted and transmitted across networks.\nIP addresses are essential for the internet’s functionality, facilitating communication by directing data between devices, and ensuring it reaches the intended destination. Each IP address includes location details that make devices identifiable within a network, allowing the internet to differentiate between computers, routers, and websites.\nThe definition of IP address.\nHow do IP addresses work?\nIP addresses work by providing a unique label to each device on a network, allowing them to send and receive data packets according to\nTCP\/IP\nprotocols.\nRouters\nand other network devices use these addresses to route packets to their correct destination, ensuring efficient and accurate communication between devices.\nHere’s a closer look at how IP addresses help facilitate network data transfers:\nDevice initialization:\nYour device connects to a network and prepares to communicate.\nIP address assignment:\nThe network router assigns separate IP addresses to each network device, after receiving its own IP address allocation from an organization like ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) via the\nISP\n(internet service provider).\nDomain Name System (DNS) resolution:\nWhen you enter a domain name (like google.com), the\nDNS\ntranslates it into a machine-readable IP address. This process allows your device to locate and communicate with the correct server on the internet.\nData packet transmission:\nData is broken into packets, each containing the source and destination IP addresses. These data packets are then sent by the transmitting device and forwarded across the network.\nNetwork address translation (NAT):\nNAT modifies IP address information in packet headers as data passes through a router, replacing the private IP address with the router’s public IP address. This allows multiple devices on a private network to share a single public IP.\nRouting and switching:\nRouting uses IP addresses to direct data packets between different networks, while switching handles traffic within a single network, using MAC addresses to route packets to specific devices.\nDelivery and response:\nData packets arrive at the destination device or server, identified by its IP address. The destination may send a response or acknowledgment back to the source device, using IP addresses to ensure the correct return path.\nRenewal and reassignment:\nDynamic IP addresses are periodically renewed and reassigned as devices connect and disconnect from networks. This process ensures each device has a valid, unique IP address, preventing conflicts and maintaining efficient network organization.\nTypes of IP addresses\nDifferent types of IP addresses are used to manage the limited pool of available addresses, improve security, and meet specific networking needs. These include IPv4 and IPv6 IP addresses, public and private IP addresses, and static and dynamic IP addresses.\nA comparison of different types of IP addresses.\nIPv4\nIPv4 is a legacy generation of IP that’s still widely used. They use a 32-bit address format, represented in dotted decimal notation, with a maximum of 15 characters. Its main drawback is limited address space, with only around 4 billion possible unique addresses. To help cope with address exhaustion, ISPs use techniques like NAT, enabling multiple devices to share a single public IP.\nAn example of an IPv4 address is:\n192.168.1.1\n.\nIPv6\nIPv6 addresses are the newest IP address iteration. These types of IPs offer a greatly expanded address space, by using 128-bit addresses written as eight groups of four hexadecimal digits. This allows for more than 340 undecillion unique addresses — a limit we’ll likely never hit. IPv6 also improves routing efficiency and network security by incorporating\nIPsec\nauthentication and encryption protocols.\nAn example of an IPv6 address is:\n2401:0fc8:85b3:0000:0000:8b6e:0730:7314\n.\nPublic IP address\nA public IP address is assigned to devices like routers, which are directly accessible over the internet. Public IPs are globally unique and traceable, which allows external devices to communicate with your network — but it also makes them visible and traceable to a specific location. To enhance privacy and security, devices within a local network typically share one public IP address.\nPrivate IP address\nA\nprivate IP address\n, or local IP address, is assigned by your router to devices within your local network. Each device gets a unique private IP to help the router direct traffic correctly. Unlike\npublic IP addresses\n, which are visible on the internet, private IPs remain confined to your local network, which means they don’t need to be universally unique and can be reused across multiple networks.\nStatic IP address\nStatic IP addresses, also known as dedicated or fixed IP addresses, don’t change. Once a device is assigned an IP address, that address remains the same. Static IP addresses are common for web servers, email servers, or other devices that need to be consistently accessible at the same address.\nDynamic IP address\nDynamic IP addresses are temporary addresses assigned to devices by a network’s DHCP server each time a device connects to the network. This allows efficient use of available addresses, making it ideal for networks with many users. Dynamic IPs also offer security benefits, since their changing nature makes it harder for hackers to target.\nHow to find your IP address\nYou can find your public IP address by Googling “What is my IP?” Google and other web services know your IP address because it’s assigned to your device and is required to connect to the internet in the first place. When you search, Google usually displays your public IP address in an info box, but you might need to scroll down a bit to see it.\nAn example of where you can find your IP address on Google.\nBut if you want to see your computer or phone’s network-provided IP address — known as your private IP address — you’ll need to look up the local IP directly on your device.\nFind your IP address on Windows\nHere’s how to look up your IP address on a PC:\nGo to\nStart\n>\nSettings\n>\nNetwork & internet\n.\nSelect\nWi-Fi\n(for wireless connections) or\nEthernet\n(for wired connections).\nA screenshot showing how to find your IP address on a wireless network through Windows settings.\n3. Click your network’s\nProperties\nicon, then scroll until you see your IP address.\nA screenshot showing the IP address on a Windows computer.\nFind your IP address on Mac\nTo find your Mac’s IP address, follow these steps:\nOpen\nSystem Settings\n>\nWi-Fi\n>\nDetails\n.\nScroll until you see your IP address.\nA screenshot showing the IP address through Mac settings.\nFind your IP address on Android\nYou can also check your phone’s IP address by following these steps:\nGo to\nSettings\n>\nAbout phone\n.\nScroll down until you see your IP address.\nScreenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android.\nFind your IP address on iPhone\nTo see your iPhone’s IP address:\nGo to\nSettings\n>\nWi-Fi\n.\nTap the blue info icon next to your network.\nScreenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android.\n3. Scroll down to see your IPv4 and (if applicable) IPv6 IP addresses.\nA screenshot showing the IP address from an iPhone’s settings.\nYou may see multiple IP addresses listed if you’re assigned a public IP address from your cellular carrier and a private IP address from your Wi-Fi network.\nWhat can someone do with your IP address?\nIf\nsomeone has your IP address\n, they can approximate your location, track your online activity, and potentially target you with ads or cyber attacks. While an IP alone won’t typically lead to hacking, it can be a starting point for identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in your network.\nHere’s a closer look at ways a cybercriminal may use your IP address:\nMonitor your online activity:\nA criminal could monitor your online activity using your IP address by intercepting network traffic or exploiting vulnerabilities to access your devices or data.\nLaunch cyberattacks:\nYour IP address could be used to launch attacks like\nDDoS attacks\n, overwhelming your network with traffic to disrupt your connection. They may also target you with\nspyware\nor\nmalware\n, potentially gaining access to your device and personal data.\nPersonalize spam and scams:\nCybercriminals can use your IP address to find your general location. Later, they can leverage this information to personalize scams and\nspam messages\n, making them seem more relevant to you.\nImpersonate you:\nIf a hacker has your IP address, they could attempt to impersonate you by\nspoofing your IP\nto make it seem like their activity originates from your device.\nHow to hide your IP address\nCommon methods for\nhiding an IP address\ninclude using a VPN, proxy server, NAT firewall, or anonymizing browser. You can also try connecting to a non-static IP address or resetting your router.\nHere’s a closer look at different ways to hide your IP address:\nVPNs:\nA\nVPN\nhides your IP address by encrypting and routing your internet traffic through a VPN server, which assigns you a new IP address and masks your original one.\nProxy servers:\nAlthough they typically lack encryption,\nproxies\ncan help hide your IP address by displaying their server IP address to the sites you visit.\nDynamic IP addresses:\nYour IP address won’t exactly be obscured, but by changing periodically, dynamic IP addresses assigned by a\npublic Wi-Fi network\nor your mobile carrier make it harder for you to be tracked or targeted.\nNAT firewalls:\nA NAT\nfirewall\non your router helps hide your IP address by using a shared public IP for multiple devices, preventing incoming traffic from accessing your devices directly without\nport forwarding\n.\nReset your modem:\nResetting your modem can assign a new dynamic IP address, replacing your previous IP and disrupting any ongoing tracking or attacks aimed at your old IP address.\nBrowse with Tor:\nBy routing your internet traffic through an encrypted network of server “nodes,” \nTor\nhelps mask your original IP address — although it is still exposed to the first node in the network.\nReset your router:\nPerforming a router reset may assign a new local IP to devices, but it won’t necessarily change your public IP unless your ISP provides a dynamic IP.\nMask your IP address\nDon’t want hackers turning up on your digital doorstep? Hiding your IP address with a VPN from a trusted brand is the most effective and reliable way to boost your internet privacy and security.\nNorton VPN\nhelps shield your IP address from prying eyes looking to track your online activity, uncover your location, or steal sensitive personal or financial data. Thanks to bank-grade encryption, your IP is masked, and your data is routed through a secure tunnel, helping to ensure a private and secure online experience every time you connect.\nFAQs\nCan I change my IP address?\nYes, you can\nchange your IP address\n. An easy and secure way to do so is to use a VPN to assign your device a virtual IP address whenever you connect, keeping your real IP address private.\nWhat's the difference between a MAC address and IP address?\nA Media Access Control (MAC) address is a permanent and unique hardware identifier for a device’s network interface controller (NIC), used for communication within a local network. In contrast, an IP address identifies a device’s connection to a network and can change depending on location and connection type.\nDoes your IP address change with location?\nYes, an IP address can change with location. When you connect to the internet from different places, such as different Wi-Fi networks or using mobile data, your device is assigned a new IP address based on the network's location. This helps identify your approximate geographical location.\nWhat is a loopback IP address?\nA loopback IP address routes data packets from the original device back to itself so it doesn’t travel over the internet. Developers and network administrators typically use loopback IPs to perform tests or debugging.\nWhat is the 192.168 IP address?\n192.168.x.x is a private default address commonly used for routers in home networks and other small private networks. Each device connected to the same local network shares the same number sequence at the beginning but has a unique identifier at the end.","attrs_markdown":"Protect your IP address\n\nDownload Norton VPN to mask your IP address and help keep your browsing activity private.\n\n[Get it now](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/products\/norton-vpn)\n\nProtect your IP address\n\nInstall Norton VPN to mask your IP address and help keep your browsing activity private.\n\n![](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/icon\/norton-checkmark.png)\n\nNorton VPN\n\n[Get it now](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/products\/norton-vpn)\n\nProtect your IP address\n\nInstall Norton VPN to mask your IP address and help keep your browsing activity private.\n\n![](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/icon\/norton-checkmark.png)\n\nNorton VPN\n\n[Get it 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[Blog Home](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog)\n2. [Privacy](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy)\n3. What is an IP address and how does it work?\n\n# What is an IP address?\nYour IP address is like your digital home address. It lets your devices, like your computer or phone, connect online for things like browsing, shopping, and messaging. Learn how IP addresses work, the different types, and how Norton VPN can help shield your IP from tracking, surveillance, and online threats.\n\n[Get Norton VPN](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/products\/norton-vpn)\n\n![PC mag logo](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/norton\/logo\/PCMag-Editors-Choice-Evergreen-X-Winner-Vt.png)\n\n2025\n\n**PCMag**\n\n**60X Winner**\n\n![norton logo](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/norton\/logo\/Norton_logo_vertical.svg)\n\n[Excellent ![Average Star Rating](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/norton\/cb\/icon_trustpilot_stars_4.5.svg) 68953 reviews on ![TrustPilot Logo](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/norton\/cb\/trustpilot_logo_gr_blk.svg)](https:\/\/trustpilot.com\/review\/norton.com)\n\n![A woman looks up her IP address on her laptop using whatismyipaddress.com.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-hero-2025.jpg)\n\n![Oliver Buxton ](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/as\/oliver-buxton.jpg)\n\n- Written by [Oliver Buxton](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/authors\/oliver-buxton)\n- Published July 25, 2022  11 min read\n- Updated April 15, 2025\n\n###### Contents\n- [IP address definition](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/what-is-an-ip-address#id-toc-ip-address-definition-0)\n- [How do IP addresses work?](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/what-is-an-ip-address#id-toc-how-do-ip-addresses-work--1)\n- [Types of IP addresses](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/what-is-an-ip-address#id-toc-types-of-ip-addresses-2)\n- [How to find your IP address](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/what-is-an-ip-address#id-toc-how-to-find-your-ip-address-3)\n- [What can someone do with your IP address?](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/what-is-an-ip-address#id-toc-what-can-someone-do-with-your-ip-address--4)\n- [How to hide your IP address](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/what-is-an-ip-address#id-toc-how-to-hide-your-ip-address-5)\n- [Mask your IP address](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/what-is-an-ip-address#id-toc-mask-your-ip-address-6)\n- [FAQs](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/what-is-an-ip-address#id-toc-faqs-7)\n\n## IP address definition\nAn IP address is a unique identifier assigned to a device on the internet or a local network. Short for \"Internet Protocol,\" IP refers to the rules that dictate how data is formatted and transmitted across networks.\n\nIP addresses are essential for the internet’s functionality, facilitating communication by directing data between devices, and ensuring it reaches the intended destination. Each IP address includes location details that make devices identifiable within a network, allowing the internet to differentiate between computers, routers, and websites.\n\n![The definition of IP address.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-01-2025.png)\n\n![The definition of IP address.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-01-2025.png)\n\nThe definition of IP address.\n## How do IP addresses work?\nIP addresses work by providing a unique label to each device on a network, allowing them to send and receive data packets according to [TCP\/IP](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/tcp-ip) protocols. [Routers](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/iot\/smarter-home-what-is-router) and other network devices use these addresses to route packets to their correct destination, ensuring efficient and accurate communication between devices.\n\nHere’s a closer look at how IP addresses help facilitate network data transfers:\n\n1. **Device initialization:** Your device connects to a network and prepares to communicate.\n2. **IP address assignment:** The network router assigns separate IP addresses to each network device, after receiving its own IP address allocation from an organization like ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) via the [ISP](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/wifi\/what-is-an-isp) (internet service provider).\n3. **Domain Name System (DNS) resolution:** When you enter a domain name (like google.com), the [DNS](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/how-to\/what-is-my-dns) translates it into a machine-readable IP address. This process allows your device to locate and communicate with the correct server on the internet.\n4. **Data packet transmission:** Data is broken into packets, each containing the source and destination IP addresses. These data packets are then sent by the transmitting device and forwarded across the network.\n5. **Network address translation (NAT):** NAT modifies IP address information in packet headers as data passes through a router, replacing the private IP address with the router’s public IP address. This allows multiple devices on a private network to share a single public IP.\n6. **Routing and switching:** Routing uses IP addresses to direct data packets between different networks, while switching handles traffic within a single network, using MAC addresses to route packets to specific devices.\n7. **Delivery and response:** Data packets arrive at the destination device or server, identified by its IP address. The destination may send a response or acknowledgment back to the source device, using IP addresses to ensure the correct return path.\n8. **Renewal and reassignment:** Dynamic IP addresses are periodically renewed and reassigned as devices connect and disconnect from networks. This process ensures each device has a valid, unique IP address, preventing conflicts and maintaining efficient network organization.\n## Types of IP addresses\nDifferent types of IP addresses are used to manage the limited pool of available addresses, improve security, and meet specific networking needs. These include IPv4 and IPv6 IP addresses, public and private IP addresses, and static and dynamic IP addresses.\n\n![A comparison of different types of IP addresses.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-02-2025.png)\n\n![A comparison of different types of IP addresses.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-02-2025.png)\n\nA comparison of different types of IP addresses.\n### IPv4\nIPv4 is a legacy generation of IP that’s still widely used. They use a 32-bit address format, represented in dotted decimal notation, with a maximum of 15 characters. Its main drawback is limited address space, with only around 4 billion possible unique addresses. To help cope with address exhaustion, ISPs use techniques like NAT, enabling multiple devices to share a single public IP.\n\nAn example of an IPv4 address is: **192\\.168.1.1**.\n\n### IPv6\nIPv6 addresses are the newest IP address iteration. These types of IPs offer a greatly expanded address space, by using 128-bit addresses written as eight groups of four hexadecimal digits. This allows for more than 340 undecillion unique addresses — a limit we’ll likely never hit. IPv6 also improves routing efficiency and network security by incorporating [IPsec](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/what-is-ipsec) authentication and encryption protocols.\n\nAn example of an IPv6 address is: **2401:0fc8:85b3:0000:0000:8b6e:0730:7314**.\n\n### Public IP address\nA public IP address is assigned to devices like routers, which are directly accessible over the internet. Public IPs are globally unique and traceable, which allows external devices to communicate with your network — but it also makes them visible and traceable to a specific location. To enhance privacy and security, devices within a local network typically share one public IP address.\n\n### Private IP address\nA [private IP address](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/private-ip-address), or local IP address, is assigned by your router to devices within your local network. Each device gets a unique private IP to help the router direct traffic correctly. Unlike [public IP addresses](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/public-vs-private-ip-address), which are visible on the internet, private IPs remain confined to your local network, which means they don’t need to be universally unique and can be reused across multiple networks.\n\n### Static IP address\nStatic IP addresses, also known as dedicated or fixed IP addresses, don’t change. Once a device is assigned an IP address, that address remains the same. Static IP addresses are common for web servers, email servers, or other devices that need to be consistently accessible at the same address.\n\n### Dynamic IP address\nDynamic IP addresses are temporary addresses assigned to devices by a network’s DHCP server each time a device connects to the network. This allows efficient use of available addresses, making it ideal for networks with many users. Dynamic IPs also offer security benefits, since their changing nature makes it harder for hackers to target.\n\n## How to find your IP address\nYou can find your public IP address by Googling “What is my IP?” Google and other web services know your IP address because it’s assigned to your device and is required to connect to the internet in the first place. When you search, Google usually displays your public IP address in an info box, but you might need to scroll down a bit to see it.\n\n![An example of where you can find your IP address on Google.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-03-2025.jpg)\n\n![An example of where you can find your IP address on Google.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-03-2025.jpg)\n\nAn example of where you can find your IP address on Google.\n\nBut if you want to see your computer or phone’s network-provided IP address — known as your private IP address — you’ll need to look up the local IP directly on your device.\n\n### Find your IP address on Windows\nHere’s how to look up your IP address on a PC:\n\n1. Go to **Start** \\> **Settings** \\> **Network & internet**.\n2. Select **Wi-Fi** (for wireless connections) or **Ethernet** (for wired connections).\n\n![A screenshot showing how to find your IP address on a wireless network through Windows settings.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-04-2025.jpg)\n\n![A screenshot showing how to find your IP address on a wireless network through Windows settings.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-04-2025.jpg)\n\nA screenshot showing how to find your IP address on a wireless network through Windows settings.\n\n3\\. Click your network’s **Properties** icon, then scroll until you see your IP address.\n\n![A screenshot showing the IP address on a Windows computer.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-05-2025.jpg)\n\n![A screenshot showing the IP address on a Windows computer.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-05-2025.jpg)\n\nA screenshot showing the IP address on a Windows computer.\n### Find your IP address on Mac\nTo find your Mac’s IP address, follow these steps:\n\n1. Open **System Settings** \\> **Wi-Fi** \\> **Details**.\n2. Scroll until you see your IP address.\n\n![A screenshot showing the IP address through Mac settings.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-06-2025.jpg)\n\n![A screenshot showing the IP address through Mac settings.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-06-2025.jpg)\n\nA screenshot showing the IP address through Mac settings.\n### Find your IP address on Android\nYou can also check your phone’s IP address by following these steps:\n\n1. Go to **Settings** \\> **About phone**.\n2. Scroll down until you see your IP address.\n\n![Screenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-07-2025.jpg)\n\n![Screenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-07-2025.jpg)\n\nScreenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android.\n### Find your IP address on iPhone\nTo see your iPhone’s IP address:\n\n1. Go to **Settings** \\> **Wi-Fi**.\n2. Tap the blue info icon next to your network.\n\n![Screenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-08-2025.jpg)\n\n![Screenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-08-2025.jpg)\n\nScreenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android.\n\n3\\. Scroll down to see your IPv4 and (if applicable) IPv6 IP addresses.\n\n![A screenshot showing the IP address from an iPhone’s settings.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-09-2025.jpg)\n\n![A screenshot showing the IP address from an iPhone’s settings.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-09-2025.jpg)\n\nA screenshot showing the IP address from an iPhone’s settings.\n\nYou may see multiple IP addresses listed if you’re assigned a public IP address from your cellular carrier and a private IP address from your Wi-Fi network.\n\n## What can someone do with your IP address?\nIf [someone has your IP address](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/what-can-someone-do-with-ip-address), they can approximate your location, track your online activity, and potentially target you with ads or cyber attacks. While an IP alone won’t typically lead to hacking, it can be a starting point for identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in your network.\n\nHere’s a closer look at ways a cybercriminal may use your IP address:\n\n- **Monitor your online activity:** A criminal could monitor your online activity using your IP address by intercepting network traffic or exploiting vulnerabilities to access your devices or data.\n- **Launch cyberattacks:** Your IP address could be used to launch attacks like [DDoS attacks](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/emerging-threats\/ddos-attacks), overwhelming your network with traffic to disrupt your connection. They may also target you with [spyware](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/malware\/spyware) or [malware](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/emerging-threats\/malware), potentially gaining access to your device and personal data.\n- **Personalize spam and scams:** Cybercriminals can use your IP address to find your general location. Later, they can leverage this information to personalize scams and [spam messages](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/online-scams\/what-is-spam), making them seem more relevant to you.\n- **Impersonate you:** If a hacker has your IP address, they could attempt to impersonate you by [spoofing your IP](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/malware\/what-is-ip-spoofing) to make it seem like their activity originates from your device.\n## How to hide your IP address\nCommon methods for [hiding an IP address](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/how-to-hide-your-ip-address) include using a VPN, proxy server, NAT firewall, or anonymizing browser. You can also try connecting to a non-static IP address or resetting your router.\n\nHere’s a closer look at different ways to hide your IP address:\n\n- **VPNs:** A [VPN](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/what-is-a-vpn) hides your IP address by encrypting and routing your internet traffic through a VPN server, which assigns you a new IP address and masks your original one.\n- **Proxy servers:** Although they typically lack encryption, [proxies](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/proxy-vs-vpn) can help hide your IP address by displaying their server IP address to the sites you visit.\n- **Dynamic IP addresses:** Your IP address won’t exactly be obscured, but by changing periodically, dynamic IP addresses assigned by a [public Wi-Fi network](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/public-wifi) or your mobile carrier make it harder for you to be tracked or targeted.\n- **NAT firewalls:** A NAT [firewall](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/firewall) on your router helps hide your IP address by using a shared public IP for multiple devices, preventing incoming traffic from accessing your devices directly without [port forwarding](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/how-to\/how-to-port-forward).\n- **Reset your modem:** Resetting your modem can assign a new dynamic IP address, replacing your previous IP and disrupting any ongoing tracking or attacks aimed at your old IP address.\n- **Browse with Tor:** By routing your internet traffic through an encrypted network of server “nodes,” [Tor](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/vpn\/tor-vs-vpn) helps mask your original IP address — although it is still exposed to the first node in the network.\n- **Reset your router:** Performing a router reset may assign a new local IP to devices, but it won’t necessarily change your public IP unless your ISP provides a dynamic IP.\n## Mask your IP address\nDon’t want hackers turning up on your digital doorstep? Hiding your IP address with a VPN from a trusted brand is the most effective and reliable way to boost your internet privacy and security.\n\n[Norton VPN](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/products\/norton-vpn) helps shield your IP address from prying eyes looking to track your online activity, uncover your location, or steal sensitive personal or financial data. Thanks to bank-grade encryption, your IP is masked, and your data is routed through a secure tunnel, helping to ensure a private and secure online experience every time you connect.\n\n[Get Norton VPN](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/products\/norton-vpn)\n\n## FAQs\n### Can I change my IP address?\nYes, you can [change your IP address](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/how-to\/change-ip-address). An easy and secure way to do so is to use a VPN to assign your device a virtual IP address whenever you connect, keeping your real IP address private.\n\n### What's the difference between a MAC address and IP address?\nA Media Access Control (MAC) address is a permanent and unique hardware identifier for a device’s network interface controller (NIC), used for communication within a local network. In contrast, an IP address identifies a device’s connection to a network and can change depending on location and connection type.\n\n### Does your IP address change with location?\nYes, an IP address can change with location. When you connect to the internet from different places, such as different Wi-Fi networks or using mobile data, your device is assigned a new IP address based on the network's location. This helps identify your approximate geographical location.\n\n### What is a loopback IP address?\nA loopback IP address routes data packets from the original device back to itself so it doesn’t travel over the internet. Developers and network administrators typically use loopback IPs to perform tests or debugging.\n\n### What is the 192.168 IP address?\n192\\.168.x.x is a private default address commonly used for routers in home networks and other small private networks. Each device connected to the same local network shares the same number sequence at the beginning but has a unique identifier at the end.\n\n![Oliver Buxton ](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/as\/oliver-buxton.jpg)\n\n- [Oliver Buxton](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/authors\/oliver-buxton)\n- Staff Cybersecurity Editor\n\nOliver Buxton, a staff editor for Norton, specializes in advanced persistent threats. His work on cyberterrorism has appeared in The Times, and his prior work includes writing digital safeguarding policies.\n\n**Editors' note:** Our articles offer educational information and are written to raise awareness about important topics in Cyber Safety. Norton products and services may not protect against every type of threat, fraud, or crime we write about. *For more details about how we research, write, and review our articles, see our [Editorial Policy](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/editorial-policy \"https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/editorial-policy\").*\n***\n\n## Related articles\n![Page back](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/norton\/icon\/arrow-left.svg)\n\n![Page forward](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/norton\/icon\/arrow-right.svg)\n\nPublished  ·\n\nPublished  ·\n\n[![What is a VPN and what does it do?](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/tn\/what-is-a-vpn-thumbnail.jpg)](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/what-is-a-vpn)\n\n[Privacy](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy) [What is a VPN and what does it do?](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/what-is-a-vpn)\n\nUpdated April 09, 2024  · 8 min read\n\n[![Proxy vs. VPN: What’s the difference and which one should you use?](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/tn\/proxy-vs-vpn-thumb.jpg)](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/proxy-vs-vpn)\n\n[Privacy](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy) [Proxy vs. VPN: What’s the difference and which one should you use?](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/proxy-vs-vpn)\n\nUpdated November 25, 2025  · 14 min read\n\n[![What is UPnP and is it safe?](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/tn\/what-is-upnp-thumb.jpg)](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/wifi\/what-is-upnp)\n\n[Wi-Fi & Networking](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/wifi) [What is UPnP and is it safe?](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/wifi\/what-is-upnp)\n\nPublished March 25, 2026  · 8 min read\n\n[![What can someone do with your IP address?](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/tn\/what-can-someone-do-with-your-ip-address-thumb.jpg)](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/what-can-someone-do-with-ip-address)\n\n[Privacy](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy) [What can someone do with your IP address?](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/what-can-someone-do-with-ip-address)\n\nPublished September 30, 2024  · 7 min read\n\n[![How to change your IP address on any device](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/tn\/change-ip-address-thumb.jpg)](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/how-to\/change-ip-address)\n\n[How To](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/how-to) [How to change your IP address on any device](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/how-to\/change-ip-address)\n\nPublished September 30, 2024  · 7 min read\n\n[![How to hide your IP address in 4 ways](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/tn\/how-to-hide-your-ip-address-thumb-2025.jpg)](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/how-to-hide-your-ip-address)\n\n[Privacy](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy) [How to hide your IP address in 4 ways](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/how-to-hide-your-ip-address)\n\nUpdated March 14, 2025  · 9 min read\n\nPublished  ·\n\nPublished  ·\n\n[![What is a VPN and what does it do?](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/tn\/what-is-a-vpn-thumbnail.jpg)](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/what-is-a-vpn)\n\n[Privacy](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy) [What is a VPN and what does it do?](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/what-is-a-vpn)\n\nUpdated April 09, 2024  · 8 min read\n\n[![Proxy vs. VPN: What’s the difference and which one should you use?](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/tn\/proxy-vs-vpn-thumb.jpg)](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/proxy-vs-vpn)\n\n[Privacy](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy) [Proxy vs. VPN: What’s the difference and which one should you use?](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/proxy-vs-vpn)\n\nUpdated November 25, 2025  · 14 min read\n\n[![What is UPnP and is it safe?](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/tn\/what-is-upnp-thumb.jpg)](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/wifi\/what-is-upnp)\n\n[Wi-Fi & Networking](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/wifi) [What is UPnP and is it safe?](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/wifi\/what-is-upnp)\n\nPublished March 25, 2026  · 8 min read\n\n[![What can someone do with your IP address?](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/tn\/what-can-someone-do-with-your-ip-address-thumb.jpg)](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/what-can-someone-do-with-ip-address)\n\n[Privacy](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy) [What can someone do with your IP address?](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/what-can-someone-do-with-ip-address)\n\nPublished September 30, 2024  · 7 min read\n\n[![How to change your IP address on any device](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/tn\/change-ip-address-thumb.jpg)](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/how-to\/change-ip-address)\n\n[How To](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/how-to) [How to change your IP address on any device](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/how-to\/change-ip-address)\n\nPublished September 30, 2024  · 7 min read\n\n[![How to hide your IP address in 4 ways](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/tn\/how-to-hide-your-ip-address-thumb-2025.jpg)](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/how-to-hide-your-ip-address)\n\n[Privacy](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy) [How to hide your IP address in 4 ways](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/how-to-hide-your-ip-address)\n\nUpdated March 14, 2025  · 9 min read\n\nPublished  ·\n\nPublished  ·\n\n#### Want more?\nFollow us for all the latest news, tips, and 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However, without these cookies, certain functionality may become unavailable.\n\nCloudfront\n\nGoogle Fonts\n\nCloudfare\n\nAmazon AWS\n\nAkamai\n\nZuberance\n\neGain\n\nYouTube Video\n***\nSOCIAL MEDIA\n\nThese technologies are used to enable you to share pages and content that you find interesting on our websites through third party social networking and other websites.\n\nFacebook\n\nTwitter\n\nPinterest\n\nLinkedIn Widget\n\nQuora\n\nSnapChat\n\nsiteintercept.qualtrics.com\n\nTwitter Conversion Tracking\n\nTwitter Conversion\n\nTwitter Ads\n***\nANALYTICS\n\nThese technologies collect information that is used in aggregate form to help us understand how our websites are being used are being used or to help us continuously improve our websites.\n\neXelate\n\nGoogle Tag Manager\n\nGoogle Analytic\n\nTwitter Analytic\n\niSpot TV\n\nIO\n\nNatural Intelligence\n\nTag4arm\n\nBounce Exchange, Inc\n\nOneSpot\n\nKnotch Pro\n\nAdaptive Analytic\n\nQuantummetric\n\nCheq\n\nThreat Metrix\n***\nADVERTISING\n\nThese technologies are used to make advertising messages more relevant to you. They perform functions like preventing the same ad from continuously reappearing, ensuring that ads are properly displayed for advertisers, and in some cases selecting advertisements that are based on your interests.\n\nGWM\n\nGoogle Doubleclick\n\nMediaMath, Inc.\n\nArtSai\n\nSoreto\n\nYahoo Ads\n\nRimm-Kaufman\n\nAdobe Adlens\n\neXelate\n\nOutbrain\n\nAppsflyer\n\nGoogle Ads\n\nBing Ads\n\nBounce Ex Events\n\nReddit\n\nYahoo Advertising Solutions\n\nProofpoint\n\nAmobee, Inc.\n\nBounce Exchange, Inc\n\nCarbon\n\nRKXD\n\nChartable\n\nGoogle Optimize\n\nAdMedia\n\nLinkedIn Widget\n\nHavas\n\nAddShopper\n\nLeadsRx, Inc.\n\nPodsight\n\nSimplifi Holdings Inc\n\nTikTok\n\nZeta Global\n\nContent DSP\n\nw55c\n\nEquifax\n\nTv Scientific\n\nBarometric\n\nYelp\n\nAdaptive\n\nCIQ\n\nAmazon Ads\n\nSpotify\n\nPodscribe\n\nCapterra\n***\n\nSave\n\nCancel","attrs_readable_markdown":"## IP address definition\nAn IP address is a unique identifier assigned to a device on the internet or a local network. Short for \"Internet Protocol,\" IP refers to the rules that dictate how data is formatted and transmitted across networks.\n\nIP addresses are essential for the internet’s functionality, facilitating communication by directing data between devices, and ensuring it reaches the intended destination. Each IP address includes location details that make devices identifiable within a network, allowing the internet to differentiate between computers, routers, and websites.\n\n![The definition of IP address.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-01-2025.png)\n\n![The definition of IP address.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-01-2025.png)\n\nThe definition of IP address.\n## How do IP addresses work?\nIP addresses work by providing a unique label to each device on a network, allowing them to send and receive data packets according to [TCP\/IP](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/tcp-ip) protocols. [Routers](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/iot\/smarter-home-what-is-router) and other network devices use these addresses to route packets to their correct destination, ensuring efficient and accurate communication between devices.\n\nHere’s a closer look at how IP addresses help facilitate network data transfers:\n\n1. **Device initialization:** Your device connects to a network and prepares to communicate.\n2. **IP address assignment:** The network router assigns separate IP addresses to each network device, after receiving its own IP address allocation from an organization like ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) via the [ISP](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/wifi\/what-is-an-isp) (internet service provider).\n3. **Domain Name System (DNS) resolution:** When you enter a domain name (like google.com), the [DNS](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/how-to\/what-is-my-dns) translates it into a machine-readable IP address. This process allows your device to locate and communicate with the correct server on the internet.\n4. **Data packet transmission:** Data is broken into packets, each containing the source and destination IP addresses. These data packets are then sent by the transmitting device and forwarded across the network.\n5. **Network address translation (NAT):** NAT modifies IP address information in packet headers as data passes through a router, replacing the private IP address with the router’s public IP address. This allows multiple devices on a private network to share a single public IP.\n6. **Routing and switching:** Routing uses IP addresses to direct data packets between different networks, while switching handles traffic within a single network, using MAC addresses to route packets to specific devices.\n7. **Delivery and response:** Data packets arrive at the destination device or server, identified by its IP address. The destination may send a response or acknowledgment back to the source device, using IP addresses to ensure the correct return path.\n8. **Renewal and reassignment:** Dynamic IP addresses are periodically renewed and reassigned as devices connect and disconnect from networks. This process ensures each device has a valid, unique IP address, preventing conflicts and maintaining efficient network organization.\n## Types of IP addresses\nDifferent types of IP addresses are used to manage the limited pool of available addresses, improve security, and meet specific networking needs. These include IPv4 and IPv6 IP addresses, public and private IP addresses, and static and dynamic IP addresses.\n\n![A comparison of different types of IP addresses.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-02-2025.png)\n\n![A comparison of different types of IP addresses.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-02-2025.png)\n\nA comparison of different types of IP addresses.\n### IPv4\nIPv4 is a legacy generation of IP that’s still widely used. They use a 32-bit address format, represented in dotted decimal notation, with a maximum of 15 characters. Its main drawback is limited address space, with only around 4 billion possible unique addresses. To help cope with address exhaustion, ISPs use techniques like NAT, enabling multiple devices to share a single public IP.\n\nAn example of an IPv4 address is: **192\\.168.1.1**.\n\n### IPv6\nIPv6 addresses are the newest IP address iteration. These types of IPs offer a greatly expanded address space, by using 128-bit addresses written as eight groups of four hexadecimal digits. This allows for more than 340 undecillion unique addresses — a limit we’ll likely never hit. IPv6 also improves routing efficiency and network security by incorporating [IPsec](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/what-is-ipsec) authentication and encryption protocols.\n\nAn example of an IPv6 address is: **2401:0fc8:85b3:0000:0000:8b6e:0730:7314**.\n\n### Public IP address\nA public IP address is assigned to devices like routers, which are directly accessible over the internet. Public IPs are globally unique and traceable, which allows external devices to communicate with your network — but it also makes them visible and traceable to a specific location. To enhance privacy and security, devices within a local network typically share one public IP address.\n\n### Private IP address\nA [private IP address](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/private-ip-address), or local IP address, is assigned by your router to devices within your local network. Each device gets a unique private IP to help the router direct traffic correctly. Unlike [public IP addresses](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/public-vs-private-ip-address), which are visible on the internet, private IPs remain confined to your local network, which means they don’t need to be universally unique and can be reused across multiple networks.\n\n### Static IP address\nStatic IP addresses, also known as dedicated or fixed IP addresses, don’t change. Once a device is assigned an IP address, that address remains the same. Static IP addresses are common for web servers, email servers, or other devices that need to be consistently accessible at the same address.\n\n### Dynamic IP address\nDynamic IP addresses are temporary addresses assigned to devices by a network’s DHCP server each time a device connects to the network. This allows efficient use of available addresses, making it ideal for networks with many users. Dynamic IPs also offer security benefits, since their changing nature makes it harder for hackers to target.\n\n## How to find your IP address\nYou can find your public IP address by Googling “What is my IP?” Google and other web services know your IP address because it’s assigned to your device and is required to connect to the internet in the first place. When you search, Google usually displays your public IP address in an info box, but you might need to scroll down a bit to see it.\n\n![An example of where you can find your IP address on Google.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-03-2025.jpg)\n\n![An example of where you can find your IP address on Google.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-03-2025.jpg)\n\nAn example of where you can find your IP address on Google.\n\nBut if you want to see your computer or phone’s network-provided IP address — known as your private IP address — you’ll need to look up the local IP directly on your device.\n\n### Find your IP address on Windows\nHere’s how to look up your IP address on a PC:\n\n1. Go to **Start** \\> **Settings** \\> **Network & internet**.\n2. Select **Wi-Fi** (for wireless connections) or **Ethernet** (for wired connections).\n\n![A screenshot showing how to find your IP address on a wireless network through Windows settings.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-04-2025.jpg)\n\n![A screenshot showing how to find your IP address on a wireless network through Windows settings.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-04-2025.jpg)\n\nA screenshot showing how to find your IP address on a wireless network through Windows settings.\n\n3\\. Click your network’s **Properties** icon, then scroll until you see your IP address.\n\n![A screenshot showing the IP address on a Windows computer.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-05-2025.jpg)\n\n![A screenshot showing the IP address on a Windows computer.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-05-2025.jpg)\n\nA screenshot showing the IP address on a Windows computer.\n### Find your IP address on Mac\nTo find your Mac’s IP address, follow these steps:\n\n1. Open **System Settings** \\> **Wi-Fi** \\> **Details**.\n2. Scroll until you see your IP address.\n\n![A screenshot showing the IP address through Mac settings.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-06-2025.jpg)\n\n![A screenshot showing the IP address through Mac settings.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-06-2025.jpg)\n\nA screenshot showing the IP address through Mac settings.\n### Find your IP address on Android\nYou can also check your phone’s IP address by following these steps:\n\n1. Go to **Settings** \\> **About phone**.\n2. Scroll down until you see your IP address.\n\n![Screenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-07-2025.jpg)\n\n![Screenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-07-2025.jpg)\n\nScreenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android.\n### Find your IP address on iPhone\nTo see your iPhone’s IP address:\n\n1. Go to **Settings** \\> **Wi-Fi**.\n2. Tap the blue info icon next to your network.\n\n![Screenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-08-2025.jpg)\n\n![Screenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-08-2025.jpg)\n\nScreenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android.\n\n3\\. Scroll down to see your IPv4 and (if applicable) IPv6 IP addresses.\n\n![A screenshot showing the IP address from an iPhone’s settings.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-09-2025.jpg)\n\n![A screenshot showing the IP address from an iPhone’s settings.](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/content\/dam\/blogs\/images\/norton\/am\/what-is-an-ip-address-09-2025.jpg)\n\nA screenshot showing the IP address from an iPhone’s settings.\n\nYou may see multiple IP addresses listed if you’re assigned a public IP address from your cellular carrier and a private IP address from your Wi-Fi network.\n\n## What can someone do with your IP address?\nIf [someone has your IP address](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/what-can-someone-do-with-ip-address), they can approximate your location, track your online activity, and potentially target you with ads or cyber attacks. While an IP alone won’t typically lead to hacking, it can be a starting point for identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in your network.\n\nHere’s a closer look at ways a cybercriminal may use your IP address:\n\n- **Monitor your online activity:** A criminal could monitor your online activity using your IP address by intercepting network traffic or exploiting vulnerabilities to access your devices or data.\n- **Launch cyberattacks:** Your IP address could be used to launch attacks like [DDoS attacks](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/emerging-threats\/ddos-attacks), overwhelming your network with traffic to disrupt your connection. They may also target you with [spyware](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/malware\/spyware) or [malware](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/emerging-threats\/malware), potentially gaining access to your device and personal data.\n- **Personalize spam and scams:** Cybercriminals can use your IP address to find your general location. Later, they can leverage this information to personalize scams and [spam messages](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/online-scams\/what-is-spam), making them seem more relevant to you.\n- **Impersonate you:** If a hacker has your IP address, they could attempt to impersonate you by [spoofing your IP](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/malware\/what-is-ip-spoofing) to make it seem like their activity originates from your device.\n## How to hide your IP address\nCommon methods for [hiding an IP address](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/how-to-hide-your-ip-address) include using a VPN, proxy server, NAT firewall, or anonymizing browser. You can also try connecting to a non-static IP address or resetting your router.\n\nHere’s a closer look at different ways to hide your IP address:\n\n- **VPNs:** A [VPN](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/what-is-a-vpn) hides your IP address by encrypting and routing your internet traffic through a VPN server, which assigns you a new IP address and masks your original one.\n- **Proxy servers:** Although they typically lack encryption, [proxies](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/proxy-vs-vpn) can help hide your IP address by displaying their server IP address to the sites you visit.\n- **Dynamic IP addresses:** Your IP address won’t exactly be obscured, but by changing periodically, dynamic IP addresses assigned by a [public Wi-Fi network](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/public-wifi) or your mobile carrier make it harder for you to be tracked or targeted.\n- **NAT firewalls:** A NAT [firewall](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/privacy\/firewall) on your router helps hide your IP address by using a shared public IP for multiple devices, preventing incoming traffic from accessing your devices directly without [port forwarding](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/how-to\/how-to-port-forward).\n- **Reset your modem:** Resetting your modem can assign a new dynamic IP address, replacing your previous IP and disrupting any ongoing tracking or attacks aimed at your old IP address.\n- **Browse with Tor:** By routing your internet traffic through an encrypted network of server “nodes,” [Tor](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/vpn\/tor-vs-vpn) helps mask your original IP address — although it is still exposed to the first node in the network.\n- **Reset your router:** Performing a router reset may assign a new local IP to devices, but it won’t necessarily change your public IP unless your ISP provides a dynamic IP.\n## Mask your IP address\nDon’t want hackers turning up on your digital doorstep? Hiding your IP address with a VPN from a trusted brand is the most effective and reliable way to boost your internet privacy and security.\n\n[Norton VPN](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/products\/norton-vpn) helps shield your IP address from prying eyes looking to track your online activity, uncover your location, or steal sensitive personal or financial data. Thanks to bank-grade encryption, your IP is masked, and your data is routed through a secure tunnel, helping to ensure a private and secure online experience every time you connect.\n\n## FAQs\n### Can I change my IP address?\nYes, you can [change your IP address](https:\/\/us.norton.com\/blog\/how-to\/change-ip-address). An easy and secure way to do so is to use a VPN to assign your device a virtual IP address whenever you connect, keeping your real IP address private.\n\n### What's the difference between a MAC address and IP address?\nA Media Access Control (MAC) address is a permanent and unique hardware identifier for a device’s network interface controller (NIC), used for communication within a local network. In contrast, an IP address identifies a device’s connection to a network and can change depending on location and connection type.\n\n### Does your IP address change with location?\nYes, an IP address can change with location. When you connect to the internet from different places, such as different Wi-Fi networks or using mobile data, your device is assigned a new IP address based on the network's location. This helps identify your approximate geographical location.\n\n### What is a loopback IP address?\nA loopback IP address routes data packets from the original device back to itself so it doesn’t travel over the internet. Developers and network administrators typically use loopback IPs to perform tests or debugging.\n\n### What is the 192.168 IP address?\n192\\.168.x.x is a private default address commonly used for routers in home networks and other small private networks. Each device connected to the same local network shares the same number sequence at the beginning but has a unique identifier at the end.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	IP address definition An IP address is a unique identifier assigned to a device on the internet or a local network. Short for "Internet Protocol," IP refers to the rules that dictate how data is formatted and transmitted across networks. IP addresses are essential for the internet’s functionality, facilitating communication by directing data between devices, and ensuring it reaches the intended destination. Each IP address includes location details that make devices identifiable within a network, allowing the internet to differentiate between computers, routers, and websites. The definition of IP address. How do IP addresses work? IP addresses work by providing a unique label to each device on a network, allowing them to send and receive data packets according to TCP/IP protocols. Routers and other network devices use these addresses to route packets to their correct destination, ensuring efficient and accurate communication between devices. Here’s a closer look at how IP addresses help facilitate network data transfers: Device initialization: Your device connects to a network and prepares to communicate. IP address assignment: The network router assigns separate IP addresses to each network device, after receiving its own IP address allocation from an organization like ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) via the ISP (internet service provider). Domain Name System (DNS) resolution: When you enter a domain name (like google.com), the DNS translates it into a machine-readable IP address. This process allows your device to locate and communicate with the correct server on the internet. Data packet transmission: Data is broken into packets, each containing the source and destination IP addresses. These data packets are then sent by the transmitting device and forwarded across the network. Network address translation (NAT): NAT modifies IP address information in packet headers as data passes through a router, replacing the private IP address with the router’s public IP address. This allows multiple devices on a private network to share a single public IP. Routing and switching: Routing uses IP addresses to direct data packets between different networks, while switching handles traffic within a single network, using MAC addresses to route packets to specific devices. Delivery and response: Data packets arrive at the destination device or server, identified by its IP address. The destination may send a response or acknowledgment back to the source device, using IP addresses to ensure the correct return path. Renewal and reassignment: Dynamic IP addresses are periodically renewed and reassigned as devices connect and disconnect from networks. This process ensures each device has a valid, unique IP address, preventing conflicts and maintaining efficient network organization. Types of IP addresses Different types of IP addresses are used to manage the limited pool of available addresses, improve security, and meet specific networking needs. These include IPv4 and IPv6 IP addresses, public and private IP addresses, and static and dynamic IP addresses. A comparison of different types of IP addresses. IPv4 IPv4 is a legacy generation of IP that’s still widely used. They use a 32-bit address format, represented in dotted decimal notation, with a maximum of 15 characters. Its main drawback is limited address space, with only around 4 billion possible unique addresses. To help cope with address exhaustion, ISPs use techniques like NAT, enabling multiple devices to share a single public IP. An example of an IPv4 address is: 192.168.1.1 . IPv6 IPv6 addresses are the newest IP address iteration. These types of IPs offer a greatly expanded address space, by using 128-bit addresses written as eight groups of four hexadecimal digits. This allows for more than 340 undecillion unique addresses — a limit we’ll likely never hit. IPv6 also improves routing efficiency and network security by incorporating IPsec authentication and encryption protocols. An example of an IPv6 address is: 2401:0fc8:85b3:0000:0000:8b6e:0730:7314 . Public IP address A public IP address is assigned to devices like routers, which are directly accessible over the internet. Public IPs are globally unique and traceable, which allows external devices to communicate with your network — but it also makes them visible and traceable to a specific location. To enhance privacy and security, devices within a local network typically share one public IP address. Private IP address A private IP address , or local IP address, is assigned by your router to devices within your local network. Each device gets a unique private IP to help the router direct traffic correctly. Unlike public IP addresses , which are visible on the internet, private IPs remain confined to your local network, which means they don’t need to be universally unique and can be reused across multiple networks. Static IP address Static IP addresses, also known as dedicated or fixed IP addresses, don’t change. Once a device is assigned an IP address, that address remains the same. Static IP addresses are common for web servers, email servers, or other devices that need to be consistently accessible at the same address. Dynamic IP address Dynamic IP addresses are temporary addresses assigned to devices by a network’s DHCP server each time a device connects to the network. This allows efficient use of available addresses, making it ideal for networks with many users. Dynamic IPs also offer security benefits, since their changing nature makes it harder for hackers to target. How to find your IP address You can find your public IP address by Googling “What is my IP?” Google and other web services know your IP address because it’s assigned to your device and is required to connect to the internet in the first place. When you search, Google usually displays your public IP address in an info box, but you might need to scroll down a bit to see it. An example of where you can find your IP address on Google. But if you want to see your computer or phone’s network-provided IP address — known as your private IP address — you’ll need to look up the local IP directly on your device. Find your IP address on Windows Here’s how to look up your IP address on a PC: Go to Start > Settings > Network & internet . Select Wi-Fi (for wireless connections) or Ethernet (for wired connections). A screenshot showing how to find your IP address on a wireless network through Windows settings. 3. Click your network’s Properties icon, then scroll until you see your IP address. A screenshot showing the IP address on a Windows computer. Find your IP address on Mac To find your Mac’s IP address, follow these steps: Open System Settings > Wi-Fi > Details . Scroll until you see your IP address. A screenshot showing the IP address through Mac settings. Find your IP address on Android You can also check your phone’s IP address by following these steps: Go to Settings > About phone . Scroll down until you see your IP address. Screenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android. Find your IP address on iPhone To see your iPhone’s IP address: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi . Tap the blue info icon next to your network. Screenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android. 3. Scroll down to see your IPv4 and (if applicable) IPv6 IP addresses. A screenshot showing the IP address from an iPhone’s settings. You may see multiple IP addresses listed if you’re assigned a public IP address from your cellular carrier and a private IP address from your Wi-Fi network. What can someone do with your IP address? If someone has your IP address , they can approximate your location, track your online activity, and potentially target you with ads or cyber attacks. While an IP alone won’t typically lead to hacking, it can be a starting point for identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in your network. Here’s a closer look at ways a cybercriminal may use your IP address: Monitor your online activity: A criminal could monitor your online activity using your IP address by intercepting network traffic or exploiting vulnerabilities to access your devices or data. Launch cyberattacks: Your IP address could be used to launch attacks like DDoS attacks , overwhelming your network with traffic to disrupt your connection. They may also target you with spyware or malware , potentially gaining access to your device and personal data. Personalize spam and scams: Cybercriminals can use your IP address to find your general location. Later, they can leverage this information to personalize scams and spam messages , making them seem more relevant to you. Impersonate you: If a hacker has your IP address, they could attempt to impersonate you by spoofing your IP to make it seem like their activity originates from your device. How to hide your IP address Common methods for hiding an IP address include using a VPN, proxy server, NAT firewall, or anonymizing browser. You can also try connecting to a non-static IP address or resetting your router. Here’s a closer look at different ways to hide your IP address: VPNs: A VPN hides your IP address by encrypting and routing your internet traffic through a VPN server, which assigns you a new IP address and masks your original one. Proxy servers: Although they typically lack encryption, proxies can help hide your IP address by displaying their server IP address to the sites you visit. Dynamic IP addresses: Your IP address won’t exactly be obscured, but by changing periodically, dynamic IP addresses assigned by a public Wi-Fi network or your mobile carrier make it harder for you to be tracked or targeted. NAT firewalls: A NAT firewall on your router helps hide your IP address by using a shared public IP for multiple devices, preventing incoming traffic from accessing your devices directly without port forwarding . Reset your modem: Resetting your modem can assign a new dynamic IP address, replacing your previous IP and disrupting any ongoing tracking or attacks aimed at your old IP address. Browse with Tor: By routing your internet traffic through an encrypted network of server “nodes,” Tor helps mask your original IP address — although it is still exposed to the first node in the network. Reset your router: Performing a router reset may assign a new local IP to devices, but it won’t necessarily change your public IP unless your ISP provides a dynamic IP. Mask your IP address Don’t want hackers turning up on your digital doorstep? Hiding your IP address with a VPN from a trusted brand is the most effective and reliable way to boost your internet privacy and security. Norton VPN helps shield your IP address from prying eyes looking to track your online activity, uncover your location, or steal sensitive personal or financial data. Thanks to bank-grade encryption, your IP is masked, and your data is routed through a secure tunnel, helping to ensure a private and secure online experience every time you connect. FAQs Can I change my IP address? Yes, you can change your IP address . An easy and secure way to do so is to use a VPN to assign your device a virtual IP address whenever you connect, keeping your real IP address private. What's the difference between a MAC address and IP address? A Media Access Control (MAC) address is a permanent and unique hardware identifier for a device’s network interface controller (NIC), used for communication within a local network. In contrast, an IP address identifies a device’s connection to a network and can change depending on location and connection type. Does your IP address change with location? Yes, an IP address can change with location. When you connect to the internet from different places, such as different Wi-Fi networks or using mobile data, your device is assigned a new IP address based on the network's location. This helps identify your approximate geographical location. What is a loopback IP address? A loopback IP address routes data packets from the original device back to itself so it doesn’t travel over the internet. Developers and network administrators typically use loopback IPs to perform tests or debugging. What is the 192.168 IP address? 192.168.x.x is a private default address commonly used for routers in home networks and other small private networks. Each device connected to the same local network shares the same number sequence at the beginning but has a unique identifier at the end.
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[Blog Home](https://us.norton.com/blog) 2. [Privacy](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy) 3. What is an IP address and how does it work? # What is an IP address? Your IP address is like your digital home address. It lets your devices, like your computer or phone, connect online for things like browsing, shopping, and messaging. Learn how IP addresses work, the different types, and how Norton VPN can help shield your IP from tracking, surveillance, and online threats. [Get Norton VPN](https://us.norton.com/products/norton-vpn) ![PC mag logo](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/norton/logo/PCMag-Editors-Choice-Evergreen-X-Winner-Vt.png) 2025 PCMag 60X Winner ![norton logo](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/norton/logo/Norton_logo_vertical.svg) [Excellent ![Average Star Rating](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/norton/cb/icon_trustpilot_stars_4.5.svg) 68953 reviews on ![TrustPilot Logo](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/norton/cb/trustpilot_logo_gr_blk.svg)](https://trustpilot.com/review/norton.com) ![A woman looks up her IP address on her laptop using whatismyipaddress.com.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-hero-2025.jpg) ![Oliver Buxton ](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/as/oliver-buxton.jpg) - Written by [Oliver Buxton](https://us.norton.com/blog/authors/oliver-buxton) - Published July 25, 2022 11 min read - Updated April 15, 2025 ###### Contents - [IP address definition](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/what-is-an-ip-address#id-toc-ip-address-definition-0) - [How do IP addresses work?](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/what-is-an-ip-address#id-toc-how-do-ip-addresses-work--1) - [Types of IP addresses](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/what-is-an-ip-address#id-toc-types-of-ip-addresses-2) - [How to find your IP address](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/what-is-an-ip-address#id-toc-how-to-find-your-ip-address-3) - [What can someone do with your IP address?](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/what-is-an-ip-address#id-toc-what-can-someone-do-with-your-ip-address--4) - [How to hide your IP address](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/what-is-an-ip-address#id-toc-how-to-hide-your-ip-address-5) - [Mask your IP address](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/what-is-an-ip-address#id-toc-mask-your-ip-address-6) - [FAQs](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/what-is-an-ip-address#id-toc-faqs-7) ## IP address definition An IP address is a unique identifier assigned to a device on the internet or a local network. Short for "Internet Protocol," IP refers to the rules that dictate how data is formatted and transmitted across networks. IP addresses are essential for the internet’s functionality, facilitating communication by directing data between devices, and ensuring it reaches the intended destination. Each IP address includes location details that make devices identifiable within a network, allowing the internet to differentiate between computers, routers, and websites. ![The definition of IP address.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-01-2025.png) ![The definition of IP address.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-01-2025.png) The definition of IP address. ## How do IP addresses work? IP addresses work by providing a unique label to each device on a network, allowing them to send and receive data packets according to [TCP/IP](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/tcp-ip) protocols. [Routers](https://us.norton.com/blog/iot/smarter-home-what-is-router) and other network devices use these addresses to route packets to their correct destination, ensuring efficient and accurate communication between devices. Here’s a closer look at how IP addresses help facilitate network data transfers: 1. Device initialization: Your device connects to a network and prepares to communicate. 2. IP address assignment: The network router assigns separate IP addresses to each network device, after receiving its own IP address allocation from an organization like ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) via the [ISP](https://us.norton.com/blog/wifi/what-is-an-isp) (internet service provider). 3. Domain Name System (DNS) resolution: When you enter a domain name (like google.com), the [DNS](https://us.norton.com/blog/how-to/what-is-my-dns) translates it into a machine-readable IP address. This process allows your device to locate and communicate with the correct server on the internet. 4. Data packet transmission: Data is broken into packets, each containing the source and destination IP addresses. These data packets are then sent by the transmitting device and forwarded across the network. 5. Network address translation (NAT): NAT modifies IP address information in packet headers as data passes through a router, replacing the private IP address with the router’s public IP address. This allows multiple devices on a private network to share a single public IP. 6. Routing and switching: Routing uses IP addresses to direct data packets between different networks, while switching handles traffic within a single network, using MAC addresses to route packets to specific devices. 7. Delivery and response: Data packets arrive at the destination device or server, identified by its IP address. The destination may send a response or acknowledgment back to the source device, using IP addresses to ensure the correct return path. 8. Renewal and reassignment: Dynamic IP addresses are periodically renewed and reassigned as devices connect and disconnect from networks. This process ensures each device has a valid, unique IP address, preventing conflicts and maintaining efficient network organization. ## Types of IP addresses Different types of IP addresses are used to manage the limited pool of available addresses, improve security, and meet specific networking needs. These include IPv4 and IPv6 IP addresses, public and private IP addresses, and static and dynamic IP addresses. ![A comparison of different types of IP addresses.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-02-2025.png) ![A comparison of different types of IP addresses.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-02-2025.png) A comparison of different types of IP addresses. ### IPv4 IPv4 is a legacy generation of IP that’s still widely used. They use a 32-bit address format, represented in dotted decimal notation, with a maximum of 15 characters. Its main drawback is limited address space, with only around 4 billion possible unique addresses. To help cope with address exhaustion, ISPs use techniques like NAT, enabling multiple devices to share a single public IP. An example of an IPv4 address is: 192\.168.1.1. ### IPv6 IPv6 addresses are the newest IP address iteration. These types of IPs offer a greatly expanded address space, by using 128-bit addresses written as eight groups of four hexadecimal digits. This allows for more than 340 undecillion unique addresses — a limit we’ll likely never hit. IPv6 also improves routing efficiency and network security by incorporating [IPsec](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/what-is-ipsec) authentication and encryption protocols. An example of an IPv6 address is: 2401:0fc8:85b3:0000:0000:8b6e:0730:7314. ### Public IP address A public IP address is assigned to devices like routers, which are directly accessible over the internet. Public IPs are globally unique and traceable, which allows external devices to communicate with your network — but it also makes them visible and traceable to a specific location. To enhance privacy and security, devices within a local network typically share one public IP address. ### Private IP address A [private IP address](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/private-ip-address), or local IP address, is assigned by your router to devices within your local network. Each device gets a unique private IP to help the router direct traffic correctly. Unlike [public IP addresses](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/public-vs-private-ip-address), which are visible on the internet, private IPs remain confined to your local network, which means they don’t need to be universally unique and can be reused across multiple networks. ### Static IP address Static IP addresses, also known as dedicated or fixed IP addresses, don’t change. Once a device is assigned an IP address, that address remains the same. Static IP addresses are common for web servers, email servers, or other devices that need to be consistently accessible at the same address. ### Dynamic IP address Dynamic IP addresses are temporary addresses assigned to devices by a network’s DHCP server each time a device connects to the network. This allows efficient use of available addresses, making it ideal for networks with many users. Dynamic IPs also offer security benefits, since their changing nature makes it harder for hackers to target. ## How to find your IP address You can find your public IP address by Googling “What is my IP?” Google and other web services know your IP address because it’s assigned to your device and is required to connect to the internet in the first place. When you search, Google usually displays your public IP address in an info box, but you might need to scroll down a bit to see it. ![An example of where you can find your IP address on Google.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-03-2025.jpg) ![An example of where you can find your IP address on Google.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-03-2025.jpg) An example of where you can find your IP address on Google. But if you want to see your computer or phone’s network-provided IP address — known as your private IP address — you’ll need to look up the local IP directly on your device. ### Find your IP address on Windows Here’s how to look up your IP address on a PC: 1. Go to Start \> Settings \> Network & internet. 2. Select Wi-Fi (for wireless connections) or Ethernet (for wired connections). ![A screenshot showing how to find your IP address on a wireless network through Windows settings.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-04-2025.jpg) ![A screenshot showing how to find your IP address on a wireless network through Windows settings.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-04-2025.jpg) A screenshot showing how to find your IP address on a wireless network through Windows settings. 3\. Click your network’s Properties icon, then scroll until you see your IP address. ![A screenshot showing the IP address on a Windows computer.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-05-2025.jpg) ![A screenshot showing the IP address on a Windows computer.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-05-2025.jpg) A screenshot showing the IP address on a Windows computer. ### Find your IP address on Mac To find your Mac’s IP address, follow these steps: 1. Open System Settings \> Wi-Fi \> Details. 2. Scroll until you see your IP address. ![A screenshot showing the IP address through Mac settings.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-06-2025.jpg) ![A screenshot showing the IP address through Mac settings.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-06-2025.jpg) A screenshot showing the IP address through Mac settings. ### Find your IP address on Android You can also check your phone’s IP address by following these steps: 1. Go to Settings \> About phone. 2. Scroll down until you see your IP address. ![Screenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-07-2025.jpg) ![Screenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-07-2025.jpg) Screenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android. ### Find your IP address on iPhone To see your iPhone’s IP address: 1. Go to Settings \> Wi-Fi. 2. Tap the blue info icon next to your network. ![Screenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-08-2025.jpg) ![Screenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-08-2025.jpg) Screenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android. 3\. Scroll down to see your IPv4 and (if applicable) IPv6 IP addresses. ![A screenshot showing the IP address from an iPhone’s settings.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-09-2025.jpg) ![A screenshot showing the IP address from an iPhone’s settings.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-09-2025.jpg) A screenshot showing the IP address from an iPhone’s settings. You may see multiple IP addresses listed if you’re assigned a public IP address from your cellular carrier and a private IP address from your Wi-Fi network. ## What can someone do with your IP address? If [someone has your IP address](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/what-can-someone-do-with-ip-address), they can approximate your location, track your online activity, and potentially target you with ads or cyber attacks. While an IP alone won’t typically lead to hacking, it can be a starting point for identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in your network. Here’s a closer look at ways a cybercriminal may use your IP address: - Monitor your online activity: A criminal could monitor your online activity using your IP address by intercepting network traffic or exploiting vulnerabilities to access your devices or data. - Launch cyberattacks: Your IP address could be used to launch attacks like [DDoS attacks](https://us.norton.com/blog/emerging-threats/ddos-attacks), overwhelming your network with traffic to disrupt your connection. They may also target you with [spyware](https://us.norton.com/blog/malware/spyware) or [malware](https://us.norton.com/blog/emerging-threats/malware), potentially gaining access to your device and personal data. - Personalize spam and scams: Cybercriminals can use your IP address to find your general location. Later, they can leverage this information to personalize scams and [spam messages](https://us.norton.com/blog/online-scams/what-is-spam), making them seem more relevant to you. - Impersonate you: If a hacker has your IP address, they could attempt to impersonate you by [spoofing your IP](https://us.norton.com/blog/malware/what-is-ip-spoofing) to make it seem like their activity originates from your device. ## How to hide your IP address Common methods for [hiding an IP address](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/how-to-hide-your-ip-address) include using a VPN, proxy server, NAT firewall, or anonymizing browser. You can also try connecting to a non-static IP address or resetting your router. Here’s a closer look at different ways to hide your IP address: - VPNs: A [VPN](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/what-is-a-vpn) hides your IP address by encrypting and routing your internet traffic through a VPN server, which assigns you a new IP address and masks your original one. - Proxy servers: Although they typically lack encryption, [proxies](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/proxy-vs-vpn) can help hide your IP address by displaying their server IP address to the sites you visit. - Dynamic IP addresses: Your IP address won’t exactly be obscured, but by changing periodically, dynamic IP addresses assigned by a [public Wi-Fi network](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/public-wifi) or your mobile carrier make it harder for you to be tracked or targeted. - NAT firewalls: A NAT [firewall](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/firewall) on your router helps hide your IP address by using a shared public IP for multiple devices, preventing incoming traffic from accessing your devices directly without [port forwarding](https://us.norton.com/blog/how-to/how-to-port-forward). - Reset your modem: Resetting your modem can assign a new dynamic IP address, replacing your previous IP and disrupting any ongoing tracking or attacks aimed at your old IP address. - Browse with Tor: By routing your internet traffic through an encrypted network of server “nodes,” [Tor](https://us.norton.com/blog/vpn/tor-vs-vpn) helps mask your original IP address — although it is still exposed to the first node in the network. - Reset your router: Performing a router reset may assign a new local IP to devices, but it won’t necessarily change your public IP unless your ISP provides a dynamic IP. ## Mask your IP address Don’t want hackers turning up on your digital doorstep? Hiding your IP address with a VPN from a trusted brand is the most effective and reliable way to boost your internet privacy and security. [Norton VPN](https://us.norton.com/products/norton-vpn) helps shield your IP address from prying eyes looking to track your online activity, uncover your location, or steal sensitive personal or financial data. Thanks to bank-grade encryption, your IP is masked, and your data is routed through a secure tunnel, helping to ensure a private and secure online experience every time you connect. [Get Norton VPN](https://us.norton.com/products/norton-vpn) ## FAQs ### Can I change my IP address? Yes, you can [change your IP address](https://us.norton.com/blog/how-to/change-ip-address). An easy and secure way to do so is to use a VPN to assign your device a virtual IP address whenever you connect, keeping your real IP address private. ### What's the difference between a MAC address and IP address? A Media Access Control (MAC) address is a permanent and unique hardware identifier for a device’s network interface controller (NIC), used for communication within a local network. In contrast, an IP address identifies a device’s connection to a network and can change depending on location and connection type. ### Does your IP address change with location? Yes, an IP address can change with location. When you connect to the internet from different places, such as different Wi-Fi networks or using mobile data, your device is assigned a new IP address based on the network's location. This helps identify your approximate geographical location. ### What is a loopback IP address? A loopback IP address routes data packets from the original device back to itself so it doesn’t travel over the internet. Developers and network administrators typically use loopback IPs to perform tests or debugging. ### What is the 192.168 IP address? 192\.168.x.x is a private default address commonly used for routers in home networks and other small private networks. Each device connected to the same local network shares the same number sequence at the beginning but has a unique identifier at the end. ![Oliver Buxton ](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/as/oliver-buxton.jpg) - [Oliver Buxton](https://us.norton.com/blog/authors/oliver-buxton) - Staff Cybersecurity Editor Oliver Buxton, a staff editor for Norton, specializes in advanced persistent threats. His work on cyberterrorism has appeared in The Times, and his prior work includes writing digital safeguarding policies. Editors' note: Our articles offer educational information and are written to raise awareness about important topics in Cyber Safety. Norton products and services may not protect against every type of threat, fraud, or crime we write about. For more details about how we research, write, and review our articles, see our [Editorial Policy](https://us.norton.com/blog/editorial-policy "https://us.norton.com/blog/editorial-policy"). * ## Related articles ![Page back](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/norton/icon/arrow-left.svg) ![Page forward](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/norton/icon/arrow-right.svg) Published · Published · [![What is a VPN and what does it do?](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/tn/what-is-a-vpn-thumbnail.jpg)](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/what-is-a-vpn) [Privacy](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy) [What is a VPN and what does it do?](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/what-is-a-vpn) Updated April 09, 2024 · 8 min read [![Proxy vs. VPN: What’s the difference and which one should you use?](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/tn/proxy-vs-vpn-thumb.jpg)](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/proxy-vs-vpn) [Privacy](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy) [Proxy vs. VPN: 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does it do?](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/what-is-a-vpn) Updated April 09, 2024 · 8 min read [![Proxy vs. VPN: What’s the difference and which one should you use?](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/tn/proxy-vs-vpn-thumb.jpg)](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/proxy-vs-vpn) [Privacy](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy) [Proxy vs. VPN: What’s the difference and which one should you use?](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/proxy-vs-vpn) Updated November 25, 2025 · 14 min read [![What is UPnP and is it safe?](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/tn/what-is-upnp-thumb.jpg)](https://us.norton.com/blog/wifi/what-is-upnp) [Wi-Fi & Networking](https://us.norton.com/blog/wifi) [What is UPnP and is it safe?](https://us.norton.com/blog/wifi/what-is-upnp) Published March 25, 2026 · 8 min read [![What can someone do with your IP 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Readable Markdown	## IP address definition An IP address is a unique identifier assigned to a device on the internet or a local network. Short for "Internet Protocol," IP refers to the rules that dictate how data is formatted and transmitted across networks. IP addresses are essential for the internet’s functionality, facilitating communication by directing data between devices, and ensuring it reaches the intended destination. Each IP address includes location details that make devices identifiable within a network, allowing the internet to differentiate between computers, routers, and websites. ![The definition of IP address.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-01-2025.png) ![The definition of IP address.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-01-2025.png) The definition of IP address. ## How do IP addresses work? IP addresses work by providing a unique label to each device on a network, allowing them to send and receive data packets according to [TCP/IP](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/tcp-ip) protocols. [Routers](https://us.norton.com/blog/iot/smarter-home-what-is-router) and other network devices use these addresses to route packets to their correct destination, ensuring efficient and accurate communication between devices. Here’s a closer look at how IP addresses help facilitate network data transfers: 1. Device initialization: Your device connects to a network and prepares to communicate. 2. IP address assignment: The network router assigns separate IP addresses to each network device, after receiving its own IP address allocation from an organization like ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) via the [ISP](https://us.norton.com/blog/wifi/what-is-an-isp) (internet service provider). 3. Domain Name System (DNS) resolution: When you enter a domain name (like google.com), the [DNS](https://us.norton.com/blog/how-to/what-is-my-dns) translates it into a machine-readable IP address. This process allows your device to locate and communicate with the correct server on the internet. 4. Data packet transmission: Data is broken into packets, each containing the source and destination IP addresses. These data packets are then sent by the transmitting device and forwarded across the network. 5. Network address translation (NAT): NAT modifies IP address information in packet headers as data passes through a router, replacing the private IP address with the router’s public IP address. This allows multiple devices on a private network to share a single public IP. 6. Routing and switching: Routing uses IP addresses to direct data packets between different networks, while switching handles traffic within a single network, using MAC addresses to route packets to specific devices. 7. Delivery and response: Data packets arrive at the destination device or server, identified by its IP address. The destination may send a response or acknowledgment back to the source device, using IP addresses to ensure the correct return path. 8. Renewal and reassignment: Dynamic IP addresses are periodically renewed and reassigned as devices connect and disconnect from networks. This process ensures each device has a valid, unique IP address, preventing conflicts and maintaining efficient network organization. ## Types of IP addresses Different types of IP addresses are used to manage the limited pool of available addresses, improve security, and meet specific networking needs. These include IPv4 and IPv6 IP addresses, public and private IP addresses, and static and dynamic IP addresses. ![A comparison of different types of IP addresses.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-02-2025.png) ![A comparison of different types of IP addresses.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-02-2025.png) A comparison of different types of IP addresses. ### IPv4 IPv4 is a legacy generation of IP that’s still widely used. They use a 32-bit address format, represented in dotted decimal notation, with a maximum of 15 characters. Its main drawback is limited address space, with only around 4 billion possible unique addresses. To help cope with address exhaustion, ISPs use techniques like NAT, enabling multiple devices to share a single public IP. An example of an IPv4 address is: 192\.168.1.1. ### IPv6 IPv6 addresses are the newest IP address iteration. These types of IPs offer a greatly expanded address space, by using 128-bit addresses written as eight groups of four hexadecimal digits. This allows for more than 340 undecillion unique addresses — a limit we’ll likely never hit. IPv6 also improves routing efficiency and network security by incorporating [IPsec](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/what-is-ipsec) authentication and encryption protocols. An example of an IPv6 address is: 2401:0fc8:85b3:0000:0000:8b6e:0730:7314. ### Public IP address A public IP address is assigned to devices like routers, which are directly accessible over the internet. Public IPs are globally unique and traceable, which allows external devices to communicate with your network — but it also makes them visible and traceable to a specific location. To enhance privacy and security, devices within a local network typically share one public IP address. ### Private IP address A [private IP address](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/private-ip-address), or local IP address, is assigned by your router to devices within your local network. Each device gets a unique private IP to help the router direct traffic correctly. Unlike [public IP addresses](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/public-vs-private-ip-address), which are visible on the internet, private IPs remain confined to your local network, which means they don’t need to be universally unique and can be reused across multiple networks. ### Static IP address Static IP addresses, also known as dedicated or fixed IP addresses, don’t change. Once a device is assigned an IP address, that address remains the same. Static IP addresses are common for web servers, email servers, or other devices that need to be consistently accessible at the same address. ### Dynamic IP address Dynamic IP addresses are temporary addresses assigned to devices by a network’s DHCP server each time a device connects to the network. This allows efficient use of available addresses, making it ideal for networks with many users. Dynamic IPs also offer security benefits, since their changing nature makes it harder for hackers to target. ## How to find your IP address You can find your public IP address by Googling “What is my IP?” Google and other web services know your IP address because it’s assigned to your device and is required to connect to the internet in the first place. When you search, Google usually displays your public IP address in an info box, but you might need to scroll down a bit to see it. ![An example of where you can find your IP address on Google.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-03-2025.jpg) ![An example of where you can find your IP address on Google.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-03-2025.jpg) An example of where you can find your IP address on Google. But if you want to see your computer or phone’s network-provided IP address — known as your private IP address — you’ll need to look up the local IP directly on your device. ### Find your IP address on Windows Here’s how to look up your IP address on a PC: 1. Go to Start \> Settings \> Network & internet. 2. Select Wi-Fi (for wireless connections) or Ethernet (for wired connections). ![A screenshot showing how to find your IP address on a wireless network through Windows settings.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-04-2025.jpg) ![A screenshot showing how to find your IP address on a wireless network through Windows settings.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-04-2025.jpg) A screenshot showing how to find your IP address on a wireless network through Windows settings. 3\. Click your network’s Properties icon, then scroll until you see your IP address. ![A screenshot showing the IP address on a Windows computer.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-05-2025.jpg) ![A screenshot showing the IP address on a Windows computer.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-05-2025.jpg) A screenshot showing the IP address on a Windows computer. ### Find your IP address on Mac To find your Mac’s IP address, follow these steps: 1. Open System Settings \> Wi-Fi \> Details. 2. Scroll until you see your IP address. ![A screenshot showing the IP address through Mac settings.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-06-2025.jpg) ![A screenshot showing the IP address through Mac settings.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-06-2025.jpg) A screenshot showing the IP address through Mac settings. ### Find your IP address on Android You can also check your phone’s IP address by following these steps: 1. Go to Settings \> About phone. 2. Scroll down until you see your IP address. ![Screenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-07-2025.jpg) ![Screenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-07-2025.jpg) Screenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android. ### Find your IP address on iPhone To see your iPhone’s IP address: 1. Go to Settings \> Wi-Fi. 2. Tap the blue info icon next to your network. ![Screenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-08-2025.jpg) ![Screenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-08-2025.jpg) Screenshots showing how to see the IP address on an Android. 3\. Scroll down to see your IPv4 and (if applicable) IPv6 IP addresses. ![A screenshot showing the IP address from an iPhone’s settings.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-09-2025.jpg) ![A screenshot showing the IP address from an iPhone’s settings.](https://us.norton.com/content/dam/blogs/images/norton/am/what-is-an-ip-address-09-2025.jpg) A screenshot showing the IP address from an iPhone’s settings. You may see multiple IP addresses listed if you’re assigned a public IP address from your cellular carrier and a private IP address from your Wi-Fi network. ## What can someone do with your IP address? If [someone has your IP address](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/what-can-someone-do-with-ip-address), they can approximate your location, track your online activity, and potentially target you with ads or cyber attacks. While an IP alone won’t typically lead to hacking, it can be a starting point for identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in your network. Here’s a closer look at ways a cybercriminal may use your IP address: - Monitor your online activity: A criminal could monitor your online activity using your IP address by intercepting network traffic or exploiting vulnerabilities to access your devices or data. - Launch cyberattacks: Your IP address could be used to launch attacks like [DDoS attacks](https://us.norton.com/blog/emerging-threats/ddos-attacks), overwhelming your network with traffic to disrupt your connection. They may also target you with [spyware](https://us.norton.com/blog/malware/spyware) or [malware](https://us.norton.com/blog/emerging-threats/malware), potentially gaining access to your device and personal data. - Personalize spam and scams: Cybercriminals can use your IP address to find your general location. Later, they can leverage this information to personalize scams and [spam messages](https://us.norton.com/blog/online-scams/what-is-spam), making them seem more relevant to you. - Impersonate you: If a hacker has your IP address, they could attempt to impersonate you by [spoofing your IP](https://us.norton.com/blog/malware/what-is-ip-spoofing) to make it seem like their activity originates from your device. ## How to hide your IP address Common methods for [hiding an IP address](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/how-to-hide-your-ip-address) include using a VPN, proxy server, NAT firewall, or anonymizing browser. You can also try connecting to a non-static IP address or resetting your router. Here’s a closer look at different ways to hide your IP address: - VPNs: A [VPN](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/what-is-a-vpn) hides your IP address by encrypting and routing your internet traffic through a VPN server, which assigns you a new IP address and masks your original one. - Proxy servers: Although they typically lack encryption, [proxies](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/proxy-vs-vpn) can help hide your IP address by displaying their server IP address to the sites you visit. - Dynamic IP addresses: Your IP address won’t exactly be obscured, but by changing periodically, dynamic IP addresses assigned by a [public Wi-Fi network](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/public-wifi) or your mobile carrier make it harder for you to be tracked or targeted. - NAT firewalls: A NAT [firewall](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/firewall) on your router helps hide your IP address by using a shared public IP for multiple devices, preventing incoming traffic from accessing your devices directly without [port forwarding](https://us.norton.com/blog/how-to/how-to-port-forward). - Reset your modem: Resetting your modem can assign a new dynamic IP address, replacing your previous IP and disrupting any ongoing tracking or attacks aimed at your old IP address. - Browse with Tor: By routing your internet traffic through an encrypted network of server “nodes,” [Tor](https://us.norton.com/blog/vpn/tor-vs-vpn) helps mask your original IP address — although it is still exposed to the first node in the network. - Reset your router: Performing a router reset may assign a new local IP to devices, but it won’t necessarily change your public IP unless your ISP provides a dynamic IP. ## Mask your IP address Don’t want hackers turning up on your digital doorstep? Hiding your IP address with a VPN from a trusted brand is the most effective and reliable way to boost your internet privacy and security. [Norton VPN](https://us.norton.com/products/norton-vpn) helps shield your IP address from prying eyes looking to track your online activity, uncover your location, or steal sensitive personal or financial data. Thanks to bank-grade encryption, your IP is masked, and your data is routed through a secure tunnel, helping to ensure a private and secure online experience every time you connect. ## FAQs ### Can I change my IP address? Yes, you can [change your IP address](https://us.norton.com/blog/how-to/change-ip-address). An easy and secure way to do so is to use a VPN to assign your device a virtual IP address whenever you connect, keeping your real IP address private. ### What's the difference between a MAC address and IP address? A Media Access Control (MAC) address is a permanent and unique hardware identifier for a device’s network interface controller (NIC), used for communication within a local network. In contrast, an IP address identifies a device’s connection to a network and can change depending on location and connection type. ### Does your IP address change with location? Yes, an IP address can change with location. When you connect to the internet from different places, such as different Wi-Fi networks or using mobile data, your device is assigned a new IP address based on the network's location. This helps identify your approximate geographical location. ### What is a loopback IP address? A loopback IP address routes data packets from the original device back to itself so it doesn’t travel over the internet. Developers and network administrators typically use loopback IPs to perform tests or debugging. ### What is the 192.168 IP address? 192\.168.x.x is a private default address commonly used for routers in home networks and other small private networks. Each device connected to the same local network shares the same number sequence at the beginning but has a unique identifier at the end.
Shard	192 (laksa)
Root Hash	8619398741630905392
Unparsed URL	com,norton!us,/blog/privacy/what-is-an-ip-address s443