âšď¸ Skipped - page is already crawled
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|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | PASS | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 0.2 months ago |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | PASS | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | Not set |
| Property | Value |
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| URL | https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/ |
| Last Crawled | 2026-04-03 07:25:29 (4 days ago) |
| First Indexed | 2019-04-17 20:08:25 (6 years ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | What Is My IP Address â 100% Accuracy Free IP Lookup Tool |
| Meta Description | Use this free IP tool to check your device or website IP address. Plus, learn about IP addresses, IPv4 vs IPv6, and how it affects your speed and online safety. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research, and also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
Wizcase was established in 2018 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers maintain their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Intego and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on Wizcase are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and thorough examination by the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
Advertising Disclosure
Wizcase was established in 2018 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers maintain their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Intego and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on Wizcase are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and thorough examination by the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
This Is Your IP Address!
202.8.42.223
Your internet activity may be visible to your ISP and to anyone who monitors your connection.
Location:
United States, Ashburn
IP Address Type:
Exposed IP Address
Internet Service Provider:
Ahrefs Pte Ltd
What are you most worried about when browsing online?
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You want to be sure your internet connection is secure and youâre not at risk from hackers â so you can use public WiFi without worries
Secure My Connection
Privacy
You want to keep your data protected so your browsing activity isnât tracked by advertisers, internet providers, or governments
Keep My Data Private
Entertainment
You want to be able to stream shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu and other streaming platforms
Get Unrestricted Access
Whatâs an IP address?
An Internet Protocol (IP) address is the unique set of numbers assigned to every device whenever itâs connected to the internet.
It works as a way for devices to identify and communicate with each other â just like a home address. If someone wanted to mail you a letter, heâd have to know your address to know where to send it to.
The process is analogous to how things work on the internet. When you input a websiteâs address (e.g., www.google.com) into your web browser, your device needs to retrieve the corresponding IP address associated with that website. This is necessary because devices primarily comprehend numbers rather than the letters youâve entered. After obtaining the IP address of the website, your device can proceed to display the correct page on your screen. Your IP address needs to be public information in order for other devices to establish communication with you. While this arrangement offers convenience, it does not afford you any online privacy.
Explained: What are IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 and IPv6 are simply different versions of IP addresses.
When IP addresses were first created, all of them were IPv4. It consists of 4 sets of numbers, ranging between 0 and 255, and would appear as something like â192.168.1.1â. IPv6 is the newer version of IP addresses and is represented by 8 groups of 4 hexadecimal digits (for example: 2001:cdba:85a3:0370:0000:0000:3257:9652).
The creation of IPv6 was necessary because there are only around 4 billion possible combinations of unique IPv4 addresses. This isnât enough for the needs of the internet as more addresses get taken up. On the other hand,
IPv6 allows for many more possible combinations of addresses
â 3.4 x 1038 to be exact.
Even though IPv6 has several advantages like increased speed and security, it will take some time before IPv4 is completely abandoned. A full transition is complicated as ISPs, data centers, and device manufacturers need to upgrade their costly infrastructure to support IPv6. Thatâs why both versions will continue to co-exist together in the years to come. To support the switch, ISP networks use dual stacking technology to enable connections for both IPv4 and IPv6. This means you may sometimes see your IP address swapping between the 2 versions.
Public vs. Private IP Address â Whatâs the Difference?
When you search for your IP address online, the result that you get will be your public (or global) IP address. Just like how every apartment within a block shares the same street address,
all devices (e.g. laptop, smartphone, or tablet) within the same network use the same public IP address
. It is assigned to you by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), and can be seen by anyone on the internet â including hackers or government surveillance agencies.
However, all devices also need a unique identifier to differentiate themselves to communicate on the same network â just like how each apartment within a block has a specific unit number. Thatâs why
your router also assigns individual private (or local) IP addresses to each device
. Unlike a public IP address, your private IP address canât be seen by others on the internet.
How to Find Your IP Address (Step-by-Step Guides)
Finding your public IP address (the one that is assigned to you by your ISP) is easy because itâs available to anyone on the internet. You can use the free IP lookup tool on this page, or even search for it on Google. However, if you need to look up the private IP address of each device on your home network, it requires a few more steps which you can find here:
Routers
Finding your routerâs IP address is important for doing any manual configuration of its settings. However, before you even begin your search, youâll need to know that different devices have various ways of referring to it. So when you look for it on the Windows OS, itâs called âdefault gatewayâ. Whereas for Apple devices, itâs simply called ârouterâ. Other devices may call it âgatewayâ, or a similar variation.
Find Your Router IP Address on Windows
Click the start button, and search for âControl Panelâ and click it.
Click âView network status and tasks Under the âNetwork and Internetâ category, click âView network status and tasksâ.
In the upper right corner, find the name of your network connection (your WiFi name or Ethernet) and click it.
Click Details under the Connection header.
Your router IP address will be listed as âIPv4 Default Gatewayâ.
Find Your Router IP Address on Mac
Click the âAppleâ icon at the top left hand corner of your screen.
Click âSystem Preferencesâ > âNetworkâ.
Select your network connection (your WiFi name or Ethernet), then click âAdvancedâ at the bottom right of the window.
Click âTCP/IPâ at the top.
Your router IP address will be listed as âRouterâ.
Find Your Router IP Address on iOS
Go to âSettingsâ.
Tap âWiFiâ.
Look for the WiFi network you are connected to and tap the âiâ (for older iPhones, you might see an arrow) next to your network name.
Your router IP address will be listed as âRouterâ.
Find Your Router IP Address on Android
The exact process may vary depending on the type of Android device you have, but here are some general instructions:
Go to âSettingsâ > âWiFi Settingsâ.
Tap and hold on your network connection.
Another window will pop up. Select âManage network settingsâ.
Tap the checkbox next to âShow advanced optionsâ and select âStaticâ under âIP settingsâ.
Your router IP address will be listed as âGatewayâ.
Note:
Remember to tap âCancelâ instead of âSaveâ after you have found your router IP address. If not, your IP setting will be saved as âStaticâ.
MAC
Click the âAppleâ icon at the top left hand corner of your screen.
Select âSystem Preferencesâ > âNetworkâ.
Select your network connection (your WiFi name or Ethernet), then click âAdvancedâ at the bottom right of the window.
Select âTCP/IPâ at the top.
Your private IP address will be listed as âIPv4 Addressâ.
Windows
Windows 10
Go to the Windows Start Menu and click âSettingsâ.
Click âNetwork and Internetâ.
Click âWiFiâ > âAdvanced Settingsâ.
Your IP address will be listed as âIPv4 addressâ.
Windows 8 & 7
Select the Network Connection icon and choose âOpen Network and Sharing Systemâ.
Click âWireless Network Connectionâ or âLocal Area Connectionâ for wired connections.
Click âDetailsâ.
Your IP address will be listed as âIPv4 addressâ.
Printers
Find Your Printer IP Address on Windows
Click the start button, and search for âControl Panelâ and click it.
Click on âDevice and Printersâ.
Right click on the printer and click âPropertiesâ.
Select the âWeb Servicesâ tab.
The printer IP address will be listed as âIP Addressâ.
Find Your Printer IP Address on Mac
Click the âAppleâ icon at the top left hand corner of your screen.
Click âSystem Preferencesâ > âPrinters and Scannersâ.
Click the printer in the left column.
The printer IP address will be listed as âLocationâ.
Websites
Knowing a websiteâs IP address can be useful if you need block specific sites or bypass website-blocking software. One of the easiest ways to find out the IP address of any URL is to use the free IP tool above. Just enter the website under âIP address or Domain Nameâ and click âIP Lookupâ.
However, if you want to look up a websiteâs IP address the manual way, here are the steps:
Find a Website IP Address on Windows
Click the Windows logo at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
Type âCommand Promptâ into the search panel at the bottom.
Click âCommand Promptâ in the search results, and the âCommand Promptâ window will appear.
Type in âping (full website URL)â.
Press âEnterâ.
Your website IP address will appear in brackets in the next line after the command you entered.
Find a Website IP address on Mac
Click the magnifying glass icon at the top-right corner of the screen.
Search for âNetwork Utilityâ, and click âNetwork Utilityâ at the top of the search results.
A new window will appear. Click the âTracerouteâ tab.
Enter your full website address at the top search field, and click âTraceâ.
The website IP address will appear in brackets after âtraceroute to (website URL)â.
Android
Go to âSettingsâ, and tap on âAbout Deviceâ.
Tap âStatusâ.
Your router IP address will be listed under âIP Addressâ.
Note:
If these instructions do not apply to your older Android devices, try using the instructions for finding your router IP address. Your Android IP address may be listed above the âGatewayâ section.
Iphone
Go to âSettingsâ.
Tap âWiFiâ.
Look for the WiFi network you are connected to and tap the âiâ (for older iPhones, you might see an arrow) next to your network name.
You will be able to see your IP address under âIP Addressâ.
Xbox
Go to âSystemâ > âSettingsâ.
Select âNetworkâ > âNetwork Settingsâ.
Select âAdvanced Settingsâ.
You will see your IP address under âIP Addressâ.
What Your IP Address Reveals About You
Where You Are
At the most basic level, your IP address reveals the country youâre in, city, and postal code. Thatâs why you often see ads that are localised to your location. For example, you always see ads for your local restaurant, and not one in a different country. However, thatâs not all your IP address reveals about you â every single thing you do online is linked to it.
What You're Doing Online
Websites and advertisers arenât just trying to see your physical location from your IP address â they want to know where youâre going online as well. One of the ways they gather this information about you is by using cookies and IP tracking technology to âfollowâ your IP address around the internet. With this data, it learns about your browsing habits to send even more specific ads to cater to what it thinks youâre interested in. Alternatively, it could even sell all this information to other advertisers.
Who You Are
Your ISP is able to piece together even more information about you because it has your name, exact address, and credit card information. All it needs to do is look at the browsing history associated with your IP address and itâs actually able to link everything you do online to your identity. This includes which sites you visit, what you buy, or what you torrent. In certain countries (like Australia, Canada, and the UK), theyâre even required by law to log your online information.
Tips on How to Keep Your IP Address Private
1. Connect to a VPN to Hide Your IP address (And Encrypt Your Traffic)
Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the most effective ways of hiding your IP address.
Firstly, it uses a method known as encryption to make your online information unreadable to anyone trying to see it. Secondly, it re-routes your internet traffic through its own servers. With these 2 processes working together,
the only IP address that is visible to others is the VPNâs IP address â not your real one
.
Hiding your IP address with a VPN isnât just useful for keeping your online information secure and private. It can also give you access to location-restricted content like Netflix or BBC iPlayer by choosing an IP address thatâs in a different country.
However, not all VPNs use the best available technology, and some still reveal your IP address. Thatâs why itâs important to ensure to use a VPN that has extra security measures in place to
prevent any IP leaks
.
2. Use a Proxy to Mask Your IP Address
With a proxy, your online information gets rerouted through the proxy server before reaching its destination. So anyone trying to see your IP address will only see the proxy serverâs address rather than. This is similar to what a VPN does. However,
proxy servers do not encrypt your information
â making it less secure than a VPN.
3. Stay Anonymous on the Tor Network
Tor (The Onion Router) is a volunteer-operated open-source network that can keep you anonymous online.
To access it, youâll need to use a special Tor browser that can be downloaded for free through the Tor website. It hides your IP address by sending your information through different servers on the Tor network, while applying several layers of encryption. Your visible IP address will be a Tor server on the network rather than your real IP address.
While your information remains anonymous within the Tor network, any of your activities outside the network is still visible to your ISP. That means your ISP will still be able to see that youâve accessed the Tor network, even though it wonât know what youâre doing once youâre in there. Also,
Tor browsing is very slow
because your data has to pass through many servers before reaching its destination. If you watched a YouTube video on a Tor browser, there would be significant lag and buffering.
4. Connect to Your Mobile Network via Hotspot
One of the fastest ways to hide your home network IP address is to route your traffic through your smartphoneâs mobile network instead. This involves creating an internet hotspot from your phone.
A
lthough this method hides your home IP address, it does not keep your information private.
Your mobile service provider will still be able to see everything youâre doing through its network because your data is not encrypted. However, itâs still a quick way to mask your home IP address if you feel that itâs been compromised.
Quick Comparison of Ways to Keep Your IP Address Private
VPN
Proxy
Tor
Mobile Network
Hides your IP address
âď¸
âď¸
âď¸
âď¸
Complete Anonymity
âď¸
Fast speeds
âď¸
âď¸
âď¸
Secured by Encryption
âď¸
âď¸
Bypass geo-blocks
âď¸
âď¸
âď¸
Common FAQs on IP Addresses
How can I find out my IP address (for free)?
The quickest way to find out your public IP address is by using the free IP Lookup Tool on this page.
You can also
jump here to find out the private IP addresses of your devices
.
Is IPv6 better than IPv4 for gaming on Xbox?
IPv4 and IPv6 are similar in many ways
, but there is a clear winner when it comes to gaming. An IPv6 connection will give you a better gaming experience on Xbox because itâs faster than IPv4. That means less latency and lag! This is because it eliminates the speed-slowing NAT (Network Address Translation) process where multiple devices share 1 public IP address.
The good news is that Xbox also natively supports IPv6. So as long as your ISP uses IPv6, you should be able to see the connection on your Xbox.
Which is better â IPv4 or IPv6? Is one faster or more secure?
IPv6 is better than IPv4 because itâs more secure and faster.
With IPv4, internet traffic has to âhopâ through the NAT process of sharing a single IP address between multiple devices which leads to slower speeds. IPv6 doesnât need to undergo NAT, which allows devices to have a more direct and efficient connection to the internet.
IPv6 also has in-built IPSec technology which authenticates and encrypts your online information which makes cyberattacks much harder.
Why hasnât the world moved to IPv6 yet?
Although IPv6 is better than IPv4 for several reasons
, the uptake of IPv6 has been slow for carrier networks and ISPs. There are primarily 2 reasons this. Firstly, upgrading network infrastructure to support IPv6 is expensive, and ISPs may not see the need to do so if staying with IPv4 is better for profits.
Secondly, by using NAT, ISPs are able to get multiple devices to share 1 public IP address. This delays the issue of IPv4 addresses running out, and lowers the incentive for ISPs to make the switch to IPv6.
Can IPv4 and IPv6 communicate with each other?
No. A IPv4-only host cannot communicate directly with a IPv6-only host as
they are different protocols
. They will need to go through a translation process to be able to talk to one another. Thatâs why if you have a device that only supports IPv4, you wonât be able to access a website that is running on IPv6.
Will my IP address change if I move?
Yes. If you move house, your IP address will be different. However, if you would like to keep your old IP address, you should be able to request for a static IP address from your ISP.
How do I enable IPv6 on Windows or Mac?
Windows
Click the start button, and search for âControl Panelâ and click it.
Under the âNetwork and Internetâ category, click âNetwork and Sharing Centerâ.
In the upper right corner, find the name of your network connection (your WiFi name or Ethernet) and click it.
Click âPropertiesâ at the bottom of the window.
Scroll through the options to find âInternet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)â and tick the checkbox next to it.
Click âOKâ to save your changes.
Mac
Click the âAppleâ icon at the top left hand corner of your screen.
Then select âSystem Preferencesâ > âNetworkâ.
Click âAdvancedâ and select the âTCP/IPâ at the top.
Click the dropdown menu next to âConfigure IPv6â and select your preferred option.
Does using IPv6 or IPv4 affect my VPN?
Currently, all VPNs can only support IPv4 connections. So if you try to establish a IPv6 connection with another device or website, the VPN will ignore the request which could lead to an IP leak. To solve this issue, VPNs need to block IPv6 traffic and only reroute IPv4 traffic. However, not all VPNs provide this feature â which is why itâs important to
choose a good-quality VPN with IPv6 leak protection
.
How do I change my IP address?
Changing your public IP address (
this is different from just hiding it
) can be useful if youâve encountered a personal IP ban or your ISP has imposed restrictions like speed throttling. Here are 2 ways that you can permanently change your IP address:
Restart your router:
Most home networks are assigned dynamic IP addresses (meaning they change) from their ISPs. So a simple solution may be to just switch your router on and off. However, this solution may not always work because some servers try to remember the devices that have connected to it before and may reassign you the same IP address
Request a new one from your ISP:
If you do request a new IP address from your ISP, it will have to be a static IP address (meaning it doesnât change). Itâs best to familiarize yourself with the
pros and cons of having a static IP address
before you switch to one.
Whatâs the difference between an IP address and these other terms?
MAC Address
While your IP address is your deviceâs network connection identity, the MAC address is itâs hardware identity. It is assigned to your device during manufacturing and is built into the firmware. Both IP and MAC addresses are essential for connecting your device to the internet. Your router needs to know your deviceâs MAC address to identify it and establish a connection. Only then can your router assign an IP address to your device to connect it to the internet. While IP addresses can change along with your deviceâs location, your MAC address does not change.
Gateway/Default Gateway
âDefault Gatewayâ or âGatewayâ are just alternative terms used to refer to your routerâs private IP address.
Domain Name
A website domain name is what we actually type into a web browser (example.com). Itâs the alphabetical version of an IP address (which is only made up of numbers). This makes it easier for us to remember and understand compared to a series of numbers.
URL
A Universal Resource Locator (URL) is the full name used to identify each page on a website and will include the domain name. For example: http://www.example.com/about.
Subnet Mask
Subnet masks are used to divide the IP address into the network and host (individual device) addresses. It has several purposes, which include helping devices to find the right host and helping to ease network congestion.
Hostname
On a local home network, the term âhostnameâ is referring to the unique name given to a device for identification purposes.
A hostname can also refer to the part of a website URL which identifies the correct network for a website. For example, âwwwâ is the hostname of âwww.example.comâ.
DNS
The Domain Name System (DNS) is what helps to translate a website name into an IP address so that computers can understand what youâre looking for. If you type in âwww.example.comâ, the DNS will convert it to something like â111.111.111.111â so that your device can load the right page for you.
We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research, and also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
Wizcase was established in 2018 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers maintain their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Intego and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on Wizcase are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and thorough examination by the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article. |
| Markdown | We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research, and also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
Wizcase was established in 2018 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers maintain their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Intego and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on Wizcase are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and thorough examination by the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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[Advertising Disclosure](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/)
Wizcase was established in 2018 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers maintain their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Intego and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on Wizcase are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and thorough examination by the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
# What's my ip address?
This Is Your IP Address\!
**202\.8.42.223**
Your internet activity may be visible to your ISP and to anyone who monitors your connection.
- **Location:** United States, Ashburn
- **IP Address Type:** Exposed IP Address
- **Internet Service Provider:** Ahrefs Pte Ltd
## What are you most worried about when browsing online?
### Security
You want to be sure your internet connection is secure and youâre not at risk from hackers â so you can use public WiFi without worries
[Secure My Connection](https://www.wizcase.com/vpn-reviews/)
### Privacy
You want to keep your data protected so your browsing activity isnât tracked by advertisers, internet providers, or governments
[Keep My Data Private](https://www.wizcase.com/blog/which-vpns-will-protect-your-privacy/)
### Entertainment
You want to be able to stream shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu and other streaming platforms
[Get Unrestricted Access](https://www.wizcase.com/blog/best-vpns-for-streaming/)
## Simple Guide to Understanding IP Addresses:
- [Whatâs an IP address?](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#whats-an-ip-address)
- [What Your IP Address Reveals About You](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#whats-my-ip-reveal)
- [Explained: What are IPv4 and IPv6?](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#whats-my-ip-explained)
- [Tips on How to Keep Your IP Address Private](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#private-ip)
- [Public vs. Private IP Address â Whatâs the Difference?](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#whats-my-ip-difference)
- [Common FAQs on IP Addresses](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#common-faqs)
- [How to Find Your IP Address (Step-by-Step Guides)](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#find-ip-guide)
## Whatâs an IP address?
**An Internet Protocol (IP) address is the unique set of numbers assigned to every device whenever itâs connected to the internet.** It works as a way for devices to identify and communicate with each other â just like a home address. If someone wanted to mail you a letter, heâd have to know your address to know where to send it to.
The process is analogous to how things work on the internet. When you input a websiteâs address (e.g., www.google.com) into your web browser, your device needs to retrieve the corresponding IP address associated with that website. This is necessary because devices primarily comprehend numbers rather than the letters youâve entered. After obtaining the IP address of the website, your device can proceed to display the correct page on your screen. Your IP address needs to be public information in order for other devices to establish communication with you. While this arrangement offers convenience, it does not afford you any online privacy.
## Explained: What are IPv4 and IPv6?
**IPv4 and IPv6 are simply different versions of IP addresses.** When IP addresses were first created, all of them were IPv4. It consists of 4 sets of numbers, ranging between 0 and 255, and would appear as something like â192.168.1.1â. IPv6 is the newer version of IP addresses and is represented by 8 groups of 4 hexadecimal digits (for example: 2001:cdba:85a3:0370:0000:0000:3257:9652).
The creation of IPv6 was necessary because there are only around 4 billion possible combinations of unique IPv4 addresses. This isnât enough for the needs of the internet as more addresses get taken up. On the other hand, **IPv6 allows for many more possible combinations of addresses** â 3.4 x 1038 to be exact.
Even though IPv6 has several advantages like increased speed and security, it will take some time before IPv4 is completely abandoned. A full transition is complicated as ISPs, data centers, and device manufacturers need to upgrade their costly infrastructure to support IPv6. Thatâs why both versions will continue to co-exist together in the years to come. To support the switch, ISP networks use dual stacking technology to enable connections for both IPv4 and IPv6. This means you may sometimes see your IP address swapping between the 2 versions.
## Public vs. Private IP Address â Whatâs the Difference?
When you search for your IP address online, the result that you get will be your public (or global) IP address. Just like how every apartment within a block shares the same street address, **all devices (e.g. laptop, smartphone, or tablet) within the same network use the same public IP address**. It is assigned to you by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), and can be seen by anyone on the internet â including hackers or government surveillance agencies.
However, all devices also need a unique identifier to differentiate themselves to communicate on the same network â just like how each apartment within a block has a specific unit number. Thatâs why **your router also assigns individual private (or local) IP addresses to each device**. Unlike a public IP address, your private IP address canât be seen by others on the internet.
## How to Find Your IP Address (Step-by-Step Guides)
Finding your public IP address (the one that is assigned to you by your ISP) is easy because itâs available to anyone on the internet. You can use the free IP lookup tool on this page, or even search for it on Google. However, if you need to look up the private IP address of each device on your home network, it requires a few more steps which you can find here:
#### [Routers](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#collapseOne)
Finding your routerâs IP address is important for doing any manual configuration of its settings. However, before you even begin your search, youâll need to know that different devices have various ways of referring to it. So when you look for it on the Windows OS, itâs called âdefault gatewayâ. Whereas for Apple devices, itâs simply called ârouterâ. Other devices may call it âgatewayâ, or a similar variation.
**Find Your Router IP Address on Windows**
1. Click the start button, and search for âControl Panelâ and click it.
2. Click âView network status and tasks Under the âNetwork and Internetâ category, click âView network status and tasksâ.
3. In the upper right corner, find the name of your network connection (your WiFi name or Ethernet) and click it.
4. Click Details under the Connection header.
5. Your router IP address will be listed as âIPv4 Default Gatewayâ.
### Find Your Router IP Address on Mac
1. Click the âAppleâ icon at the top left hand corner of your screen.
2. Click âSystem Preferencesâ \> âNetworkâ.
3. Select your network connection (your WiFi name or Ethernet), then click âAdvancedâ at the bottom right of the window.
4. Click âTCP/IPâ at the top.
5. Your router IP address will be listed as âRouterâ.
### Find Your Router IP Address on iOS
1. Go to âSettingsâ.
2. Tap âWiFiâ.
3. Look for the WiFi network you are connected to and tap the âiâ (for older iPhones, you might see an arrow) next to your network name.
4. Your router IP address will be listed as âRouterâ.
### Find Your Router IP Address on Android
The exact process may vary depending on the type of Android device you have, but here are some general instructions:
1. Go to âSettingsâ \> âWiFi Settingsâ.
2. Tap and hold on your network connection.
3. Another window will pop up. Select âManage network settingsâ.
4. Tap the checkbox next to âShow advanced optionsâ and select âStaticâ under âIP settingsâ.
5. Your router IP address will be listed as âGatewayâ.
**Note:** Remember to tap âCancelâ instead of âSaveâ after you have found your router IP address. If not, your IP setting will be saved as âStaticâ.
#### [MAC](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#collapseTwo)
1. Click the âAppleâ icon at the top left hand corner of your screen.
2. Select âSystem Preferencesâ \> âNetworkâ.
3. Select your network connection (your WiFi name or Ethernet), then click âAdvancedâ at the bottom right of the window.
4. Select âTCP/IPâ at the top.
5. Your private IP address will be listed as âIPv4 Addressâ.
#### [Windows](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#collapseThree)
### Windows 10
1. Go to the Windows Start Menu and click âSettingsâ.
2. Click âNetwork and Internetâ.
3. Click âWiFiâ \> âAdvanced Settingsâ.
4. Your IP address will be listed as âIPv4 addressâ.
### Windows 8 & 7
1. Select the Network Connection icon and choose âOpen Network and Sharing Systemâ.
2. Click âWireless Network Connectionâ or âLocal Area Connectionâ for wired connections.
3. Click âDetailsâ.
4. Your IP address will be listed as âIPv4 addressâ.
#### [Printers](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#collapseFour)
### Find Your Printer IP Address on Windows
1. Click the start button, and search for âControl Panelâ and click it.
2. Click on âDevice and Printersâ.
3. Right click on the printer and click âPropertiesâ.
4. Select the âWeb Servicesâ tab.
5. The printer IP address will be listed as âIP Addressâ.
### Find Your Printer IP Address on Mac
1. Click the âAppleâ icon at the top left hand corner of your screen.
2. Click âSystem Preferencesâ \> âPrinters and Scannersâ.
3. Click the printer in the left column.
4. The printer IP address will be listed as âLocationâ.
#### [Websites](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#collapseFive)
Knowing a websiteâs IP address can be useful if you need block specific sites or bypass website-blocking software. One of the easiest ways to find out the IP address of any URL is to use the free IP tool above. Just enter the website under âIP address or Domain Nameâ and click âIP Lookupâ.
However, if you want to look up a websiteâs IP address the manual way, here are the steps:
### Find a Website IP Address on Windows
1. Click the Windows logo at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
2. Type âCommand Promptâ into the search panel at the bottom.
3. Click âCommand Promptâ in the search results, and the âCommand Promptâ window will appear.
4. Type in âping (full website URL)â.
5. Press âEnterâ.
6. Your website IP address will appear in brackets in the next line after the command you entered.
### Find a Website IP address on Mac
1. Click the magnifying glass icon at the top-right corner of the screen.
2. Search for âNetwork Utilityâ, and click âNetwork Utilityâ at the top of the search results.
3. A new window will appear. Click the âTracerouteâ tab.
4. Enter your full website address at the top search field, and click âTraceâ.
5. The website IP address will appear in brackets after âtraceroute to (website URL)â.
#### [Android](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#collapseSix)
1. Go to âSettingsâ, and tap on âAbout Deviceâ.
2. Tap âStatusâ.
3. Your router IP address will be listed under âIP Addressâ.
**Note:** If these instructions do not apply to your older Android devices, try using the instructions for finding your router IP address. Your Android IP address may be listed above the âGatewayâ section.
#### [Iphone](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#collapseSeven)
1. Go to âSettingsâ.
2. Tap âWiFiâ.
3. Look for the WiFi network you are connected to and tap the âiâ (for older iPhones, you might see an arrow) next to your network name.
4. You will be able to see your IP address under âIP Addressâ.
#### [Xbox](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#collapseEight)
1. Go to âSystemâ \> âSettingsâ.
2. Select âNetworkâ \> âNetwork Settingsâ.
3. Select âAdvanced Settingsâ.
4. You will see your IP address under âIP Addressâ.
## What Your IP Address Reveals About You
##### Where You Are
At the most basic level, your IP address reveals the country youâre in, city, and postal code. Thatâs why you often see ads that are localised to your location. For example, you always see ads for your local restaurant, and not one in a different country. However, thatâs not all your IP address reveals about you â every single thing you do online is linked to it.
##### What You're Doing Online
Websites and advertisers arenât just trying to see your physical location from your IP address â they want to know where youâre going online as well. One of the ways they gather this information about you is by using cookies and IP tracking technology to âfollowâ your IP address around the internet. With this data, it learns about your browsing habits to send even more specific ads to cater to what it thinks youâre interested in. Alternatively, it could even sell all this information to other advertisers.
##### Who You Are
Your ISP is able to piece together even more information about you because it has your name, exact address, and credit card information. All it needs to do is look at the browsing history associated with your IP address and itâs actually able to link everything you do online to your identity. This includes which sites you visit, what you buy, or what you torrent. In certain countries (like Australia, Canada, and the UK), theyâre even required by law to log your online information.
##  Tips on How to Keep Your IP Address Private
### 1\. Connect to a VPN to Hide Your IP address (And Encrypt Your Traffic)
[Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the most effective ways of hiding your IP address.](https://www.wizcase.com/blog/hide-ip-address/) Firstly, it uses a method known as encryption to make your online information unreadable to anyone trying to see it. Secondly, it re-routes your internet traffic through its own servers. With these 2 processes working together, **the only IP address that is visible to others is the VPNâs IP address â not your real one**.
Hiding your IP address with a VPN isnât just useful for keeping your online information secure and private. It can also give you access to location-restricted content like Netflix or BBC iPlayer by choosing an IP address thatâs in a different country.
However, not all VPNs use the best available technology, and some still reveal your IP address. Thatâs why itâs important to ensure to use a VPN that has extra security measures in place to [prevent any IP leaks](https://www.wizcase.com/blog/protect-yourself-from-vpn-leaks/).
### 2\. Use a Proxy to Mask Your IP Address
With a proxy, your online information gets rerouted through the proxy server before reaching its destination. So anyone trying to see your IP address will only see the proxy serverâs address rather than. This is similar to what a VPN does. However, **proxy servers do not encrypt your information** â making it less secure than a VPN.
### 3\. Stay Anonymous on the Tor Network
[Tor (The Onion Router) is a volunteer-operated open-source network that can keep you anonymous online.](https://www.wizcase.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-using-tor/) To access it, youâll need to use a special Tor browser that can be downloaded for free through the Tor website. It hides your IP address by sending your information through different servers on the Tor network, while applying several layers of encryption. Your visible IP address will be a Tor server on the network rather than your real IP address.
While your information remains anonymous within the Tor network, any of your activities outside the network is still visible to your ISP. That means your ISP will still be able to see that youâve accessed the Tor network, even though it wonât know what youâre doing once youâre in there. Also, **Tor browsing is very slow** because your data has to pass through many servers before reaching its destination. If you watched a YouTube video on a Tor browser, there would be significant lag and buffering.
### 4\. Connect to Your Mobile Network via Hotspot
One of the fastest ways to hide your home network IP address is to route your traffic through your smartphoneâs mobile network instead. This involves creating an internet hotspot from your phone.
A**lthough this method hides your home IP address, it does not keep your information private.** Your mobile service provider will still be able to see everything youâre doing through its network because your data is not encrypted. However, itâs still a quick way to mask your home IP address if you feel that itâs been compromised.
### Quick Comparison of Ways to Keep Your IP Address Private
| | VPN | Proxy | Tor | Mobile Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hides your IP address | âď¸ | âď¸ | âď¸ | âď¸ |
| Complete Anonymity | | | âď¸ | |
| Fast speeds | âď¸ | âď¸ | | âď¸ |
| Secured by Encryption | âď¸ | | âď¸ | |
| Bypass geo-blocks | âď¸ | âď¸ | âď¸ | |
##  Common FAQs on IP Addresses
### How can I find out my IP address (for free)?
The quickest way to find out your public IP address is by using the free IP Lookup Tool on this page.
You can also [jump here to find out the private IP addresses of your devices](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#howtofindyouripaddress).
### Is IPv6 better than IPv4 for gaming on Xbox?
[IPv4 and IPv6 are similar in many ways](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#explained), but there is a clear winner when it comes to gaming. An IPv6 connection will give you a better gaming experience on Xbox because itâs faster than IPv4. That means less latency and lag! This is because it eliminates the speed-slowing NAT (Network Address Translation) process where multiple devices share 1 public IP address.
The good news is that Xbox also natively supports IPv6. So as long as your ISP uses IPv6, you should be able to see the connection on your Xbox.
### Which is better â IPv4 or IPv6? Is one faster or more secure?
[IPv6 is better than IPv4 because itâs more secure and faster.](https://www.wizcase.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-ipv6/)
With IPv4, internet traffic has to âhopâ through the NAT process of sharing a single IP address between multiple devices which leads to slower speeds. IPv6 doesnât need to undergo NAT, which allows devices to have a more direct and efficient connection to the internet.
IPv6 also has in-built IPSec technology which authenticates and encrypts your online information which makes cyberattacks much harder.
### Why hasnât the world moved to IPv6 yet?
[Although IPv6 is better than IPv4 for several reasons](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#explained), the uptake of IPv6 has been slow for carrier networks and ISPs. There are primarily 2 reasons this. Firstly, upgrading network infrastructure to support IPv6 is expensive, and ISPs may not see the need to do so if staying with IPv4 is better for profits.
Secondly, by using NAT, ISPs are able to get multiple devices to share 1 public IP address. This delays the issue of IPv4 addresses running out, and lowers the incentive for ISPs to make the switch to IPv6.
### Can IPv4 and IPv6 communicate with each other?
No. A IPv4-only host cannot communicate directly with a IPv6-only host as [they are different protocols](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#explained). They will need to go through a translation process to be able to talk to one another. Thatâs why if you have a device that only supports IPv4, you wonât be able to access a website that is running on IPv6.
### Will my IP address change if I move?
Yes. If you move house, your IP address will be different. However, if you would like to keep your old IP address, you should be able to request for a static IP address from your ISP.
### How do I enable IPv6 on Windows or Mac?
#### Windows
1. Click the start button, and search for âControl Panelâ and click it.
2. Under the âNetwork and Internetâ category, click âNetwork and Sharing Centerâ.
3. In the upper right corner, find the name of your network connection (your WiFi name or Ethernet) and click it.
4. Click âPropertiesâ at the bottom of the window.
5. Scroll through the options to find âInternet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)â and tick the checkbox next to it.
6. Click âOKâ to save your changes.
#### Mac
1. Click the âAppleâ icon at the top left hand corner of your screen.
2. Then select âSystem Preferencesâ \> âNetworkâ.
3. Click âAdvancedâ and select the âTCP/IPâ at the top.
4. Click the dropdown menu next to âConfigure IPv6â and select your preferred option.
### Does using IPv6 or IPv4 affect my VPN?
Currently, all VPNs can only support IPv4 connections. So if you try to establish a IPv6 connection with another device or website, the VPN will ignore the request which could lead to an IP leak. To solve this issue, VPNs need to block IPv6 traffic and only reroute IPv4 traffic. However, not all VPNs provide this feature â which is why itâs important to [choose a good-quality VPN with IPv6 leak protection](https://www.wizcase.com/blog/protect-yourself-from-vpn-leaks/#3).
### How do I change my IP address?
Changing your public IP address ([this is different from just hiding it](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#tips)) can be useful if youâve encountered a personal IP ban or your ISP has imposed restrictions like speed throttling. Here are 2 ways that you can permanently change your IP address:
1. **Restart your router:** Most home networks are assigned dynamic IP addresses (meaning they change) from their ISPs. So a simple solution may be to just switch your router on and off. However, this solution may not always work because some servers try to remember the devices that have connected to it before and may reassign you the same IP address
2. **Request a new one from your ISP:** If you do request a new IP address from your ISP, it will have to be a static IP address (meaning it doesnât change). Itâs best to familiarize yourself with the [pros and cons of having a static IP address](https://www.wizcase.com/blog/what-is-a-static-ip-address-and-do-you-need-one/) before you switch to one.
### Whatâs the difference between an IP address and these other terms?
| | |
|---|---|
| MAC Address | While your IP address is your deviceâs network connection identity, the MAC address is itâs hardware identity. It is assigned to your device during manufacturing and is built into the firmware. Both IP and MAC addresses are essential for connecting your device to the internet. Your router needs to know your deviceâs MAC address to identify it and establish a connection. Only then can your router assign an IP address to your device to connect it to the internet. While IP addresses can change along with your deviceâs location, your MAC address does not change. |
| Gateway/Default Gateway | âDefault Gatewayâ or âGatewayâ are just alternative terms used to refer to your routerâs private IP address. |
| Domain Name | A website domain name is what we actually type into a web browser (example.com). Itâs the alphabetical version of an IP address (which is only made up of numbers). This makes it easier for us to remember and understand compared to a series of numbers. |
| URL | A Universal Resource Locator (URL) is the full name used to identify each page on a website and will include the domain name. For example: http://www.example.com/about. |
| Subnet Mask | Subnet masks are used to divide the IP address into the network and host (individual device) addresses. It has several purposes, which include helping devices to find the right host and helping to ease network congestion. |
| Hostname | On a local home network, the term âhostnameâ is referring to the unique name given to a device for identification purposes. |
| | A hostname can also refer to the part of a website URL which identifies the correct network for a website. For example, âwwwâ is the hostname of âwww.example.comâ. |
| DNS | The Domain Name System (DNS) is what helps to translate a website name into an IP address so that computers can understand what youâre looking for. If you type in âwww.example.comâ, the DNS will convert it to something like â111.111.111.111â so that your device can load the right page for you. |
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Learn more
Wizcase was established in 2018 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers maintain their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Intego and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on Wizcase are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and thorough examination by the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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WizCase is reader-supported so we may receive a commission when you buy through links on our site. You do not pay extra for anything you buy on our site â our commission comes directly from the product owner. Some providers are owned by our parent company. Learn moreWizcase was established in 2018 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers maintain their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Intego and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on Wizcase are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and thorough examination by the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article..
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Learn more
Wizcase was established in 2018 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers maintain their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Intego and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on Wizcase are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and thorough examination by the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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Wizcase was established in 2018 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers maintain their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Intego and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on Wizcase are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and thorough examination by the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
This Is Your IP Address\!
**202\.8.42.223**
Your internet activity may be visible to your ISP and to anyone who monitors your connection.
- **Location:** United States, Ashburn
- **IP Address Type:** Exposed IP Address
- **Internet Service Provider:** Ahrefs Pte Ltd
## What are you most worried about when browsing online?
### Security
You want to be sure your internet connection is secure and youâre not at risk from hackers â so you can use public WiFi without worries
[Secure My Connection](https://www.wizcase.com/vpn-reviews/)
### Privacy
You want to keep your data protected so your browsing activity isnât tracked by advertisers, internet providers, or governments
[Keep My Data Private](https://www.wizcase.com/blog/which-vpns-will-protect-your-privacy/)
### Entertainment
You want to be able to stream shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu and other streaming platforms
[Get Unrestricted Access](https://www.wizcase.com/blog/best-vpns-for-streaming/)
## Whatâs an IP address?
**An Internet Protocol (IP) address is the unique set of numbers assigned to every device whenever itâs connected to the internet.** It works as a way for devices to identify and communicate with each other â just like a home address. If someone wanted to mail you a letter, heâd have to know your address to know where to send it to.
The process is analogous to how things work on the internet. When you input a websiteâs address (e.g., www.google.com) into your web browser, your device needs to retrieve the corresponding IP address associated with that website. This is necessary because devices primarily comprehend numbers rather than the letters youâve entered. After obtaining the IP address of the website, your device can proceed to display the correct page on your screen. Your IP address needs to be public information in order for other devices to establish communication with you. While this arrangement offers convenience, it does not afford you any online privacy.
## Explained: What are IPv4 and IPv6?
**IPv4 and IPv6 are simply different versions of IP addresses.** When IP addresses were first created, all of them were IPv4. It consists of 4 sets of numbers, ranging between 0 and 255, and would appear as something like â192.168.1.1â. IPv6 is the newer version of IP addresses and is represented by 8 groups of 4 hexadecimal digits (for example: 2001:cdba:85a3:0370:0000:0000:3257:9652).
The creation of IPv6 was necessary because there are only around 4 billion possible combinations of unique IPv4 addresses. This isnât enough for the needs of the internet as more addresses get taken up. On the other hand, **IPv6 allows for many more possible combinations of addresses** â 3.4 x 1038 to be exact.
Even though IPv6 has several advantages like increased speed and security, it will take some time before IPv4 is completely abandoned. A full transition is complicated as ISPs, data centers, and device manufacturers need to upgrade their costly infrastructure to support IPv6. Thatâs why both versions will continue to co-exist together in the years to come. To support the switch, ISP networks use dual stacking technology to enable connections for both IPv4 and IPv6. This means you may sometimes see your IP address swapping between the 2 versions.
## Public vs. Private IP Address â Whatâs the Difference?
When you search for your IP address online, the result that you get will be your public (or global) IP address. Just like how every apartment within a block shares the same street address, **all devices (e.g. laptop, smartphone, or tablet) within the same network use the same public IP address**. It is assigned to you by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), and can be seen by anyone on the internet â including hackers or government surveillance agencies.
However, all devices also need a unique identifier to differentiate themselves to communicate on the same network â just like how each apartment within a block has a specific unit number. Thatâs why **your router also assigns individual private (or local) IP addresses to each device**. Unlike a public IP address, your private IP address canât be seen by others on the internet.
## How to Find Your IP Address (Step-by-Step Guides)
Finding your public IP address (the one that is assigned to you by your ISP) is easy because itâs available to anyone on the internet. You can use the free IP lookup tool on this page, or even search for it on Google. However, if you need to look up the private IP address of each device on your home network, it requires a few more steps which you can find here:
[Routers](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#collapseOne)
Finding your routerâs IP address is important for doing any manual configuration of its settings. However, before you even begin your search, youâll need to know that different devices have various ways of referring to it. So when you look for it on the Windows OS, itâs called âdefault gatewayâ. Whereas for Apple devices, itâs simply called ârouterâ. Other devices may call it âgatewayâ, or a similar variation.
**Find Your Router IP Address on Windows**
1. Click the start button, and search for âControl Panelâ and click it.
2. Click âView network status and tasks Under the âNetwork and Internetâ category, click âView network status and tasksâ.
3. In the upper right corner, find the name of your network connection (your WiFi name or Ethernet) and click it.
4. Click Details under the Connection header.
5. Your router IP address will be listed as âIPv4 Default Gatewayâ.
### Find Your Router IP Address on Mac
1. Click the âAppleâ icon at the top left hand corner of your screen.
2. Click âSystem Preferencesâ \> âNetworkâ.
3. Select your network connection (your WiFi name or Ethernet), then click âAdvancedâ at the bottom right of the window.
4. Click âTCP/IPâ at the top.
5. Your router IP address will be listed as âRouterâ.
### Find Your Router IP Address on iOS
1. Go to âSettingsâ.
2. Tap âWiFiâ.
3. Look for the WiFi network you are connected to and tap the âiâ (for older iPhones, you might see an arrow) next to your network name.
4. Your router IP address will be listed as âRouterâ.
### Find Your Router IP Address on Android
The exact process may vary depending on the type of Android device you have, but here are some general instructions:
1. Go to âSettingsâ \> âWiFi Settingsâ.
2. Tap and hold on your network connection.
3. Another window will pop up. Select âManage network settingsâ.
4. Tap the checkbox next to âShow advanced optionsâ and select âStaticâ under âIP settingsâ.
5. Your router IP address will be listed as âGatewayâ.
**Note:** Remember to tap âCancelâ instead of âSaveâ after you have found your router IP address. If not, your IP setting will be saved as âStaticâ.
[MAC](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#collapseTwo)
1. Click the âAppleâ icon at the top left hand corner of your screen.
2. Select âSystem Preferencesâ \> âNetworkâ.
3. Select your network connection (your WiFi name or Ethernet), then click âAdvancedâ at the bottom right of the window.
4. Select âTCP/IPâ at the top.
5. Your private IP address will be listed as âIPv4 Addressâ.
[Windows](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#collapseThree)
### Windows 10
1. Go to the Windows Start Menu and click âSettingsâ.
2. Click âNetwork and Internetâ.
3. Click âWiFiâ \> âAdvanced Settingsâ.
4. Your IP address will be listed as âIPv4 addressâ.
### Windows 8 & 7
1. Select the Network Connection icon and choose âOpen Network and Sharing Systemâ.
2. Click âWireless Network Connectionâ or âLocal Area Connectionâ for wired connections.
3. Click âDetailsâ.
4. Your IP address will be listed as âIPv4 addressâ.
[Printers](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#collapseFour)
### Find Your Printer IP Address on Windows
1. Click the start button, and search for âControl Panelâ and click it.
2. Click on âDevice and Printersâ.
3. Right click on the printer and click âPropertiesâ.
4. Select the âWeb Servicesâ tab.
5. The printer IP address will be listed as âIP Addressâ.
### Find Your Printer IP Address on Mac
1. Click the âAppleâ icon at the top left hand corner of your screen.
2. Click âSystem Preferencesâ \> âPrinters and Scannersâ.
3. Click the printer in the left column.
4. The printer IP address will be listed as âLocationâ.
[Websites](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#collapseFive)
Knowing a websiteâs IP address can be useful if you need block specific sites or bypass website-blocking software. One of the easiest ways to find out the IP address of any URL is to use the free IP tool above. Just enter the website under âIP address or Domain Nameâ and click âIP Lookupâ.
However, if you want to look up a websiteâs IP address the manual way, here are the steps:
### Find a Website IP Address on Windows
1. Click the Windows logo at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
2. Type âCommand Promptâ into the search panel at the bottom.
3. Click âCommand Promptâ in the search results, and the âCommand Promptâ window will appear.
4. Type in âping (full website URL)â.
5. Press âEnterâ.
6. Your website IP address will appear in brackets in the next line after the command you entered.
### Find a Website IP address on Mac
1. Click the magnifying glass icon at the top-right corner of the screen.
2. Search for âNetwork Utilityâ, and click âNetwork Utilityâ at the top of the search results.
3. A new window will appear. Click the âTracerouteâ tab.
4. Enter your full website address at the top search field, and click âTraceâ.
5. The website IP address will appear in brackets after âtraceroute to (website URL)â.
[Android](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#collapseSix)
1. Go to âSettingsâ, and tap on âAbout Deviceâ.
2. Tap âStatusâ.
3. Your router IP address will be listed under âIP Addressâ.
**Note:** If these instructions do not apply to your older Android devices, try using the instructions for finding your router IP address. Your Android IP address may be listed above the âGatewayâ section.
[Iphone](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#collapseSeven)
1. Go to âSettingsâ.
2. Tap âWiFiâ.
3. Look for the WiFi network you are connected to and tap the âiâ (for older iPhones, you might see an arrow) next to your network name.
4. You will be able to see your IP address under âIP Addressâ.
[Xbox](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#collapseEight)
1. Go to âSystemâ \> âSettingsâ.
2. Select âNetworkâ \> âNetwork Settingsâ.
3. Select âAdvanced Settingsâ.
4. You will see your IP address under âIP Addressâ.
## What Your IP Address Reveals About You
##### Where You Are
At the most basic level, your IP address reveals the country youâre in, city, and postal code. Thatâs why you often see ads that are localised to your location. For example, you always see ads for your local restaurant, and not one in a different country. However, thatâs not all your IP address reveals about you â every single thing you do online is linked to it.
##### What You're Doing Online
Websites and advertisers arenât just trying to see your physical location from your IP address â they want to know where youâre going online as well. One of the ways they gather this information about you is by using cookies and IP tracking technology to âfollowâ your IP address around the internet. With this data, it learns about your browsing habits to send even more specific ads to cater to what it thinks youâre interested in. Alternatively, it could even sell all this information to other advertisers.
##### Who You Are
Your ISP is able to piece together even more information about you because it has your name, exact address, and credit card information. All it needs to do is look at the browsing history associated with your IP address and itâs actually able to link everything you do online to your identity. This includes which sites you visit, what you buy, or what you torrent. In certain countries (like Australia, Canada, and the UK), theyâre even required by law to log your online information.
##  Tips on How to Keep Your IP Address Private
### 1\. Connect to a VPN to Hide Your IP address (And Encrypt Your Traffic)
[Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the most effective ways of hiding your IP address.](https://www.wizcase.com/blog/hide-ip-address/) Firstly, it uses a method known as encryption to make your online information unreadable to anyone trying to see it. Secondly, it re-routes your internet traffic through its own servers. With these 2 processes working together, **the only IP address that is visible to others is the VPNâs IP address â not your real one**.
Hiding your IP address with a VPN isnât just useful for keeping your online information secure and private. It can also give you access to location-restricted content like Netflix or BBC iPlayer by choosing an IP address thatâs in a different country.
However, not all VPNs use the best available technology, and some still reveal your IP address. Thatâs why itâs important to ensure to use a VPN that has extra security measures in place to [prevent any IP leaks](https://www.wizcase.com/blog/protect-yourself-from-vpn-leaks/).
### 2\. Use a Proxy to Mask Your IP Address
With a proxy, your online information gets rerouted through the proxy server before reaching its destination. So anyone trying to see your IP address will only see the proxy serverâs address rather than. This is similar to what a VPN does. However, **proxy servers do not encrypt your information** â making it less secure than a VPN.
### 3\. Stay Anonymous on the Tor Network
[Tor (The Onion Router) is a volunteer-operated open-source network that can keep you anonymous online.](https://www.wizcase.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-using-tor/) To access it, youâll need to use a special Tor browser that can be downloaded for free through the Tor website. It hides your IP address by sending your information through different servers on the Tor network, while applying several layers of encryption. Your visible IP address will be a Tor server on the network rather than your real IP address.
While your information remains anonymous within the Tor network, any of your activities outside the network is still visible to your ISP. That means your ISP will still be able to see that youâve accessed the Tor network, even though it wonât know what youâre doing once youâre in there. Also, **Tor browsing is very slow** because your data has to pass through many servers before reaching its destination. If you watched a YouTube video on a Tor browser, there would be significant lag and buffering.
### 4\. Connect to Your Mobile Network via Hotspot
One of the fastest ways to hide your home network IP address is to route your traffic through your smartphoneâs mobile network instead. This involves creating an internet hotspot from your phone.
A**lthough this method hides your home IP address, it does not keep your information private.** Your mobile service provider will still be able to see everything youâre doing through its network because your data is not encrypted. However, itâs still a quick way to mask your home IP address if you feel that itâs been compromised.
### Quick Comparison of Ways to Keep Your IP Address Private
| | VPN | Proxy | Tor | Mobile Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hides your IP address | âď¸ | âď¸ | âď¸ | âď¸ |
| Complete Anonymity | | | âď¸ | |
| Fast speeds | âď¸ | âď¸ | | âď¸ |
| Secured by Encryption | âď¸ | | âď¸ | |
| Bypass geo-blocks | âď¸ | âď¸ | âď¸ | |
##  Common FAQs on IP Addresses
How can I find out my IP address (for free)?
The quickest way to find out your public IP address is by using the free IP Lookup Tool on this page.
You can also [jump here to find out the private IP addresses of your devices](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#howtofindyouripaddress).
Is IPv6 better than IPv4 for gaming on Xbox?
[IPv4 and IPv6 are similar in many ways](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#explained), but there is a clear winner when it comes to gaming. An IPv6 connection will give you a better gaming experience on Xbox because itâs faster than IPv4. That means less latency and lag! This is because it eliminates the speed-slowing NAT (Network Address Translation) process where multiple devices share 1 public IP address.
The good news is that Xbox also natively supports IPv6. So as long as your ISP uses IPv6, you should be able to see the connection on your Xbox.
Which is better â IPv4 or IPv6? Is one faster or more secure?
[IPv6 is better than IPv4 because itâs more secure and faster.](https://www.wizcase.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-ipv6/)
With IPv4, internet traffic has to âhopâ through the NAT process of sharing a single IP address between multiple devices which leads to slower speeds. IPv6 doesnât need to undergo NAT, which allows devices to have a more direct and efficient connection to the internet.
IPv6 also has in-built IPSec technology which authenticates and encrypts your online information which makes cyberattacks much harder.
Why hasnât the world moved to IPv6 yet?
[Although IPv6 is better than IPv4 for several reasons](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#explained), the uptake of IPv6 has been slow for carrier networks and ISPs. There are primarily 2 reasons this. Firstly, upgrading network infrastructure to support IPv6 is expensive, and ISPs may not see the need to do so if staying with IPv4 is better for profits.
Secondly, by using NAT, ISPs are able to get multiple devices to share 1 public IP address. This delays the issue of IPv4 addresses running out, and lowers the incentive for ISPs to make the switch to IPv6.
Can IPv4 and IPv6 communicate with each other?
No. A IPv4-only host cannot communicate directly with a IPv6-only host as [they are different protocols](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#explained). They will need to go through a translation process to be able to talk to one another. Thatâs why if you have a device that only supports IPv4, you wonât be able to access a website that is running on IPv6.
Will my IP address change if I move?
Yes. If you move house, your IP address will be different. However, if you would like to keep your old IP address, you should be able to request for a static IP address from your ISP.
How do I enable IPv6 on Windows or Mac?
#### Windows
1. Click the start button, and search for âControl Panelâ and click it.
2. Under the âNetwork and Internetâ category, click âNetwork and Sharing Centerâ.
3. In the upper right corner, find the name of your network connection (your WiFi name or Ethernet) and click it.
4. Click âPropertiesâ at the bottom of the window.
5. Scroll through the options to find âInternet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)â and tick the checkbox next to it.
6. Click âOKâ to save your changes.
#### Mac
1. Click the âAppleâ icon at the top left hand corner of your screen.
2. Then select âSystem Preferencesâ \> âNetworkâ.
3. Click âAdvancedâ and select the âTCP/IPâ at the top.
4. Click the dropdown menu next to âConfigure IPv6â and select your preferred option.
Does using IPv6 or IPv4 affect my VPN?
Currently, all VPNs can only support IPv4 connections. So if you try to establish a IPv6 connection with another device or website, the VPN will ignore the request which could lead to an IP leak. To solve this issue, VPNs need to block IPv6 traffic and only reroute IPv4 traffic. However, not all VPNs provide this feature â which is why itâs important to [choose a good-quality VPN with IPv6 leak protection](https://www.wizcase.com/blog/protect-yourself-from-vpn-leaks/#3).
How do I change my IP address?
Changing your public IP address ([this is different from just hiding it](https://www.wizcase.com/tools/whats-my-ip/#tips)) can be useful if youâve encountered a personal IP ban or your ISP has imposed restrictions like speed throttling. Here are 2 ways that you can permanently change your IP address:
1. **Restart your router:** Most home networks are assigned dynamic IP addresses (meaning they change) from their ISPs. So a simple solution may be to just switch your router on and off. However, this solution may not always work because some servers try to remember the devices that have connected to it before and may reassign you the same IP address
2. **Request a new one from your ISP:** If you do request a new IP address from your ISP, it will have to be a static IP address (meaning it doesnât change). Itâs best to familiarize yourself with the [pros and cons of having a static IP address](https://www.wizcase.com/blog/what-is-a-static-ip-address-and-do-you-need-one/) before you switch to one.
Whatâs the difference between an IP address and these other terms?
| | |
|---|---|
| MAC Address | While your IP address is your deviceâs network connection identity, the MAC address is itâs hardware identity. It is assigned to your device during manufacturing and is built into the firmware. Both IP and MAC addresses are essential for connecting your device to the internet. Your router needs to know your deviceâs MAC address to identify it and establish a connection. Only then can your router assign an IP address to your device to connect it to the internet. While IP addresses can change along with your deviceâs location, your MAC address does not change. |
| Gateway/Default Gateway | âDefault Gatewayâ or âGatewayâ are just alternative terms used to refer to your routerâs private IP address. |
| Domain Name | A website domain name is what we actually type into a web browser (example.com). Itâs the alphabetical version of an IP address (which is only made up of numbers). This makes it easier for us to remember and understand compared to a series of numbers. |
| URL | A Universal Resource Locator (URL) is the full name used to identify each page on a website and will include the domain name. For example: http://www.example.com/about. |
| Subnet Mask | Subnet masks are used to divide the IP address into the network and host (individual device) addresses. It has several purposes, which include helping devices to find the right host and helping to ease network congestion. |
| Hostname | On a local home network, the term âhostnameâ is referring to the unique name given to a device for identification purposes. |
| | A hostname can also refer to the part of a website URL which identifies the correct network for a website. For example, âwwwâ is the hostname of âwww.example.comâ. |
| DNS | The Domain Name System (DNS) is what helps to translate a website name into an IP address so that computers can understand what youâre looking for. If you type in âwww.example.comâ, the DNS will convert it to something like â111.111.111.111â so that your device can load the right page for you. |
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Wizcase was established in 2018 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers maintain their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Intego and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on Wizcase are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and thorough examination by the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article. |
| Shard | 111 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 11543667489552860311 |
| Unparsed URL | com,wizcase!www,/tools/whats-my-ip/ s443 |