What is a public IP address?
Every device on the internet is reached through an IP address. At home or in an office, all your devices usually share one public address, assigned by your internet provider; your router hands out private addresses (like 192.168.x.x) inside the network. Websites, game servers and email servers only ever see the public one.
IPv4 and IPv6
IPv4 addresses, such as 203.0.113.42, ran out years ago, so many providers share one IPv4 address between several customers (carrier-grade NAT). IPv6 addresses, such as 2001:db8::42, are plentiful, and each device can have its own. If no IPv6 address appears, your provider or network does not offer it yet.
When you need your IP
- Allowing your office or home through a server firewall or a database’s access list.
- Setting up port forwarding for cameras, game servers or remote desktop.
- Checking whether a VPN is working — your IP should change to the VPN’s.
- Telling your hosting provider’s support which address was blocked.
Privacy
Your IP address reveals your internet provider and roughly where you are, usually your city. Your address is looked up through a public IP service and shown only to you; this site does not store it.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my IP address change?
Most home and mobile connections get a dynamic address that changes when the router restarts or every few days. Providers sell a fixed (static) IP for businesses that need one.
Is my IP the same on Wi-Fi and mobile data?
No. Each network has its own public address; switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data changes it.
Can someone find my home address from my IP?
Not from the IP alone. It points to your provider and an approximate area; only the provider knows which customer had it, and shares that only with a legal order.