What’s My IP Address? A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding IPs

Every time you go online—whether it’s to watch YouTube, check your email, or scroll through social media—you’re using something called an IP address. Most people don’t think about it, but without IP addresses, the internet would not work.

So, what is an IP address? Why do websites often show you “Your IP is…” when you visit them? And why do people search “What’s my IP address?” so often?

This guide will answer all of these questions in simple and easy language. By the end, you’ll understand what IP addresses are, how they work, how to find yours, and how to keep it safe.

Understanding the Basics of IP Addresses

What is an IP Address?

An IP address stands for Internet Protocol address. Think of it as a digital home address for your device. Just like your house has a street address so mail can reach you, your computer, phone, or tablet has an IP address so data can reach it.

When you visit a website, your device sends a request to that website’s server using your IP address. The server then sends the information back to your IP address, making sure the data reaches your device and not someone else’s.

In short, your IP address:

Identifies your device on the internet

Makes communication between devices possible

Helps websites know where to send information

Without IP addresses, the internet would be like a postal system without addresses—nothing would ever reach the right person.

Types of IP Addresses

Public vs. Private IP

Public IP: This is the main IP address given to you by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). It’s how your entire home network connects to the internet. Every device in your home (phones, laptops, TVs) shares this public IP when connecting outside.

Private IP: Inside your home or office, each device has its own private IP address. These are used only within your local network. For example, your laptop may be 192.168.1.10, and your phone may be 192.168.1.11.

So, public IP is like your building’s street address, while private IP is like apartment numbers inside that building.

Static vs. Dynamic IP

Static IP: A fixed IP that doesn’t change. Businesses often use static IPs for servers, security cameras, and websites.

Dynamic IP: A temporary IP assigned by your ISP that changes from time to time. Most home users have dynamic IPs because they are easier to manage and cheaper.

Dynamic IPs keep changing automatically, while static IPs remain the same.

Versions of IP Addresses

IPv4

The most common type of IP address is IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4).

Example: 192.168.1.1

It uses 32-bit numbers, which means about 4.3 billion unique addresses exist.

But with billions of people and devices now online, IPv4 addresses are running out.

IPv6

To solve the shortage problem, the world is moving toward IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6).

Example: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334

It uses 128-bit numbers, meaning there are trillions of possible addresses—enough for every device in the world and many more.

It’s faster, more secure, and future-proof.

Right now, both IPv4 and IPv6 are used together, depending on the device and network.

How to Find Your IP Address

Sometimes you may need to know your IP address, like when troubleshooting internet issues or setting up a device. Here’s how to find it:

On a Computer

Windows

Press Windows + R and type cmd.

In the black Command Prompt window, type ipconfig and press Enter.

Look for “IPv4 Address”—that’s your private IP.

macOS

Go to Apple Menu → System Preferences → Network.

Select your Wi-Fi/Ethernet and click “Advanced.”

Your IP address will be displayed.

On a Smartphone

Android

Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.

Tap the connected Wi-Fi, and you’ll see the IP details.

iOS (iPhone/iPad)

Open Settings → Wi-Fi.

Tap the “i” next to your connected network.

Your IP address will appear under “IPV4 Address.”

Using Online Tools

If that seems too technical, you can simply type “What’s my IP” into Google, and it will instantly show your public IP at the top of search results. There are also many free “What’s My IP” websites that display both IPv4 and IPv6.

What Information Can Your IP Address Reveal?

Many people worry that knowing their IP address means someone can find their exact home address. That’s a myth.

Here’s what your IP can reveal:

Approximate location (city, state, country—not your exact house)

Your ISP (like Jio, Airtel, Comcast, etc.)

Device and network type (Wi-Fi, mobile data, etc.)

Here’s what it does not reveal directly:

Your exact street address

Your name or personal details

Your phone number or identity

So while your IP shows general information, it’s not enough to pinpoint you personally.

Why Does Your IP Address Change?

Your IP may not always stay the same. Here are common reasons it changes:

Dynamic allocation by ISP: Most providers use rotating IPs.

Switching networks: If you move from home Wi-Fi to mobile data, your IP changes.

Restarting your router: Often gives you a new IP.

Using VPNs or proxies: They mask your real IP with another one.

This is why when you check “What’s my IP” on different days, you might see different numbers.

Security and Privacy Concerns with IP Addresses

While your IP cannot directly reveal personal details, it can still pose risks if misused.

Possible Risks

Hacking attempts: Hackers may try to exploit your IP to attack your device.

Tracking: Websites and advertisers use your IP to track your location and online behavior.

DDoS attacks: Gamers sometimes face these, where attackers overload your connection using your IP.

How to Protect and Manage Your IP Address

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN hides your real IP and replaces it with one from another country or city. This protects your identity and also lets you bypass geo-blocking (like watching shows not available in your region).

Proxy Servers

Similar to VPNs but less secure. They work as a middleman between you and the internet, masking your IP.

Firewalls and Router Settings

Firewalls block unauthorized access, while router settings let you refresh or change your IP.

Changing Your IP

You can manually restart your router or request a new IP from your ISP.

Everyday Uses of Knowing Your IP Address

You may wonder why people even bother searching “What’s my IP address?” Here are some common reasons:

Troubleshooting internet problems: Tech support may ask for your IP.

Gaming and hosting servers: To connect players or set up servers, you need your IP.

Accessing remote devices: IPs let you connect to security cameras, printers, or smart home devices.

Streaming and geo-restrictions: Some websites block content by region, so knowing your IP helps you see if you’re affected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone hack me with my IP?

Not directly. But if you have weak security, hackers can try. That’s why using VPNs and firewalls is smart.

Is my IP address the same everywhere?

No. If you change networks (like from home Wi-Fi to mobile data), your IP changes.

Do websites always know my IP?

Yes. Every time you visit a website, it sees your IP to send information back to your device.

How accurate is IP-based location?

It’s usually accurate at the city level but not at the exact street or house.

Conclusion

Your IP address is like your online identity card. It helps devices talk to each other, lets websites know where to send data, and plays a key role in how the internet works.

By now, you know:

What an IP address is

The difference between public, private, static, and dynamic IPs

IPv4 vs. IPv6

How to find your IP on any device

What risks come with IPs and how to protect them

So the next time you type “What’s my IP address?”, you’ll know exactly what it means and why it matters.