Check My IP
Instantly find your public IP address and location details, or look up a specific IP.
What Is an IP Address?
Your unique address on the internet.
Ever wondered, "What's my IP address?" You're not alone. Your IP address is a unique identifier assigned to your device when it connects to the internet, much like a digital return address. This address, provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), ensures that the data you request—from websites and emails to online videos—is sent back to you correctly.
Whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go, your IP address is essential for your online activities. It can change depending on your network, especially when traveling. Our tool instantly shows your current public IP address at the top of the page!
IPv4 vs. IPv6: What's the Difference?
Understanding the two main types of Internet Protocol addresses.
The Basics of IP Addresses
The internet relies on two versions of the Internet Protocol: IPv4 and IPv6. While they work together to keep us connected, they have key differences in structure and capacity.
IPv4: The Original
Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) is the original addressing system and remains the most widely used today. It uses a 32-bit address format, which allows for over 4 billion unique addresses. While that sounds like a lot, the rapid growth of the internet meant a successor was needed.
IPv6: The Future
To solve the address exhaustion problem, Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) was created. IPv6 uses a 128-bit address space, providing an almost limitless number of unique addresses (trillions upon trillions). It also includes improvements like more efficient routing and enhanced security features.
Key Comparison
- Address Space: IPv4 has a 32-bit address space, while IPv6 has a much larger 128-bit space.
- Adoption: IPv4 is still the dominant protocol, but IPv6 adoption is steadily growing as more networks upgrade.
- Format: IPv4 addresses are written in decimal numbers (e.g., 192.168.1.1), while IPv6 uses hexadecimal notation (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334).
For most users, you don't need to choose between them; your devices and network will handle the connection automatically. Our tool shows you both your IPv4 and IPv6 addresses if they are available.