What Is an IP Address?

Your IP address (Internet Protocol address) identifies your device online — like a digital fingerprint. It helps websites and services know where to send information. Currently, your IP address is:

216.73.216.85

ISP: AS16509 Amazon.com, Inc. | City: Columbus | Country: US

How IP Addresses Work

Every device connected to the Internet is assigned an IP address — a unique number that allows communication between devices and servers. Think of it like your home’s street address: it tells the Internet where to deliver data.

IP addresses can change over time, especially when you connect to different networks. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) typically assigns your IP dynamically each time you connect.

Types of IP Addresses

IPv4: The older, widely used standard (e.g., 192.168.0.1). It supports about 4 billion unique addresses.
IPv6: The newer version (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334), designed to replace IPv4 by offering a vastly larger address pool.
Public vs. Private: A public IP identifies your network online, while private IPs are used internally within local networks (home routers, offices, etc.).

Why IP Privacy Matters

Without protection, your IP reveals your approximate location and ISP to every site you visit. This data can be used for:

Tracking your online activity
Displaying targeted ads
Restricting access to content based on region

    Tip: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) hides your real IP and encrypts your traffic — keeping your data private and secure.
  

Protect Your IP with a VPN

How to Find Your IP Address

Good news — you already did! Your IP address is automatically displayed on this site’s homepage. But here are other methods:

Search “What is my IP” on Google
Check your router settings
Use your computer’s network settings or terminal commands