What Is My IP Address?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a public IP address?

A public IP address is the internet-facing address your internet service provider (ISP) assigns to your connection. Every website you visit sees this address — it's how servers know where to send data back. Private addresses like 192.168.1.1 only exist inside your home network. Note that with carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT) many subscribers can share one public IPv4 address, so it is not always unique to you.

Can someone find my exact location from my IP?

No. IP geolocation reveals your approximate area — usually your city and provider — but never your street address or identity. Your ISP can map an IP to a subscriber account (normally only under a legal request), but identity can also be inferred through other signals such as logins, cookies, and tracking — not from the IP alone.

Why does my IP address change?

Most home connections use dynamic IP addresses. Your ISP may assign you a different address when your modem reconnects or after a lease period expires. Businesses that host servers usually pay for a static IP that never changes.

How do I hide my IP address?

Use a VPN, a proxy, or the Tor network. A VPN is the simplest option for most people — read our guide on how to hide your IP address.

How do I check my IP from the terminal?

Run curl checkpublicip.com — we return your plain IP address, nothing else.