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IP address FAQ – Everything you need to know

Answers to the most common questions about public IPs, privacy, geolocation, IPv4/IPv6, and internet security.

What is an IP address?

An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique identifier assigned to every device connected to the internet or a local network. It allows devices to communicate with each other and route data efficiently.

What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

  • IPv4 uses 32 bits (e.g., 192.168.1.1) and supports about 4.3 billion addresses.
  • IPv6 uses 128 bits (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334) and supports a vastly larger address space.

IPv6 adoption is increasing due to the exhaustion of IPv4 addresses.

What is a public IP vs a private IP?

  • Public IP: Routable on the global internet. Assigned by your ISP.
  • Private IP: Used within local networks (e.g., 192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x). Not directly accessible from the internet.

Can my IP address reveal my location?

Yes, your IP address can be used to estimate your approximate location (country, city) via geolocation databases. However, it usually does not reveal your exact address or personal identity.

How accurate is IP geolocation?

IP geolocation accuracy varies:

  • Country-level: 95-99% accuracy
  • City-level: 50-80% accuracy
  • Exact address: Rarely possible

VPNs, proxies, and mobile networks can reduce accuracy.

How can I hide or change my IP address?

  • Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
  • Use a proxy server
  • Connect via TOR (The Onion Router)
  • Use mobile data (changes IP)

See our guide on hiding your IP address for more details.

What is an ISP and how is it related to my IP?

An ISP (Internet Service Provider) assigns your public IP address and manages your internet connection. Your IP can often be used to identify your ISP but not your personal identity.

What is an IP blacklist?

An IP blacklist is a list of IP addresses known for malicious activity (spam, attacks, etc.). If your IP is blacklisted, you may be blocked from certain services.

Can websites track me via my IP?

Websites can log your IP address for analytics, security, or personalization. However, your IP alone usually cannot identify you personally without additional data.

How do VPNs and proxies work?

  • VPN: Encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server, masking your real IP.
  • Proxy: Forwards your requests to the internet, hiding your IP from target sites (but often without encryption).

What is a static vs dynamic IP address?

  • Static IP: Does not change, assigned manually or by your ISP.
  • Dynamic IP: Changes periodically, assigned automatically (DHCP).

Can I have multiple IP addresses?

Yes. Devices can have multiple IPs (e.g., Wi-Fi and Ethernet), and servers can be assigned several public IPs.

How can I check my IP address?

Use our What’s My IP tool for instant results, or run curl ifconfig.me in your terminal.

Is my IP address personal data (GDPR)?

Yes, under GDPR, your IP address is considered personal data because it can be used to identify you indirectly.