What is my IP address?
What is my IP address?
Your internet service provider and other entities
(such as governments and websites) can see your online activity.
Unknown
Internet service provider:Unknown
Understanding IP Addresses
What is an IP address?
An IP address, typically referring to a public IP address, is a series of numbers used to identity all your devices (e.g., computer or mobile device) on the internet. It functions much like a postal address representing your home's location, ensuring information gets delivered to the intended recipient. An IP address is usually assigned by your internet service provider. You need one if you want to establish an OpenVPN or WireGuard server.
Why you should change your IP address
Your IP address can reveal your location and other information about you. Changing your IP address masks your real location. Certain websites or services aren't accessible to some locations. Using a different IP address allows you to bypass restrictions.
Public vs. Private IP addresses
Public IP address (the one displayed at the top of this page) is assigned by your internet service provider to identity you on the internet. On the other hand, a private IP address is assigned by your router and is used for communication between devices within a private network. Let's dive into their differences:
| Public IP address | Private IP address | |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Used to identify your devices for communication with others over the internet | Used for communication between devices within a private network |
| Assigned by | Your internet service provider | Your router |
| Uniqueness | Unique on the internet | Only unique within the same private network |
| Examples | 17.5.0.0 42.200.0.0 | 192.168.1.0 192.168.1.3 |
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Find Your IP Address
on Any Device
Find Your IP in 30 Seconds
Wi-Fi Connection:
1: Click the Start button, then go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
2: Select the Wi-Fi network you're connected to.
3: Click Properties.
4: Scroll down to the IPv4 address section. Your IP address will be displayed there.
Ethernet Connection:
1: Click the Ethernet icon in the taskbar.
2: Select the Ethernet network you're connected to.
3: Click Properties.
4: Scroll down to the IPv4 address section.
Wi-Fi Connection:
1: Click the Wi-Fi network icon in the taskbar.
2: Select the Wi-Fi network you're connected to.
3: Click Properties.
4: Scroll down to the IPv4 address section.
Ethernet Connection:
1: Click the Ethernet icon in the taskbar.
2: Select the Ethernet network you're connected to.
3: Click Properties.
4: Scroll down to the IPv4 address section.
Wi-Fi Connection:
1: Click the Apple menu and select System Settings (or System Preferences).
2: Click the Network icon.
3: Select Wi-Fi and click Details... (or Advanced...).
4: Your IP address will be displayed in the window.
Ethernet Connection:
1: Click the Apple menu and select System Settings (or System Preferences).
2: Click the Network icon.
3: Select Ethernet and click Details... (or Advanced...).
1: Open your phone's Settings app.
2: Tap About phone (or About device).
3: Tap Status information (or Status).
4: Your IP address will be listed under IP address.
How to change my IP address
The easier way to change your IP address is to use a VPN (virtual private network). When you are connected to the VPN, your devices will use the IP address given by your VPN service provider. Your real IP address will be hidden and your online activities will be protected.
There are multiple methods you can use to connect to a VPN. The easiest way is to use a VPN router. It allows all your devices connected to the router to use the VPN at the same time.
Get a VPN router
IPv4 vs. IPv6 addresses
There are two versions of Internet Protocol in use to govern the communication between devices on a network, IP Version 4 (IPv4) and IP Version 6 (IPv6). IPv4 remains to be widely used compared to IPv6.
IPv4 addresses
IPv4 addresses are 32-bit binary numbers and consist of four sets of decimal numbers separated by periods. For example, 17.5.0.0.
IPv4 can provide only 4.3 billion unique IP addresses. They can run out due to the increasing number of devices on the internet.
IPv6 addresses
IPv6 addresses are 128-bit binary numbers abd made up of eight sets of numbers. Each set is written as four hexadecimal digits and separated by colons.
For example, 2001:db8:3333:4444:5555:6666:7777:8888. Adoption of IPv6 is still low due to compatibility issues.
What is a VPN?
A VPN routes your traffic through encrypted servers, masking your virtual location. For example, while physically in New York, your device can appear to connect from California via a VPN server. All data is encrypted before leaving your device, creating a secure tunnel until it reaches its destination. This prevents even your internet provider from monitoring your activity, while hiding your real IP address and digital identity.
Protect Your IP Address with a Secure VPN Router
GL.iNet VPN routers give you full control over your online privacy. With built-in VPN clients and powerful encryption, you can easily mask your IP address and route all your traffic securely—right from your router. Whether you're working remotely, streaming, or accessing geo-restricted content, our routers keep your identity hidden and your data safe.
Built-in VPN Clients (OpenVPN, WireGuard & more)
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