Last updated on November 27, 2025
If you’ve ever tried to fix your Wi-Fi, set up a device, or maybe check whether your connection is secure, you’ve probably seen the phrase “What is my IP address?” somewhere online. And honestly, the first time I came across it, I remember thinking, “Why does this even matter? It’s just numbers.” But over time, I found out that your IP address actually plays a huge role in how you connect to the internet — way more than most people realise.
So let me walk you through it like I would if we were sitting together and you asked me, “Hey, what exactly is an IP address and why should I even care?” I’ll explain everything in the simplest way possible — no complicated tech talk unless it’s absolutely necessary.
What Exactly Is an IP Address?
Your IP address is basically your device’s “home address” on the internet. It’s the way websites know where to send information. If you open a page, stream a video, or check your email, the internet uses your IP address to deliver everything back to you.
To be fair, it’s not something you think about every day, and you don’t need to memorise it. But it’s one of those things that quietly works in the background, keeping your online world connected.
Here’s a quick way to picture it:
- Your device = your house.
- The websites you visit = delivery companies.
- Your IP address = your full home address.
Without an address, nobody knows where to deliver anything. That’s exactly how the internet treats your IP.
The Two Types of IP Addresses You’ll See
Most of the time, when someone asks “What is my IP address?”, they’re actually talking about two different numbers — one public and one local. When I realized this, suddenly everything made more sense.
1. Your Public IP Address
This is the one the entire internet sees. It’s assigned to you by your internet service provider (ISP). Any website you open can detect it. That’s why tools like WhatIsMyIPAddress.com can show it instantly — because it’s visible to the public web.
Your public IP can change from time to time depending on your provider, but sometimes it stays the same for long periods. It just depends on your connection type.
2. Your Local (Private) IP Address
This is the internal address your home Wi-Fi gives to your devices. Something like:
- 192.168.0.1
- 192.168.1.25
- 10.0.0.5
Your phone, laptop, smart TV — everything on your Wi-Fi gets its own private IP. It stays inside your home network and isn’t visible to the internet.
Here’s the simple way to remember it: public IP connects you to the internet, private IP connects you to your Wi-Fi router.
How Do I Check My IP Address?
Alright, here’s the part most people actually come for. The good news? Checking your IP address is ridiculously easy. You don’t need an app, you don’t need software, and you don’t need to be “technical.”
To check your public IP:
You can simply visit:
The moment you open it, you’ll see your public IP address right there on the screen. No signup, no clicking around.
To check your local IP on Windows:
- Go to Settings
- Click Network & Internet
- Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet
- Click “Properties”
- Look for “IPv4 address”
To check your local IP on Android:
- Open Settings
- Tap Wi-Fi
- Select the network you’re connected to
- Scroll down to “IP address”
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Wi-Fi
- Tap the “i” icon beside your network
- Find “IP Address” under IPv4
Why Should You Even Care About Your IP Address?
You may be wondering, “Okay, I know how to see my IP, but why does it matter?” And honestly, that’s a fair question. Most people don’t need to think about IP addresses daily, but there are moments when it becomes really important.
Here are a few legit reasons:
1. Fixing Wi-Fi or Network Issues
Sometimes your router acts up, or your connection becomes slow. Knowing your IP helps you understand if the problem is with your device, your network, or your provider.
2. Setting Up Devices
If you’re connecting something like a home camera, printer, or smart device, they often need your local IP to configure properly.
3. Enhancing Security
Your IP address can reveal your general location — not your house, but your city or region. It’s harmless in most cases, but it’s good to be aware of how the internet sees you.
4. Using a VPN
A VPN hides your real public IP address and replaces it with another one, adding privacy. If you’ve ever wondered “Does my VPN actually work?”, checking your IP address will tell you instantly.
5. Hosting Servers or Game Sessions
If you’re hosting an online game, setting up a small web server, or sharing access to something on your network, your IP becomes very important.
I’ve used my public IP many times when hosting remote sessions or connecting devices outside my house. It always feels a little strange the first time you see the number, but after that, you get used to it.
Is Your IP Address Private Information?
This is a topic a lot of people misunderstand. Your IP address is visible to every website you visit — that’s normal. It’s not the type of information someone can use to steal your identity. It mostly shows:
- Your city or region
- Your ISP name
- Your connection type (mobile, broadband, etc.)
But here’s the important part: your IP cannot reveal your exact home address or your personal details. If you want extra privacy, a VPN simply hides your IP. But even without a VPN, your IP alone isn’t something that exposes your identity.
IPv4 vs IPv6 (Do You Need to Care?)
You’ll sometimes see your IP displayed as two types: IPv4 or IPv6. IPv4 is the old one — short, and made of numbers. IPv6 is the new one — longer and more complex.
Examples:
- IPv4: 102.89.14.5
- IPv6: 2AB3:75F0:0000:6453:9A00:B211:FF10:0923
You don’t need to worry about which one you’re using. Both work the same for everyday browsing. The only reason IPv6 exists is because the world ran out of IPv4 addresses.
Can Someone Track You with Your IP Address?
This is another common question, and I get why it makes people nervous. To be honest, your IP address alone is not enough for someone to track you personally. Websites see your IP every day and it doesn’t cause any harm.
Your ISP can identify you using your IP, yes — but they already know who you are because you pay them for internet service. They’re not strangers.
So when someone online tries to scare you by saying “I know your IP!”, it usually means nothing. It’s like saying “I know what city you’re in.” Not exactly shocking.
When Should You Hide Your IP?
There are a few legit times when hiding your IP is useful:
- Using public Wi-Fi
- Accessing sensitive accounts while traveling
- Keeping your browsing private from advertisers
- Streaming content that’s restricted in your region
In these situations, using a VPN simply adds a layer of privacy. It’s not mandatory, but it’s helpful.
Final Thoughts
Your IP address might look like a random set of numbers, but it quietly keeps your entire online life connected. The more you understand it — even in simple terms — the easier it becomes to fix issues, stay safe online, and control how the internet sees you.
And the best part? You don’t have to be an expert to understand or check it. Just knowing the basics already puts you way ahead of most people.
So the next time someone asks you, “What’s your IP address?”, you’ll actually know exactly what they mean — without feeling confused or overwhelmed.