What Is My IP Address?
What is an IP address?
An IP address is a numerical identifier used by devices to communicate over the Internet or a network. When you connect to a website, your public IP address helps Internet services know where to send the requested data. The address shown by UnwanIP is the public IP used by your current Internet connection.
Your public IP can be assigned by an Internet service provider, a mobile network, a company network, a VPN service or another network intermediary. Because of this, the displayed IP address may change over time or when you switch networks.
What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 and IPv6 are two versions of the Internet Protocol. IPv4 uses addresses such as 192.0.2.1, while IPv6 uses a longer hexadecimal format such as 2001:db8::1.
IPv4 is still widely used, but the number of available IPv4 addresses is limited. IPv6 provides a much larger address space and was designed to support the continued growth of Internet-connected devices. Your connection may use IPv4, IPv6, or both depending on your provider and network configuration.
Public IP vs private IP
A public IP address is visible to websites and Internet services you connect to. A private IP address is normally used only inside a local network, for example between your router, computer, smartphone and other devices.
Common private IPv4 ranges include 10.0.0.0/8, 172.16.0.0/12 and 192.168.0.0/16. UnwanIP displays your public Internet-facing address rather than the private address assigned to your device inside your home or office network.
What information can be associated with an IP address?
Depending on the IP address and available network databases, it may be possible to display technical information such as:
- IP version, such as IPv4 or IPv6.
- Internet service provider or network organization.
- Autonomous System Number (ASN).
- Approximate country, region or city.
- Approximate timezone.
- Network and connection information.
This information is technical and approximate. An IP address does not normally reveal a person’s exact home address or precise GPS position.
Can an IP address reveal your exact location?
IP geolocation can often identify a country and may sometimes estimate a region or city, but it should not be treated as an exact physical location.
Accuracy may vary because of ISP routing, mobile networks, corporate networks, data centers, VPN services, proxies and changes in IP allocation.
Does a VPN change your IP address?
In most cases, yes. When you connect through a VPN, websites normally see the public IP address of the VPN server instead of the public IP assigned directly by your Internet provider. The approximate location and network organization shown by an IP tool may therefore correspond to the VPN server.
Can your public IP address change?
Yes. Many Internet providers use dynamic IP addresses that can change after reconnecting, restarting network equipment or after a period determined by the provider. Other connections use a static IP address that usually remains the same.
Frequently asked questions about your IP address
What is my IP address?
Your IP address is the public network address used by your current Internet connection. The My IP tool above automatically detects and displays it.
Does UnwanIP show my private IP?
No. The main result shows the public IP address visible to Internet services, not the local private address assigned to your device by your router.
Why does my IP location show another city?
IP location is approximate. Your provider may route traffic through infrastructure located in another city or region, and VPNs, proxies or mobile networks can also affect the displayed location.
Can two devices have the same public IP?
Yes. Several devices connected through the same router can normally share one public IPv4 address. Internet providers may also use carrier-grade NAT to allow multiple customers to share public IPv4 addresses.
Is it dangerous to show my public IP address?
Websites you visit normally receive your public IP as part of the Internet connection. However, you should avoid publishing unnecessary network details and should keep routers, devices and services properly secured.
How can I get a different public IP?
It depends on your Internet provider. Reconnecting may result in a new dynamic IP, while switching networks or using a VPN will usually make websites see a different public IP.