An Internet Protocol address is a numerical label assigned to a device or gateway. It lets data find the right destination, much like a postal label routes mail. Every device that talks to the internet uses at least one such identifier.
Public vs private IP addresses
A public IP is assigned by your internet service provider and is visible to websites. A private IP is used inside your home or office, such as 192.168.x.x, and is not reachable from the open internet. Your router translates between the two using NAT. Private and reserved ranges cannot be geolocated publicly, which is why the lookup tool only works on public values.
IPv4 vs IPv6
A shorter, older format such as 203.0.113.10. Addresses are limited, so providers often share them using carrier-grade NAT.
A longer modern format such as 2001:db8::1. Mobile and fiber networks increasingly prefer IPv6 for its vastly larger address space.
What an IP address can and cannot reveal
A public value can often be linked to an approximate city, region, country, time zone, ISP, and ASN. It does not expose your name, street address, or browsing history. When you use a VPN or proxy, websites usually see the service exit rather than your original connection.
Why devices show different IPs
Your phone might use cellular data, IPv6, or a tunnel, while your laptop uses home Wi-Fi over IPv4. Each path exits through a different gateway, so devices can show different public results. To check browser exposure through WebRTC, use the WebRTC leak test.
When an IP address matters
These identifiers are useful when setting firewall allow-lists, checking whether a VPN is active, investigating server logs, or confirming which ISP or ASN is carrying your traffic. They are less useful for identifying a person because many users can share one public route through NAT, mobile gateways, offices, or privacy services.
How to verify your current address
Start with the public checker to see what websites receive right now. For another value, use IP Lookup. If the result includes an ASN, open ASN Lookup to understand the operator behind the route.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a public and private IP address?
A public value is assigned by your ISP and is visible online. A private value is used inside your home or office and is not routable on the public internet.
Why do my devices show different IP addresses?
Each device may use a different path, such as cellular versus Wi-Fi, IPv4 versus IPv6, or a VPN, so each can present a different public result.