An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique number assigned to devices connected to the internet. It allows devices to communicate and exchange data across the web, making it essential for browsing, streaming, and accessing online services.
You can find your public IP address using tools like "What Is My IP." These tools display the current IP address assigned to your internet connection by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
IPv4 addresses are the most commonly used format and consist of four sets of numbers. IPv6 is the newer version designed to provide more IP addresses as the internet grows, using a longer, hexadecimal format.
A public IP address is the one assigned to your network by your ISP and is used to access the internet. A private IP address is used within your local network and is not visible to the outside world.
You can hide or change your IP address using a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which masks your real IP and provides a different one from another location, enhancing your online privacy and security.
Your IP address is linked to your ISP, which assigns a range of IP addresses to geographic regions. This allows websites and services to approximate your location based on the IP address.
While your IP address reveals your general location, it doesn’t provide detailed personal information. However, it can be used by websites and law enforcement agencies to track online activity, which is why using a VPN is recommended for privacy.
If you have a dynamic IP address, your ISP can assign a new one periodically. This is common for residential internet connections. If you want a permanent IP, you can request a static IP from your ISP, though it may come with additional costs.
While knowing your public IP address is generally not harmful, sharing it publicly can expose you to risks like DDoS attacks or unwanted surveillance. Using security tools like firewalls and VPNs can mitigate these risks.
You can use a DNSBL (DNS-based Blackhole List) Lookup tool to check if your IP address is blacklisted. Being blacklisted means your IP is flagged for suspicious activity, often due to spam or hacking attempts.