Check Your IP Address and Location
What is an IP Address?
Every device connected to the internet has a unique identifier called an IP (Internet Protocol) address. Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider (ISP) and is visible to the websites you visit.
Why geolocation accuracy varies
IP geolocation maps an IP address to a physical location using databases managed by regional internet registries. It is typically highly accurate at the country and state level, but city-level accuracy can fluctuate depending on how your ISP routes internet traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a public IP address?
A public IP address is the IP your internet service provider (ISP) assigns to your network. It's visible to websites you visit and used to route traffic back to you. All devices on your home or office Wi-Fi typically share one public IP — the address you see here.
Why does my IP address show the wrong city?
IP geolocation matches an IP to a physical location using registry databases, but it's not GPS-precise. ISPs sometimes assign IP blocks registered to a city that's far from your actual location. VPN users see the VPN server's location, not their real one. Country and state accuracy is usually high; city accuracy can vary.
Can a website tell my exact home address from my IP?
No. An IP address reveals the approximate city and ISP, not a street address. To pinpoint an exact home address from an IP, a court order would be needed to compel the ISP to disclose which customer held that IP at a specific time.
Does my IP address change?
Most home internet connections have a dynamic IP that changes periodically — when you reboot your router, after a certain number of days, or when the ISP reallocates addresses. Static IPs are available from ISPs for a fee. Mobile IPs change frequently as your device switches cell towers or networks.
What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 addresses look like 192.168.1.1 — 32-bit numbers with about 4.3 billion possible addresses. IPv6 addresses look like 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334 — 128-bit numbers with essentially unlimited addresses. IPv6 was created because IPv4 addresses were running out. Both are in use today.