Frequently Asked Questions

An IPv4 address looks like four numbers separated by dots, for example 203.0.113.45. An IPv6 address is longer and uses letters and numbers separated by colons, such as 2001:db8::1. Both formats do the same job: identifying a device or network on the internet.

Not exactly. On the same Wi-Fi, all your devices share one public IP address, which websites see. Inside your home, each device has its own private IP assigned by the router. On mobile data, your phone uses a different public IP from your home Wi-Fi.

A public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and identifies your network on the internet. Every website you visit can see it. This is the address shown by our IP checker, and it may be shared by all devices on your connection.

A private IP is used only inside your local network, such as 192.168.1.5. Your router assigns it to each device. Unlike a public IP, it cannot be reached directly from the internet and can be reused by millions of other networks.

Yes, in some cases. People in the same home share one public IP. Mobile carriers and some ISPs also place many customers behind a single shared IP. Private IPs can also be identical on different networks without any conflict.

Knowing your IP alone is not enough to hack you. An attacker would also need an open port or a vulnerable service. Keep your router updated, use a strong admin password, and avoid unnecessary port forwarding to stay safe.

Yes, websites can use your IP to estimate your location and recognize repeat visits. However, IP is only one signal. Cookies, accounts and browser fingerprints are often used as well. A VPN can hide your IP, but not every tracking method.

The easiest way is to use a trusted VPN, which shows websites the VPN server’s IP instead of yours. You can also use a proxy or the Tor browser. After connecting, visit an IP checker to confirm that your displayed IP has changed.

No. Incognito or private mode only stops your browser from saving history and cookies on your device. Websites, your ISP and your network can still see your IP address. To change what websites see, you need a VPN or proxy.

Yes. When you connect to a VPN, websites see the IP address of the VPN server instead of your real one. Your device’s private IP stays the same. It is a good idea to check your IP before and after connecting to make sure the VPN works.

IP location is an estimate based on databases, not GPS. Your ISP may route traffic through a hub in another city, or your IP may be shared with many users. The database may also be outdated. This is common and does not mean your device is compromised.

The most common reasons are an active VPN, proxy or work network. Satellite internet, mobile roaming and recently reassigned IP blocks can also cause this. Turn off any VPN, check again, and report the error to the geolocation provider if it continues.

Usually less accurate than home broadband. Mobile carriers often route traffic through a few central gateways, sometimes far from you, and many users share one IP. The country is typically correct, but the city can be off by many kilometers.

Police cannot find your exact address from the IP alone, but they can ask your ISP to identify which account used it at a certain time. ISPs generally share this only after a legal request. The public cannot do this.

A static IP is a fixed address that does not change. It is useful for hosting websites, running email servers, remote desktop access or CCTV systems. ISPs usually charge extra for it, and it should be well secured because it stays constant.

A dynamic IP is assigned from your ISP’s pool and can change over time, such as after a router restart. Most home users have dynamic IPs because they are cheaper and easier to manage. They work perfectly for browsing, streaming and gaming.

You can restart your router, switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data, use a VPN or proxy, or ask your ISP for a new address. Results depend on your connection type. If your ISP uses a static IP, you will need to contact them.

Sometimes. If you have a dynamic IP, restarting may give you a new one, especially if the router stays off for a few minutes. Some ISPs keep the same address for long periods, and static IPs never change.

Most networks now run both versions together. IPv4 is the older format, with limited addresses, while IPv6 is newer and offers a huge number of them. Your device may use either one depending on the website, so both can appear on an IP checker.