THE BASICS
What is an IP address?
An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a number or string used to identify devices connected to a network. Networks use IP addresses to find the correct destination when websites and devices exchange data.
The homepage shows the public IP observed by the server. If only a private address reaches the server, as with access from the same router, your browser contacts ipify directly to determine its external public IP. Private addresses are not labeled as public, and the server does not substitute its own public IP. Devices using router or provider address translation may share a public IP.
A public IP is visible on the internet, while a private IP is used only inside a local network.
IPv4 vs. IPv6
IPv4 is still widely used, but some networks prefer IPv6 or use both. myIP shows the address format used for the current request.
How accurate is IP location?
IP location is an approximate regional estimate based on provider and database records. VPNs, mobile networks, corporate networks and proxies can make it differ from your actual location.
An IP can help explain a connection, but it should not be used to determine an exact home address or personal identity.
Why public and private IP addresses differ
Windows ipconfig and device network settings can show an internal interface address. Private IPv4 ranges are 10.0.0.0–10.255.255.255, 172.16.0.0–172.31.255.255 and 192.168.0.0–192.168.255.255. When a router uses network address translation (NAT), an external website sees a public address on the router or provider side.
Checking your IP when using a VPN
This tool reports the address used by the connection requesting this page. If the VPN carries your browser traffic, you will usually see its exit address. Split tunneling, proxy settings and different IPv4 or IPv6 routes can produce different results in other apps. Reopen the page before and after connecting the VPN on the same network. A single lookup does not establish whether the VPN is leaking.
Can this page check IPv4 and IPv6 together?
The page reports the address family of one connection observed by the server or external IP lookup provider. Seeing only IPv4 or only IPv6 does not prove the other protocol is unavailable. Testing each requires a separate connection to a server reachable through that protocol. This site does not measure both addresses simultaneously.
What to check when the result is unexpected
Compare Wi-Fi and mobile data, review VPN and proxy settings, and reopen the page. Devices behind one router may share a public IP, and provider CGNAT can also share addresses. Calling the API from a server returns the calling server connection address, rather than the address of a user browser.
Technical standards and references
Private IPv4 ranges follow RFC 1918. IPv6 address notation is described in RFC 4291, and the IPv6 protocol in RFC 8200.