Show my IP

What is an IP address?

It is the number that identifies a device on a network (or on the Internet). To understand the concept better, let's compare it with the telephone: every phone, landline or mobile, is assigned a number that identifies it and makes communication possible. You simply dial the number of the person you want to talk to in order to start the call.

What does IP mean?

IP stands for "Internet Protocol" and is a number that identifies a device on a network (a computer, a printer, a router, etc.). These devices are part of a network and are identified by an IP number that is unique on that network. Two versions of the protocol are in use today: in IPv4, an IP address is made up of 4 numbers between 0 and 255 separated by "." (dots), for example 192.168.66.254; in IPv6, which is much longer, it is made up of 8 groups of up to 4 hexadecimal digits separated by ":" (colons), and runs of zero groups can be shortened to "::", for example 2001:db8::1.

Public IP: the public IP is the address that is visible from the Internet. It is usually the one assigned to your router or modem, and it is provided by your internet service provider.

Private IP: a private IP address is one that belongs to a private network. It is usually the IP of your computer's network card, a network printer or the router itself.

What is IPv6?

IPv6 is the latest version of the Internet Protocol. It was created because IPv4 addresses (about 4.3 billion) ran out years ago: an IPv6 address has 128 bits instead of 32, which allows a practically unlimited number of addresses, so every device can have its own.

Most connections today are dual stack: they have both an IPv4 and an IPv6 address, and the browser uses IPv6 whenever the website supports it too. That is why we show you both above. If you only see the IPv4, your provider or your router does not have IPv6 enabled. In IPv6, the first half of the address (the /64 prefix) identifies your network and the second half your device, which usually changes it from time to time for privacy.

Why it matters to know my IP

Knowing your IP address can be useful for several reasons, depending on the context. Here are some examples:

• Troubleshooting network problems: if you have connection issues, knowing your IP address can help work out whether the problem lies in your local network, with your internet provider or on the server you are trying to reach.
• Security and control: your IP address can be tracked, and network administrators or online services can use it to spot suspicious behaviour. It can also be used to set up security measures, such as blocking access to certain sites or services from unauthorised IPs.
• Geolocation: although it is not 100% accurate, an IP can reveal an approximate location. This is used by applications that customise content by region, such as websites that switch language or show local prices.
• Remote access: to remotely access a device on your network (for example a computer or a server) you need to know that device's IP address.
• Advanced network setups: in some cases, such as private network configurations, server systems or devices like IP cameras, you need to know the IP to configure them correctly.

In short, knowing your IP can be essential for managing and securing networks, but how important it is depends on the context in which it is needed.

To know if your IP is dynamic or static, follow these steps:

1. Close all your browser windows (Firefox, Chrome, Edge, etc.)
2. Disconnect from the internet (with some connections this is not necessary)
3. Turn your router or data connection off and on again
4. Once you are back online, open a browser window
5. Come back to this page (vermiip.es/en/)