What's My IP, explained clearly
This page explains what the tool shows, how it detects your IP information, and how to use the results safely. It is written for everyone, not just network pros.
Why this matters
Your public IP is how the internet sees your connection. It can reveal your approximate location, your internet provider, and whether you appear to be on a VPN. Knowing this helps you verify privacy tools, troubleshoot connectivity, and share accurate details with support without exposing passwords or personal documents.
- Confirm a VPN, mobile hotspot, or office gateway is actually in use.
- Double-check geolocation for streaming, travel, or remote work policies.
- Troubleshoot sites that block certain regions or networks.
What the tool shows
- Public IP address, IPv4 and, when available, IPv6.
- Reverse DNS / hostname if resolvable.
- ASN and ISP for network identification.
- Rough geolocation such as city and country, based on public databases.
- Transport hints like whether traffic looks residential, corporate, mobile, or VPN/hosting.
Geolocation is approximate and may not match your true street address or current city, which is by design for privacy.
How detection works
The tool primarily reads your public IP from the server side or a privacy-respecting API that reflects the address your browser used. It may also attempt local techniques in the browser to check for IPv6 availability. Reverse DNS, ASN, and rough location are derived from public routing and IP registry data.
Verification tips
- Toggle your VPN on and off, then reopen the tool to compare results.
- Try mobile data or another Wi-Fi network to see how the details change.
- Use the Print button here to save a PDF snapshot for support.
Privacy and data handling
We minimize data collection. The tool shows you your IP-related details in your browser. If optional analytics are enabled on your site, ensure they do not store IP addresses or precise locations beyond what is necessary. When sharing results, prefer screenshots that hide unrelated tabs or windows.
- No passwords or personal files are touched by this page.
- Rough geolocation comes from public datasets, not device GPS.
- You can print to PDF for records without sending data elsewhere.
Troubleshooting
- If values do not appear, reload the tool page in a new tab with caches disabled, then try again.
- VPNs can rotate addresses. If results change often, that is expected behavior.
- Some corporate networks route traffic in distant cities. Geolocation may look far away even when you are local.
FAQ
- Does this reveal my exact home address?
- No. IP geolocation is approximate. It is normal for the city to be off.
- Why do I see IPv6 sometimes?
- Many providers are enabling IPv6. If your device and network support it, you will see both IPv4 and IPv6.
- Will printing include buttons and backgrounds?
- Print view is simplified automatically so it is clean and readable on paper or in a PDF.
This page is informational. Results depend on public routing data and third-party registries that change over time. Do not rely on IP geolocation for personal safety decisions or emergency services. For security incidents, contact your provider and follow your organization's policies.