Guide
What Is an IP Address?
An IP address is the return address a device, router, VPN, or network uses when it talks to services on the internet.
Last reviewed: June 12, 2026
Quick reference
At a glance
- Public IP
- The address internet services see for this request.
- Private IP
- A local network address such as 192.168.1.20 that is not routed directly on the public internet.
- Geolocation
- Approximate network or provider location context, not GPS or a street address.
- Identity
- An IP can describe a network path, but it does not prove one exact person, device, or home.
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Guide
How an IP address works
When your browser asks a server for a page, the server needs an address for the reply. That address is the public IP address visible to the server.
Many home and office networks put several devices behind one public address. In that case, ShowIP sees the router, ISP, VPN, or proxy address rather than a unique device address.
Guide
What an IP lookup can tell you
An IP lookup can usually identify whether the address is IPv4 or IPv6, the approximate network, and sometimes the city or region associated with the network.
IP geolocation is approximate. It is useful for network context, but it is not GPS and should not be treated as a precise physical location.
Reference
Key terms
- IP
- Internet Protocol address
- Public IP
- Address visible to internet services
- Private IP
- Address used inside a local network
Examples
Examples
IPv4 example
8.8.8.8
Four decimal numbers from 0 to 255.
Look up this IPv4 address
IPv6 example
2001:4860:4860::8888
A longer hexadecimal address with shorthand compression.
Look up this IPv6 address
Next steps
Related guides and tools
Questions
FAQ
Can an IP address identify my exact device?
Usually no. Public IP addresses often identify a router, ISP gateway, VPN, proxy, or organization network rather than a specific device.
Why does my IP address change?
Many ISPs rotate addresses, mobile networks change gateways, and VPNs or proxies can replace the address websites see.
Sources