What is an IP address?
Every device connected to the internet needs an address so that data can find its way to it. At home, all devices usually share the public IP address of your router. The address is assigned by your internet provider and changes regularly on many connections, for example when the router restarts.
IPv4 or IPv6?
IPv4 addresses consist of four numbers, such as 203.0.113.42. Because they are scarce, IPv6 has existed for years with much longer addresses such as 2001:db8::42. Many connections have both today. Your device decides which version it uses for each connection.
What does my IP address reveal?
An IP address roughly reveals your region and internet provider, but usually not your exact address. Your provider, however, can link the address to your connection. That is why it counts as personal data under the GDPR. If you use public Wi-Fi or want to hide your IP address from websites, you can use a VPN.
Learn more: Using public Wi-Fi safely.
Frequently asked questions: What Is My IP
How do I find my public IP address?
Open this page: your public IP address is shown at the top. It is the address your router uses on the internet and that every website you visit can see.
Does my IP address change?
For most home internet connections, yes, for example when the router restarts or at regular intervals. Providers usually offer a static IP address only to business customers.
Can someone find where I live from my IP address?
Usually only roughly, meaning the region and your internet provider. Only your provider knows your exact address. If you want to hide your IP address from websites, you can use a VPN.
How do I check whether my VPN is working?
Open this page once without and once with the VPN switched on. With the VPN you should see a different IP address that belongs to the location of the VPN server.