IP address FAQ

IP location is an estimate based on where your internet provider has registered and routes its addresses, not on your device's actual position. The country is almost always right, but the city can be off by tens or hundreds of kilometres. It often shows the nearest big city where your provider's equipment sits.

Mobile connections are the least accurate, because phone traffic can leave the network in a different city. If you're using a VPN, you'll see the VPN server's location instead of yours.

Usually because your internet provider doesn't offer IPv6 on your connection, or your router has it switched off. Some VPNs also block IPv6 to prevent leaks. Lots of connections are still IPv4-only, so this is normal and doesn't affect everyday browsing. Learn more about IPv4 and IPv6.

No. A public IP address points to your internet provider and a rough area, not to your street. Only your provider can link an address to a customer account, and in Australia they release that only under legal processes such as a court order or a law enforcement request.

The simplest ways are:

• Restart your modem or router. Most home connections have a dynamic address and may get a new one, though some providers keep the same address for days or weeks.
• Switch networks, for example from Wi-Fi to mobile data.
• Use a VPN, which replaces your address with the VPN server's.

If you need an address that never changes, ask your provider about a static IP.

A VPN sends your traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a server run by the VPN company. Websites see that server's IP address and location instead of yours. You can check it's working by loading this site with the VPN off, then on: the address and location should change. If your real IPv6 address still shows with the VPN on, your VPN may be leaking it.

Only while your phone is on your Wi-Fi. Every device on the same home network shares one public address. When your phone switches to mobile data, it gets a different address from your mobile provider, often shared with many other customers.

Your local address is the one your router gives your device. It usually starts with 192.168. or 10.. To find it:

• Windows: open Command Prompt, type ipconfig, and look for "IPv4 Address".
• Mac: open System Settings, choose Wi-Fi, then select Details next to your network.
• iPhone: go to Settings, then Wi-Fi, and tap the info button next to your network.
• Android: go to Settings, then Network & internet, and tap your Wi-Fi network. Menu names vary by phone.

This site shows your public address, which is different. Here's why.

Generally yes. Every website you visit already sees it. The main risk is that someone could target your connection with junk traffic to slow it down, which mostly affects online gamers and streamers. Avoid posting it publicly, keep your router's software up to date, and use a VPN if you're concerned.

Yes. Like most websites, we keep a basic log of visits, including IP address and approximate location, to run the site and prevent abuse. We never sell it. Read our privacy policy.