Get My IP - FAQ
Frequently asked questions about IP address detection and lookup
Get My IP - Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is an IP address?
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique numerical identifier assigned to every device connected to the internet. It serves as your device's "postal address" on the internet, allowing other devices and servers to send data to your specific location.
There are two main types:
- IPv4: Uses format like
192.168.1.1
(older, more common) - IPv6: Uses format like
2001:db8::1
(newer, longer addresses)
Why do I need to know my IP address?
Knowing your IP address is useful for:
- Network troubleshooting - Diagnosing connection issues
- Security purposes - Monitoring your digital footprint
- Gaming and applications - Setting up servers or port forwarding
- VPN verification - Checking if your VPN is working properly
- Geolocation testing - Understanding how websites see your location
Is my IP address always the same?
Most home users have dynamic IP addresses that can change when:
- You restart your modem/router
- Your ISP reassigns addresses
- You connect to different networks
Some users have static IP addresses that never change, typically:
- Business internet connections
- Dedicated server hosting
- Special arrangements with ISPs
Technical Questions
What's the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
Feature | IPv4 | IPv6 |
---|---|---|
Address Length | 32 bits (4 numbers) | 128 bits (8 groups) |
Example | 192.168.1.1 | 2001:db8::1 |
Total Addresses | ~4.3 billion | 340 undecillion |
Adoption | Universal | Growing |
Speed | Standard | Often faster |
Why do I see both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses?
Modern internet connections often support dual-stack networking, meaning your device can use both protocols simultaneously. This provides:
- Backward compatibility with older systems (IPv4)
- Future-proofing with newer technology (IPv6)
- Redundancy if one protocol fails
What does "Connection Priority" mean?
Connection priority indicates which IP version your system prefers when both are available:
- IPv4 Priority: Your system tries IPv4 connections first
- IPv6 Priority: Your system prefers IPv6 connections
This affects which protocol websites and services will use when communicating with your device.
Privacy and Security
Can someone track me using my IP address?
Your IP address can reveal:
- Approximate location (usually city-level)
- Internet Service Provider information
- General geographic region
However, it cannot reveal:
- Your exact physical address
- Personal information like name or phone
- Specific device details
IP geolocation is approximate and based on ISP registration data, not your actual location.
Is it safe to share my IP address?
Generally, sharing your IP address carries minimal risk because:
- It's already visible to every website you visit
- It only provides general location information
- Most home networks have firewall protection
However, avoid sharing it unnecessarily, especially in:
- Public forums or social media
- Untrusted gaming communities
- Suspicious websites or services
How can I hide or change my IP address?
You can mask your IP address using:
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
- Routes traffic through remote servers
- Shows VPN server's IP instead of yours
- Provides encryption and privacy
Proxy Servers
- Acts as intermediary for web requests
- Less secure than VPNs
- May not work for all applications
Tor Browser
- Routes traffic through multiple encrypted layers
- Provides high anonymity
- Slower browsing speeds
Troubleshooting
Why isn't my IP address showing?
If your IP address doesn't appear:
-
Check your internet connection
- Ensure you're connected to the internet
- Try refreshing the page
-
Disable browser extensions
- Ad blockers may interfere with detection
- Privacy extensions might block requests
-
Try a different browser
- Some browsers have strict privacy settings
- Incognito/private mode might help
-
Check firewall settings
- Corporate firewalls may block requests
- VPN software might interfere
Why do I only see IPv4 or IPv6?
Only IPv4 visible:
- Your ISP doesn't support IPv6 (common)
- Your router isn't configured for IPv6
- IPv6 is disabled on your device
Only IPv6 visible:
- Rare configuration issue
- IPv4 connectivity problems
- Network misconfiguration
The location shown is wrong. Why?
IP geolocation can be inaccurate because:
ISP Routing
- Your traffic may route through distant servers
- ISPs often use centralized infrastructure
- Regional internet exchanges affect routing
VPN or Proxy
- These services show their server location
- Not your actual physical location
Database Limitations
- Geolocation databases aren't always current
- Some IP ranges have incorrect information
- Rural areas often have less accurate data
IP geolocation typically accurate to country (95%+) and region (80%+), but city-level accuracy varies (50-80%).
API and Technical Usage
How can I get my IP address programmatically?
Use our API endpoints:
Simple text response:
curl https://4.ipconfig.com/ # IPv4 only
curl https://6.ipconfig.com/ # IPv6 only
Detailed JSON response:
curl https://test.ipconfig.com/api/ip/myip
What's the rate limit for IP detection?
- Web interface: No limits for basic IP display
- API calls: Subject to standard rate limits
- Free users: 50 API queries per day
- Registered users: 1000 credits upon signup
Can I use this in my application?
Yes! Our IP detection service is designed for integration:
- RESTful API with JSON responses
- CORS enabled for web applications
- High availability with redundant infrastructure
- Multiple endpoints for different needs
See our API documentation for complete integration details.
Network Configuration
What if I'm behind a corporate firewall?
Corporate networks may:
- Show the company's public IP instead of your device IP
- Block certain detection methods
- Route through proxy servers
This is normal and expected in corporate environments.
Why do mobile and WiFi show different IPs?
Different networks have different IP addresses:
- Mobile data: Uses cellular provider's IP range
- WiFi: Uses your home/office internet connection
- Public WiFi: Shows the venue's internet connection
Each network connection gets its own IP address.
What about NAT and private IPs?
Network Address Translation (NAT) means:
- Your device has a private IP (like 192.168.1.100)
- Your router has the public IP that websites see
- Multiple devices share one public IP address
Our service shows your public IP - what the internet sees.
Still Have Questions?
If you can't find the answer you're looking for:
- 📧 Contact Support: [email protected]
- 💬 Community Forum: Join our user discussions
- 📚 Documentation: Check our user guide
- 🐛 Report Issues: Help us improve our service