Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about IP addresses, geolocation, and our service
What is an IP address?
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique numerical label assigned to every device connected to the internet. It serves two main purposes: identifying the host or network interface and providing the location address of the device. Think of it like a mailing address for your computer - it tells other devices where to send information. There are two types: IPv4 (like 192.168.1.1) and IPv6 (like 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334).
What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses and can support about 4.3 billion unique addresses. Due to the growth of the internet, this pool is nearly exhausted. IPv6 was developed to solve this limitation, using 128-bit addresses that can support a virtually unlimited number of unique addresses (340 undecillion). IPv6 addresses are longer and use hexadecimal notation. Most modern devices support both protocols, and our tool can detect and display both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses.
What is my public IP address vs private IP address?
Your public IP address is the address visible to websites and services on the internet - this is what our tool displays. It's assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Your private IP address is used within your local network (like your home WiFi) and typically starts with 192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x, or 172.16.x.x. Private addresses are not visible on the internet. When you connect to the internet, your router uses Network Address Translation (NAT) to share one public IP among all devices on your local network.
How accurate is IP geolocation?
IP geolocation accuracy varies depending on several factors. For country-level accuracy, results are typically 95-99% accurate. City-level accuracy is generally 50-80% accurate, depending on the location and type of connection. Rural areas and mobile connections tend to be less accurate than urban areas with fixed broadband. VPNs and proxies will show the location of the VPN server, not your actual location. Our service aggregates data from multiple sources to provide the most accurate results possible.
Why does my IP location show a different city than where I am?
There are several reasons why your displayed location might differ from your actual location: 1) Your ISP may route your connection through a different city. 2) IP geolocation databases may have outdated information. 3) You're using a VPN or proxy. 4) You're on a mobile connection, which often shows the nearest network hub. 5) Corporate networks may route traffic through headquarters. The location shown is typically where your ISP has registered the IP address, not necessarily your exact physical location.
What is a VPN and how does it affect my IP address?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a VPN server. When you use a VPN, websites see the IP address of the VPN server instead of your actual IP address. This is useful for privacy, accessing geo-restricted content, and securing your connection on public WiFi. You can use our tool to verify that your VPN is working - if it shows the VPN server's location instead of your actual location, the VPN is functioning correctly.
Can someone find my exact location from my IP address?
No, an IP address alone cannot reveal your exact physical address or personal identity. IP geolocation typically provides only approximate location data, usually accurate to the city or regional level. Only your Internet Service Provider (ISP) has records linking your IP address to your actual identity and address, and they're legally required to protect this information. However, your IP address combined with other data can be used to build a profile, which is why privacy tools like VPNs are popular.
What is an ISP and why is it shown?
ISP stands for Internet Service Provider - the company that provides your internet connection (like Comcast, AT&T, BT, etc.). We display your ISP because it's part of the public information associated with your IP address. Knowing your ISP can be helpful for troubleshooting connection issues, understanding your network setup, and verifying that your VPN is masking your true provider. The ISP information also helps confirm whether you're on your home network, mobile data, or a different network.
Why does my IP address change?
Most residential internet connections use dynamic IP addressing, meaning your ISP assigns you a different IP address periodically or when your router reconnects. This is more cost-effective for ISPs than assigning permanent (static) addresses. Your IP typically changes when: your router restarts, your ISP performs maintenance, your DHCP lease expires, or you switch between WiFi and mobile data. If you need a consistent IP address, you can request a static IP from your ISP or use a VPN with a dedicated IP option.
What is the ASN shown in the results?
ASN stands for Autonomous System Number. It's a unique identifier assigned to networks (like ISPs, universities, or large corporations) that control blocks of IP addresses. The ASN helps identify which organization operates the network your IP address belongs to. This information is useful for network administrators, security researchers, and anyone trying to understand the routing of internet traffic. Each ASN is registered with a Regional Internet Registry (RIR).
Can I look up information about any IP address?
Yes! Our tool allows you to look up information about any valid IP address, not just your own. Simply enter the IP address in the search field and we'll display all available geolocation and network information for that address. This is useful for investigating suspicious connections, verifying server locations, or researching network infrastructure. Note that some IP addresses may return limited information if they're part of private ranges or if data isn't available in geolocation databases.
What does 'timezone' information mean?
The timezone shown is based on your IP address's geographic location, not your device's settings. It represents the standard timezone for the city or region where your IP address is registered. This can be useful for understanding how websites might perceive your location for time-sensitive features. If you're using a VPN, the timezone will reflect the VPN server's location. Note that this may differ from your device's actual timezone setting.
Is using this IP lookup tool legal?
Yes, using IP lookup tools is completely legal. IP geolocation data is publicly available information that doesn't identify individuals. Our tool simply aggregates and displays information that's already publicly accessible. Many legitimate uses exist, including network troubleshooting, security research, fraud prevention, and privacy verification. However, using any information gathered for illegal activities like harassment or unauthorized access would be illegal.
How often is the geolocation database updated?
IP geolocation databases are typically updated weekly to monthly, depending on the provider. ISPs regularly reassign IP address blocks, new addresses are allocated, and location accuracy is continuously refined. Our service uses multiple data sources that are regularly updated to ensure the most current information possible. However, there may be a delay between when an IP address is reassigned and when databases reflect the change.
Why do I see different IP addresses on different websites?
Seeing the same IP address across different websites is normal - that's your public IP assigned by your ISP. However, if you see different IPs, possible reasons include: you're using different VPNs for different sites, your ISP changed your IP between visits, you switched between WiFi and mobile data, or you're behind a load balancer that uses multiple exit IPs. If you're intentionally using privacy tools, different IPs may be expected behavior.
Does this service work on mobile devices?
Yes, our service works perfectly on smartphones and tablets. On mobile devices, the IP address shown will be either your mobile carrier's IP (when using cellular data) or your WiFi network's IP (when connected to WiFi). Mobile IPs often show less precise geolocation since carriers route traffic through regional hubs. Our responsive design ensures the tool works well on any screen size.
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