What is an IP Address?

An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique numerical label assigned to every device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. Think of it as your device's return address for all the digital mail you send and receive online.

Public vs. Private IP Addresses

There are generally two types of IP addresses you interact with daily:

• Public IP: Provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This is the address visible to the outside world, like websites and servers. Our tools detect your Public IP.
• Private IP: Assigned by your local network router to your specific device (like your phone or laptop). It is only visible within your home network.

Why Does My IP Change?

Most home connections use Dynamic IP addresses. This means your ISP temporarily assigns an IP to your modem. When you reboot your modem or after a certain specific lease time, your ISP might assign you a completely new one. Businesses often pay extra for Static IP addresses that never change.