An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique numerical identifier assigned to every device that connects to the internet. It functions as your device's "address" on the internet, enabling data to be sent to and from your device. There are two types: IPv4 (e.g., 192.168.1.1) and IPv6 (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334).
IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses, providing approximately 4.3 billion unique addresses. IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses, providing an almost infinite number of addresses (340 undecillion). IPv6 was developed to solve the shortage of IPv4 addresses and also offers improved security and efficiency.
Your IP address can reveal your approximate geographic location (city or region) and your internet service provider. However, it cannot directly identify you personally. To protect your privacy, you can use a VPN service that masks your real IP address.
Most internet providers assign dynamic IP addresses, which means your address may change when you restart your router or after a certain period. If you need a fixed IP address, you can contact your internet provider to order a static IP.
VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. It hides your real IP address, protects your data on insecure networks (like public WiFi), and can give you access to geographically restricted content.
VisaIP automatically shows whether you're connecting via IPv4 or IPv6. If you see a long address with colons (e.g., 2001:db8::1), you have IPv6. You can also visit ipv6.visaip.se - if the page loads, you have IPv6 support.
Your public IP address is the one visible on the internet and assigned by your internet provider. Private IP addresses (like 192.168.x.x) are used within your local network and are not visible externally. Your router translates between these via NAT (Network Address Translation).
Yes, you can use a VPN service, the Tor network, or a proxy server to hide your real IP address. VPN is the most common and practical option for daily use.