Frequently Asked Questions About IP Addresses
What is my IP address?
Your IP address is displayed at the top of IPBoop.com as soon as you visit. It is your public (WAN) IP address assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This is the address that websites and online services see when you connect to them. Every device on the internet needs a unique IP to send and receive data.
What is an IP address and how does it work?
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique numerical label assigned to every device connected to the internet. Think of it as a mailing address for your computer. When you request a webpage, your IP address tells the server where to send the data back. There are two versions: IPv4 (e.g. 192.168.1.1) and IPv6 (e.g. 2001:db8::1), with IPv6 being the newer standard designed to handle billions more devices.
What is the difference between a public and private IP address?
A public (WAN) IP address is assigned by your ISP and is visible to every website you visit. A private (LAN) IP address (like 192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x, or 172.16.x.x) is used only within your local home or office network and is not visible on the internet. Your router uses NAT (Network Address Translation) to convert between the two so multiple devices can share one public IP.
Can someone find my exact location from my IP address?
No. An IP address can reveal your approximate location — typically the city or metro area — but it cannot pinpoint your exact street address, building, or apartment. The location is based on ISP registration data and can sometimes be inaccurate by many miles. Only your ISP knows the precise address associated with an IP, and they require a legal order to share it.
How do I change or hide my IP address?
The most common way is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which encrypts your traffic and routes it through a server in another location. Websites then see the VPN server's IP instead of yours. You can also use a proxy server or the Tor network. Restarting your router may also give you a new IP if your ISP uses dynamic IP assignment.
What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses (about 4.3 billion unique addresses) in the familiar format like 192.168.1.1. IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses (340 undecillion addresses) in a longer format like 2001:0db8:85a3::7334. IPv6 was created because the world ran out of available IPv4 addresses. Most modern devices and networks support both versions simultaneously.
Why does my IP address keep changing?
Most ISPs assign dynamic IP addresses, which change periodically or when your modem/router reconnects. This is cheaper for ISPs than assigning permanent addresses. If you need a fixed IP that never changes (called a static IP), you can usually request one from your ISP for a monthly fee. Static IPs are common for hosting servers, remote access, and security cameras.
Is IPBoop.com free to use?
Yes, IPBoop.com is completely free to use. There is no signup, no account required, and no software to download. Simply visit the page and your public IP address, ISP, approximate location with an interactive map, and browser details are displayed instantly. It works on any device with a web browser — desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone.
How do I find my IP address on Windows?
The easiest way is to visit IPBoop.com in any browser — Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Your public IP address appears instantly. You can also open Command Prompt and type nslookup myip.opendns.com resolver1.opendns.com to query your public IP directly. For your private LAN IP, run ipconfig in Command Prompt and look for the IPv4 Address under your active network adapter.
How do I find my IP address on my phone?
Open your phone's web browser (Safari on iPhone, Chrome on Android) and go to IPBoop.com. Your public IP address is displayed immediately — no app download needed. To find your local Wi-Fi IP address, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and tap the info icon next to your connected network name.