Skip to content

What is an IP address?

When you browse the internet, you have an IP address. So what does that mean – and what happens if other people know yours?

What is an IP address?

It’s an internet protocol address: a series of numbers assigned to a device connected to a computer network and the internet. It acts a bit like a web address. It’s how the network – and the internet at large – can identify your internet connection and your device, and send the right information to it.

For example, 192.0.2.1 is often the IP address assigned to the router in your home network. If you type that into your browser, there’s a good chance it will bring up the login for your router.

Your public IP address, which identifies your broadband connection, is assigned by your internet provider. Or, if you’re browsing using a VPN, it’s assigned by the VPN service. That means your computer (or phone, or tablet…) changes to a new IP address when it connects to a different Wi-Fi network.

How can I find out my IP address?

Method 1: Windows

Select the Start button, then Settings, then Network & internet, then Wi-Fi, then select the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to. Click Properties, and you’ll see your IP address labelled ‘IPv4 address’.

Method 2: Mac

Open System Settings, select Network, and select the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to. Select Advanced, then TCP/IP, and you’ll see your IP address labelled ‘IPv4 Address’.

Method 3: Online

Websites such as https://whatismyipaddress.com will also tell you your IP address.

What’s the difference between a static and a dynamic IP address?

Most IP addresses are dynamic, meaning that they may change. The numbers in the IP usually change when you reset your router, or when you haven’t used your device in a while, or sometimes just at random as your broadband provider updates its technology.

On the other hand, a static IP doesn’t change – it always stays the exact same set of numbers. This is vital for activities such as hosting a server or a remote desktop. By having a consistent address, other devices and networks can easily find and connect to it.

You can get a static IP from most business broadband providers as part of your broadband package.

What can other people know from my IP address?

On its own, your IP address doesn’t tell people very much at all. It tells them your device’s approximate location, usually down to the street cabinet or local interchange that your internet connection is routed through. Dozens or even hundreds of people’s IP addresses can be traced to that same cabinet or interchange.

A static IP address (see above) can offer some more precise information, as these are permanent. So, for instance, if your company has a static IP address assigned to its internet connection, and you hook your laptop up to its Wi-Fi, you can be identified as a likely employee of that company.

By way of example, take a look at the X (formerly Twitter) account that logs when a Wikipedia entry has been edited by people in Parliament. As a member of the public, the user behind this account can identify which entries were edited by someone using a device connected to Parliament’s broadband line. But they can’t learn anything else about them beyond that, such as which person edited the page, or where in Parliament they work.

(Parliament’s IT department, on the other hand, most likely have tools that could find this out.)

Cybercriminals can use your IP address as a stepping stone to find more information about you or launch an attack on your device, such as phishing. However, they need more information and tools than just your IP address to do so.

Read more: How to stay safe on the internet

Can an IP address be tracked back to a person?

It depends who’s looking, but generally the answer is no – an IP address can’t usually be tracked back to a person.

IP addresses are public, so anyone who learns your IP address (e.g. if you’ve connected to their server, or visited their website) only has access to very limited information.

A cybersecurity expert, investigator, or hacker, on the other hand… They may be able to use your IP address in conjunction with other tools to identify you more accurately.

If you’re concerned about privacy or security, you can use a VPN. This connects you to the internet via a different server, meaning you appear to be using a different IP.

What happens if someone else knows my IP address?

Generally, not much. An IP address is a public series of numbers – the only thing an average person can do with it is find out roughly where in the world you’re connecting from. (Unless you’re using a VPN.)

However, bad actors such as cybercriminals may be able to use it along with other tools to find out more information about you or launch a cyber attack. For example, they could do a DDoS attack – meaning they repeatedly connect to your IP address, causing errors for you.

  • What to do if your energy tariff is ending

  • Energy standing charges explained

  • Energy price cap explained

  • Npower

  • Energy Complaints

  • How much energy does loft insulation save?

  • What channels can I get with Virgin Media TV?

  • Where can I watch the Premier League?

  • Where can I watch Formula On (F1) in the UK?

  • How to make your TV smart

  • What channels can I get on EE TV?

  • What channels can I get on Sky Glass and Sky Stream?

Compare broadband, TV & phone deals
if (siteConfig.Is("moneysavingexpert")) { } else if (siteConfig.IsMoneySuperMarketTheme() || siteConfig.Is("muuvo")) { } else { } Exclamation In Circle