Ever wondered what is my IP address and why it matters? Your IP reveals more than you think—like your location and online identity. In this guide, you’ll quickly learn how to check your IP address, understand what it exposes, and discover simple ways to protect your privacy.
What is my IP address?
IP address is one of the most important elements when you connect to the Internet. When you change IP address, the web server won’t be able to detect your real location. This is especially important if your work requires logging in to multiple accounts. Many platforms are against having multiple accounts and detecting the account IP to check if they belong to the same user.
IP stands for “Internet Protocol”, which is a set of rules governing the format of data transfer via network or Internet. An IP Address is a unique address that identifies a device on the Internet or local network, they contain location information and make devices accessible for communication.
An IP Address is a string of 4 numbers separated by periods, for example: 142.18.21.150. Each number can range from 0 to 255, so the full IP Address range goes from 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255.
These numbers allow routers to identify where they are sending information on the internet. They also make sure that the correct devices are receiving what is being sent.
IP address lookup
One way of IP address lookup is to search it on Google. Google will show you the answer at the top of the page.
Another way is to check on sites such as IPFighter.com, whatismyip.com, etc.
Both IP Address and MAC Address are used to uniquely define a device on the internet. Internet Service Provider provides IP Address, on the other hand, NIC Card’s Manufacturer provides the MAC Address.
The main difference is IP Address is used to transport data from ONE NETWORK to ANOTHER NETWORK while MAC Address is used to transport data to the right device on A NETWORK.
When you send data to someone, IP Address addresses as his house’s address and MAC Address is his name. Together, IP Address helps transport data to the right address and MAC Address helps deliver data to the exact person.
Types of IP Address
There are 4 types of IP Address:
- Private IP Address
- Public IP Address
- Dynamic IP Address
- Static IP Address.
Among these, the most important one to pay attention to is your Public IP Address. This is the main IP address assigned to your network by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). It acts as your network’s digital identity on the internet.
Even though every device in your home or office—such as smartphones, laptops, and smart TVs—has its own private IP address for internal communication, all of them are still connected under a single Public IP Address. This public IP is what websites, apps, and other networks see when you access online services.
In simple terms, your Public IP Address is how the outside world recognizes your entire network. It determines your location, can affect your access to certain websites or services, and plays a key role in your online privacy. This is why many people use VPNs or proxies to hide or change their public IP addresses for better security and anonymity.
How to change IP address?
Changing your IP address is a simple way to access restricted websites, protect your privacy, or manage multiple accounts. There are several methods to change your IP address, and each option has its own advantages depending on your specific needs.
Use Proxy
Using a proxy is one of the simplest methods to change your IP address. When you connect to the internet through a proxy server, your real IP address is hidden, and the proxy acts as a middleman between your device and the websites you visit. However, many free proxy servers available online are unreliable and may pose security risks. For better security and authenticity, static residential proxies are more trustworthy since they use real household IP addresses.
It is important to note that while a proxy can change your IP address, it does not modify other device information such as your browser fingerprint. As a result, major platforms like Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Etsy can still detect your activities through browser fingerprinting technologies.
Use VPN
VPNs are a popular solution for changing IP addresses and also encrypting your internet traffic. When you use a VPN, your data is routed through an external server, which replaces your IP address to protect your identity. In addition to changing your IP, VPNs also encrypt your data, offering enhanced security, especially on public networks or when accessing sensitive websites.
However, just like proxies, VPNs cannot alter your browser fingerprint. Websites can still recognize you based on your device’s unique settings and configurations, even after you change your IP address.
Use another Internet connection
Another straightforward way to change your IP address is by using a different internet connection. Your IP address reflects the network you are connected to, so by switching to another Wi-Fi network, your IP address will change automatically. This method is easy and requires no extra tools or technical knowledge. However, it is a temporary solution and does not provide strong privacy or security.
Use mobile 3G/4G
Turning your mobile data on and off can also change your IP address. Each time you disconnect and reconnect your 3G or 4G mobile data, your mobile carrier may assign a new IP address to your device. This is a quick and convenient way to switch IP addresses, especially if you need a fast change without using Wi-Fi, a VPN, or a proxy. However, mobile IP addresses are often dynamic and may not remain stable for long periods.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever wondered, “What is my IP address?”, knowing how your IP works and learning how to change it gives you more control over your digital footprint. By understanding the different methods available, you can take smarter steps to discover and protect your identity while browsing the internet safely.
Hidemyacc antidetect browser will help you hide original computer parametersto avoid being detected. Therefore, you can use it with a Proxy to make your virtual profile look like a real native user and prevent websites from detecting your real identity.
Download Hidemyacc and start your 7-day trial now!
If you have any further questions, comments, or suggestions, feel free to contact us via Telegram, Skype, or Facebook Messenger support.
