What is my IP Address and Why Does It Matter?

Introduction

It has been observed in several reports that the Internet is the reason for the connection between more than 5 billion people globally.

This feat is achieved with a unique IP (Internet Protocol) address.

The IP address is allocated to each network to have an exclusive identity of devices, websites, and routers used by Internet users.

Keep reading this article to discover all about what is my address and why it matters.

What is an IP Address?

IP (Internet Protocol) address plays an important role in connecting Internet users from all over the globe. They act as a digital identity for each network.

They are assigned by the Internet service providers to each network device.

An IP address is a kind of unique number that may reflect like “192.168.1.1.” They are automatically assigned by the DHCP server or manually assigned by a network administrator.

These distinguished addresses provide the following information:

• Location Address
• Network Interface Identity

How Do IP Addresses Work?

IP addresses are allocated by the Internet Service Provider (ISP). It helps in collecting information from specified users and exchanging it with other targeted users on the Internet. There are four types of IP addresses:

• Public
• Private
• Static
• Dynamic

If you are going to some other city or country, then you will not take your IP address with you instead your device will be connecting to the internet through the IP address of the new location.

Why Does IP Address Matter?

An IP address is like a digital address of a computing device and can identify precise locations such as city, area code, region code, and country. Knowing your Internet Protocol address can benefit you in many ways like accessing the Internet network and managing it according to your requirements.

IP addresses are like a footprint you leave on the internet when you use it especially in cloud systems. It is advised not to share your IP address with others as it can become a security threat. Hackers can hack your device or download illegal content using your IP address.

How to Find Your IP Address?

IP addresses can be used to find a geolocation of the internet users. There are several ways to explore your IP address.

Following are the methods:

Find Your IP Address on a Search Engine

Follow these steps to discover your IP address through a search engine:

1. Connect your device with the Internet
2. Open your browser
3. Write “find my IP address” on the search.

Find Your IP Address on a Mobile Phone

Finding your IP address is also possible through a cell phone. Follow these 4 easy steps:

1. Navigate to the “Settings”
2. Go to the “Wi-Fi”
3. Click on the information mentioned under the Wi-Fi icon
4. Copy the IP address listed on the screen

Find Your IP Address on a Windows 10/11

Here are the steps:

1. Navigate to the “Settings” of your Windows device
2. Click on the "Network & Internet" from the options
3. Tap on the Wi-Fi network you are using
4. Navigate to the "Properties" and discover your IP address

Find Your IP Address on a Mac

If you are a Mac user locate the IP address by following these steps:

1. Navigate to the System Preferences
2. Click on the “Network” option
3. Discover the required details about the IP address