An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique numerical label assigned to every device connected to the internet. Think of it like a mailing address for your computer, phone, or tablet — it tells other devices where to send information so you can browse websites, send emails, and stream videos.
Without IP addresses, the internet simply wouldn't work. Every time you visit a website, your device's IP address is shared with that site's server so it knows where to send the webpage data.
The original IP format, IPv4 uses a 32-bit address system that looks like: 192.168.1.1
IPv4 can support about 4.3 billion unique addresses. That might sound like a lot, but with billions of internet-connected devices worldwide, we've essentially run out of IPv4 addresses.
The newer standard, IPv6 uses a 128-bit system that looks like: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334
IPv6 can support 340 undecillion addresses (that's 340 followed by 36 zeros!) — enough for every grain of sand on Earth to have its own IP address, many times over.
Your public IP is the address the internet sees — it's assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and is visible to every website you visit. This is what IP Walrus shows you.
Your private IP is used within your home or office network. Devices like your laptop, phone, and smart TV each have their own private IP, but they all share the same public IP when accessing the internet through your router.
Your IP address reveals some information, but it's not as dangerous as movies make it seem:
Your IP alone cannot reveal your name, exact address, phone number, or what you're doing online. However, it's still good practice to protect your privacy when possible.
A static IP stays the same every time you connect. These are common for businesses hosting websites or servers that need a consistent address.
A dynamic IP is assigned temporarily and may change each time you restart your router or after a certain period. Most home internet connections use dynamic IPs.
IP geolocation isn't perfect. Your IP might show a city 50+ miles away because:
This is actually good for privacy — it means your IP doesn't pinpoint your exact location.