Frequently Asked Questions
What is my IP address?
Your public IP address is the unique number your internet provider assigns to your connection. The fastest way to see it is to open ifconfig.is, which displays it instantly along with your location and network details.
Is it safe for a website to show my IP address?
Yes. Your public IP is already visible to every website you visit — that is how the internet delivers data back to you. A tool that shows it to you is simply reflecting information your browser sends automatically.
Can someone find my home address from my IP?
No. IP geolocation is approximate — it usually points to your city or region, not your street. Linking an IP to a physical address requires records held by your internet provider, which are only released under legal process.
Why is my IP location wrong?
Geolocation databases map IP ranges to locations and are not always precise, especially for mobile networks, VPNs, and business connections. Being off by a city — or occasionally a country — is normal.
What does it mean if my IP is on a blocklist?
A blocklist (DNSBL) listing means the address has been associated with spam or abuse — sometimes by a previous user of that IP. If you are on shared or dynamic addressing, it may not reflect anything you did. ifconfig.is shows which lists, if any, include your IP.
Does a VPN completely hide my IP?
A VPN replaces your visible IP with the VPN server's and encrypts your traffic, which hides your real IP from websites and your browsing from your ISP. However, the VPN provider can still see your traffic, so choosing a trustworthy one matters. See our guide on how to hide your IP.
What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 addresses look like 192.0.2.1 and are running out, while IPv6 addresses are much longer and effectively unlimited. Most networks support both. Our IPv4 vs IPv6 guide explains the details.
Do I need an API key to use the ifconfig.is API?
No. ifconfig.is offers a free, key-free API. Run "curl ifconfig.is" for your IP as plain text, or "curl ifconfig.is/json" for full geolocation data as JSON.