What is my IP and how can I find it?

Every device connected to the internet—whether it’s your computer, smartphone, or smart TV — is automatically assigned what’s known as an IP address. This address is essential for data exchange across the web and acts like a digital house number. Without it, websites, servers, or online services wouldn’t know where to send the data you’ve requested.

Many people eventually ask themselves: What is my IP and how can I find it? Whether you’re trying to solve a technical issue, check your connection, or are simply curious, there are several ways to find your IP address. It also depends on whether you want to check it on your PC or mobile phone.

02.05.2025 | Reading time: 6 minutes

What is an IP address?

An IP address (Internet Protocol Address) is a unique identifier that allows your device to be recognized on the internet or within a local network. It is essential for browsing websites, sending emails, and using apps and digital services.

There are two main types of IP addresses:

• Public IP address: assigned by your internet provider, it is visible online and identifies your internet connection.
• Private IP address: used within home or business networks, it allows devices to communicate with each other (for example, between your laptop and your router).

Without an IP address, you wouldn’t be able to visit websites, send messages, or use applications. It is the backbone of all online communication.

How can I find out what my IP address is?

The question "What is my IP address?" can be answered in several ways, depending on which device you're using and whether you're looking for your public or private IP address. Here are the easiest and most effective methods.

Find your public IP address using online tools

If you want to quickly check what your public IP address is, simply visit a website designed to display it—like:

wieistmeineip.ch

This site not only shows your current IP address but often provides additional information such as:

• Your estimated geographic location
• The name of your internet provider
• Whether you're connected through a proxy or VPN
  
  

How to find your IP address on a PC

If you’re a bit more technically inclined, you can find your IP address directly on your device.

For Windows:

1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard.
2. In the pop-up window, type cmd and hit Enter.
3. In the black command prompt window, type ipconfig and press Enter.
4. Look for the entry labeled IPv4 Address—this is your private IP address within your local network.

For macOS:

1. Open System Preferences.
2. Click on Network.
3. Select the network you’re currently connected to (e.g., Wi-Fi).
4. On the right side, your IP address will be displayed.
   
   

How to find your IP address on a smartphone

For Android:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap on About Phone.
3. Select Status.
4. You will find the current IP address of your device listed here.

For iPhone (iOS):

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap on Wi-Fi.
3. Tap the small “i” icon next to your connected network.
4. Scroll down to see your current IP address under the “IPV4 Address” section.

Important note: If you’re using a VPN on your phone, the IP address shown in these menus will usually be the internal IP address of the VPN, not your actual public IP.

How is my IP address linked to my location?

Many users are surprised by how much information is publicly visible through their IP address — especially the estimated location. Websites, advertising networks, and streaming services often use your IP-based location to:

• Display region-specific content
• Adjust pricing and promotions
• Decide whether to grant access to certain media (geo-restrictions)

When you check your IP address online, you’ll typically see your geographic location as well. This location data is based on publicly available databases that map IP addresses to internet providers and regions.

However, these location estimates are not highly accurate. They usually display your city or region, but almost never your exact street address. If you're using a VPN or proxy, the displayed location will reflect that of the server you’re connected to—not your real physical location.

Your IP address is a key part of how your online identity appears. If you want to discover it, change it, or simply understand what it reveals, the right tools—and a little know-how—make it easy. And in Switzerland, there are many online services that let you check your IP, along with useful extras like your location, provider, and connection type.

If privacy and data protection are important to you, using a VPN is highly recommended. It gives you control over how your IP appears online and shields your personal data from unwanted tracking.

What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

There are two main versions of the Internet Protocol: IPv4 and IPv6.

• IPv4 (Internet Protocol Version 4) is the older and still most widely used system. It uses 32-bit addresses and can manage around 4.3 billion unique IP addresses. Examples of IPv4 addresses: 192.168.0.1 or 10.0.0.2.
• IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6) was introduced to address the shortage of available IPv4 addresses. It uses 128-bit addresses and offers over 340 sextillion possible combinations – practically an unlimited number. Example of an IPv6 address: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334.

Why is this important?

In a world where more and more devices – from smartphones to coffee machines – are online, the IPv4 address space is no longer sufficient. IPv6 ensures that every device can have its own unique address, improving network stability and security.

In Switzerland, many internet providers already support IPv6, either exclusively or together with IPv4 (Dual Stack). This makes your internet connection faster, more stable, and future-proof.

In short:

• IPv4 = traditional system, limited number of addresses.
• IPv6 = modern system, virtually unlimited addresses, and better performance.
  
  

FAQ – IP address

What is the difference between a static and a dynamic IP address?

A static IP address always stays the same. It’s ideal for remote access or hosting services like websites or security systems.
A dynamic IP address is assigned by your internet provider and typically changes every time you connect to the internet. It’s the standard for private households.

How can I change my IP address?

There are several ways to change your IP address, depending on your internet setup and the technology in use:

• If your provider assigns you a dynamic IP, simply restarting your router may be enough to receive a new one.
• Using a VPN service routes your traffic through an external server and assigns you a completely new IP—often from another country.
• You can also use a proxy server, which hides your actual IP and replaces it with its own.
• Switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data (or vice versa) usually gives you a different IP too, since mobile providers use separate IP ranges.
  
  

Is my IP address dangerous to share?

Not inherently. However, if someone knows your IP address, they could theoretically target your network—for example, through DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) attacks. As a general rule: do not share your IP address publicly unless absolutely necessary.

Can someone trace my identity through my IP address?

Not directly. An IP address does not contain your name, address, or personal details. Only your internet provider knows which user was assigned which IP at a specific time—and they are only legally required to share that information if ordered by a court.