What Is an IP Address?

Your IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique identifier assigned to your device when it connects to the internet. It works like a home address for your computer or phone so that other devices know where to send data — like a website you visit or an app you use.

There are two types of IP addresses:

IPv4: Example – 192.168.1.1

IPv6: Example – 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334

Why it matters:
It can reveal your approximate location.

It helps routers and servers send information to the right place.

Websites can use it to restrict access based on region (geo-blocking).

VPNs can hide or change your IP for privacy.