An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique number that identifies your device on a network. Think of it as the internet’s version of a street address. When you request a webpage, stream a video, or send an email, your IP address is what allows the data to know where to go and where to return.

There are two types you’ll hear about: public IP addresses (assigned by your internet service provider and visible to the outside world) and private IP addresses (used inside local networks like your home Wi-Fi). Public IPs are what websites and servers see when you connect — and that’s what Gizmo shows you.

Without IP addresses, the internet would have no roadmap. They are essential for routing, communication, and online security. Every device — laptops, phones, servers, even your smart fridge — relies on them to function.

IPv4 is the older addressing system, using a four-part dotted format like 192.168.0.1. It provides around 4.3 billion unique addresses. When the internet was young, that seemed like plenty — but today, with billions of devices, IPv4 space has effectively run out.

IPv6 is the modern upgrade, written in a much longer format with numbers and letters separated by colons (e.g., 2001:0db8::1). IPv6 allows for a practically unlimited number of addresses, making it future-proof for the internet of everything. It also includes technical improvements like simplified routing and built-in security features.

Most networks today support both IPv4 and IPv6. You may not even notice, but your device often has both types of addresses assigned at once.

Yes. When you visit a website, your device connects to that site’s server, and your public IP address is part of the connection. That’s how the server knows where to send the page data back. It’s not a leak or a hack — it’s simply how the internet works.

From your IP, a site can often infer your approximate city, your ISP, and whether you’re using a VPN or proxy. They cannot see your name, email, or exact street address from your IP alone, but combined with other tracking (like cookies), it can contribute to your digital footprint.

That’s why privacy-conscious users sometimes mask their IP with a VPN. Gizmo just shows you the IP that the internet can already see.

An IP Lookup focuses on the location and network info tied to an IP address. It can tell you the ISP (like Comcast or Verizon), the country, and often the city or region where the IP is registered. This is useful for checking if your VPN is working or spotting unusual traffic sources.

WHOIS, on the other hand, is about ownership and registration. For domain names, WHOIS records list which registrar and organization registered it, plus key dates like when it was created and when it expires. For IP blocks, WHOIS (or its modern version, RDAP) shows which organization controls that range of addresses.

In short: IP Lookup tells you where an IP lives, WHOIS tells you who is responsible for it.

Whether you need to hide your IP depends on your situation. Normally, your IP address being visible is not dangerous — it’s required for normal internet activity. But it does mean websites and online services can see your general location and network.

Using a VPN or proxy can mask your real IP, which adds privacy when browsing on public Wi-Fi, helps avoid geo-restrictions, or prevents sites from easily linking activity back to you. Businesses sometimes also use VPNs for secure remote access.

Just remember: hiding your IP doesn’t make you invisible. Websites can still track you through cookies, accounts, and browser fingerprints. Your IP is just one piece of the puzzle.

Many ISPs assign dynamic IPs, meaning your address can change automatically whenever you reconnect to the network or after a set period. This helps providers manage limited IPv4 addresses among millions of customers.

A static IP is fixed and does not change. Businesses often pay for static IPs because they’re needed for hosting servers, email systems, or VPN access. Some advanced home users request static IPs as well.

If you notice your IP shifting frequently, it’s normal — that’s your ISP rotating addresses. Tools like Gizmo let you check your current one anytime.