IP addresses are not just associated with laptops and computers. They are associated with any device that is connected to the internet. This includes your Android device as well. If you’re curious about the IP address of your Android device, then you have come to the right place.
But before we explain how you can find your IP address, allow us to define what an IP address is and why is it so important.
What is an IP address?
An IP address is actually the identity of any device that is connected to the internet. Just like you have your own ID card number or Passport number, devices are also recognized by checking their IP address.
How to find your Android IP Address?
To check the unique IP address of your own Android device, we suggest that you follow the steps below:
- Go to Settings
- Go to About device
- Go to Status
Over there, you’ll see multiple addresses which include your IMEI address, Wi-Fi MAC address, and also the IP address of your device.
But this isn’t the only IP address you should be concerned about. Another, more important, IP address is the public IP address.
What is a Public IP Address?
When your device is connected to the internet, it is given another public IP address by your ISP. Your Public IP Address is actually of more importance than your device’s IP address. Why? Because it helps websites determine your actual physical location on the map. To explain more clearly, a public IP address allows websites to determine your physical address, which includes information as to which country and in which city you live in.
You can find your public IP address from here.
Why Tracing a Public IP Address Violates Your Privacy?
When you surf on the World Wide Web, any website that you visit can check your public IP address. This IP address can be viewed by almost any website on the internet. This, however, can be a violation of your privacy.
Your public IP address isn’t just a number that is assigned by your network provider or ISP. It also contains the details of your actual physical address. This means that any website that you visit would know your physical address, right down to your city.
These websites then use this information in various ways. These websites often make tabs on your online activities with the use of cookies. This information is later compiled together and is commonly used to send personalized ads to you. In worst-case scenarios, this information is often collected together and sold on the dark web, where a hacker can use it to either expose your private details or steal your data.
Many times, websites also use this information to segment the demographics of visitors. A streaming channel may restrict access to its website because you live in a location that is not supported. A booking service, or an ecommerce website, may show you different prices which can be higher than the one shown to people living in another region.
Also, surveillance websites use this information to track your web activities and peek more closely into your personal life.
Fortunately, you can save this information from being disclosed by using a virtual private network. A VPN helps you change your public IP address to any virtual location you want. This effectively camouflages you on the internet.
Sheheryar Khan
June 21, 2024
2 weeks ago
