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What information can an IP address reveal?
Looking up an IP address can provide a lot of information about the device and network associated with that IP address. Here’s what you can find out by looking up someone’s IP.
Looking up an IP address shows you the geolocation of that IP address, including the country, state, city, and zip code.
Your public IP is given to you by your ISP (internet service provider). Looking up someone’s IP address also reveals their ISP.
NordVPN’s IP lookup tool also shows you the IP’s hostname (its unique name on the network).
What information can’t an IP address reveal?
However, looking up an IP address won’t provide any identifiable information. Here’s what you won’t be able to see.
An IP address does not reveal the user’s name or identity. However, it can be used to find out their name (e.g., in legal investigations).
You also won’t see someone’s exact location because an IP address doesn’t reveal their address. You’ll only see where someone is approximately (i.e., IP geolocation).
An IP address also doesn’t reveal someone’s contact details, such as their phone number or email address.
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What can you use the IP address lookup tool for?
You may want to use our IP lookup for several reasons — from curiosity to security concerns.
If a device you don’t recognize remotely joins your computer network, its IP address can be helpful in verifying this device. Looking up the device’s IP address may help you understand where the device is located and help you decide if you should block it from your network for security reasons.
If you own a website and see suspicious traffic, looking up an IP address may provide more information and help you decide what to do next. For example, if you notice repeated failed login attempts from different IP addresses, you may use an IP lookup tool to find out more about where these attempts are coming from.
Checking an IP address may also help detect potential scams. For example, if you get an email from someone claiming they’re your distant cousin, you can use their IP address to check their approximate location. If they say they’re in the U.S., but the IP address tells a different story — you’ll know it may be a scam.
How accurate is NordVPN’s IP lookup tool?
No IP lookup tool is 100% accurate. Like other tools, NordVPN’s IP location finder looks up the IP address you enter using an IP database. While IP databases are usually accurate, they typically take a while to update, so may occasionally have discrepancies.
IP lookup results may also be affected by factors like proxy and VPN use. For example, if a user is connected to a VPN, you’ll see the VPN server’s IP address, not theirs. By connecting to a VPN server, a user instantly becomes more private — no one can see their actual approximate location or ISP anymore.
Why should you hide your IP?
You may want to hide your IP address for several reasons — from privacy to online freedom.
Your IP can reveal your geolocation, ISP, browsing history, and some personal details to your service providers or advertisers. Cybercriminals can also use it to find out a great deal of personal information about you. If you hide your IP, snoopers can no longer spy on you online.
Some regions have strict internet censorship and heavily monitor their internet users. If you’re traveling to a more restrictive country, you may want to hide your IP to avoid government surveillance and enjoy more online privacy.
Some internet service providers tend to curb internet speed at peak times or when users engage in certain activities. By masking your IP, you can avoid activity-based bandwidth throttling and enjoy an uninterrupted online experience.
When you go abroad and connect to the local network, your IP address changes to the country you’re in. By using a VPN, you can change your IP back to your home country, allowing you to access your favorite content as if you were back home — even in countries where it may be blocked.
Reasons to hide your IP with NordVPN
NordVPN lets you mask your IP in just a few taps — but that’s not all it does.
Instantly hide your IP
Connect to a VPN server, and NordVPN will instantly mask your IP. Anyone who looks up your IP address will see the VPN server’s information (not yours).
Encrypt your internet traffic
NordVPN uses advanced AES encryption to secure internet traffic against hackers and snoopers. It scrambles your data, making it much harder for hackers to decipher.
Change your virtual location
With NordVPN, you can change your virtual location in a few clicks. Connect to over 7100+ VPN servers in 118 countries — and it’ll look like you’re browsing from there.
Block cyber threats
NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro™ blocks unsafe websites, intrusive trackers, and annoying ads. Plus, it checks the files you download for malware.
Enjoy lightning-fast speeds
NordVPN is officially the fastest VPN on the planet. Thanks to thousands of global servers and our revolutionary NordLynx protocol, we don’t slow you down.
Keep your traffic private
NordVPN is a no-logs VPN, meaning it doesn’t track your browsing traffic. It’s not just an empty promise — our no-logs claim has been verified by four independent reviews over the years.
Protect your IP in just a few clicks
Hiding your IP with NordVPN is easy — just follow these simple steps.
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Connect to VPN
Choose a server or hit “Quick connect.”
Boost your privacy with NordVPN
Try NordVPN risk free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Find the right plan — and hide your IP address today.