How Websites Use Your IP Address (and What You Can Do About It)

When you visit a website, you’re automatically sharing your IP address — it’s how the site knows where to send its response. But beyond basic communication, many websites use your IP address to gather additional information about you.

What Can a Website Learn from Your IP?

• Geolocation: Your IP can be used to estimate your location, often down to the city level.
• Network Type: Sites can infer whether you’re on a home, work, mobile, or proxy network.
• Security Signals: Some websites use your IP to flag suspicious behavior, like multiple failed login attempts or unusual locations.
• Personalization: Sites may tailor content or pricing based on your region.

Why Should You Care?

This data contributes to your digital fingerprint — a combination of traits that advertisers and trackers use to identify you online.

How to Limit IP-Based Tracking

• Use a VPN to mask your real IP and encrypt your traffic.
• Try Tor for stronger anonymity through multiple relay nodes.
• Use Privacy-Focused Services that don’t collect excess data.

See What Your IP Reveals

Check your IP address to see what websites can see about you.