An IP, which stands for Internet Protocol, is an address of a distinct number that devices use to communicate with and recognize each other through the Internet. After identifying the IP address of both sender and receiver, information can pass through from one device to another.
IP address can be publicly viewed allowing others to see where you are, where your device is located, and other information that passes through that address.
How do I determine my IP address on my Mac?
- Click the Apple Menu and choose System Preferences.
- Click on the Network preferences pane.
Your IP address will be indicated here:
What is my IP location?
Using your IP address, you can know your position on a map, coordinates, country, region, city and organization. It is the geographical location of your IP address.
What is a public IP address?
Public IP address is the IP address that is logged by various servers/devices when you connect to them through your Internet connection. It is the address that someone on the other end of your Internet activity would see.
If your computer is connected directly to the Internet with no router sitting in between your computer’s IP address is a public IP address.
The easiest way to find your public IP address is by asking a website that shows your IP address, since that website sees your public IP address and can tell it to you.
What is a private IP address?
Private IP addresses are untracked and unrestricted. Websites that can show your public IP address cannot geographically locate a user's computer by their private IP address.
Home routers have their local address set to a default, private IP address number. If you have a router, you have a private IP address. Your private address is just for your router, your network and you.
How do I change my IP address?
Most residential Internet connections have what is called a Dynamic IP Address. This means that your Internet Service Provider gives you a new IP address each time your router or modem connects to their network.
- Click the Apple Menu and choose System Preferences.
- Click on the Network preferences pane.
- Select the network you’re using in the left sidebar, then click Advanced.
- Click the TCP / IP tab, then beside the Configure IPv4, select Manually.
- You can now enter your desired IP address into the field of IPv4 Address.
Alternately, you can choose Using DHCP and click on Renew DHCP Lease to have your computer automatically generate a new IP address for you.
You may also change your IP address by simply unplugging your router/modem and plug it back in again and wait for it to reconnect to the Internet.
Keep your Personal Information Private on Mac
Install VPN Proxy One Pro to hide your information and to prevent others from identifying you, especially when visiting websites.
