What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses, often written as four numbers (e.g. 203.0.113.10). IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses, written with hexadecimal groups and colons. IPv6 was introduced to expand the address space beyond IPv4 exhaustion.

Why might I only see IPv4 on an IP checker?

Your ISP or network may not assign public IPv6, or your device path may not expose it to the browser check. What Is My IP Address IP shows IPv6 only when a public IPv6 address is detected.

Blog · IPv4 / IPv6

IPv4 vs IPv6: what you see on “what is my IP?”

Quick answer: IPv4 is the classic internet address format (four numbers). IPv6 is the newer, longer format. What Is My IP Address IP can show both when your connection exposes them.

	IPv4	IPv6
Shape	203.0.113.42	2001:db8::1
Typical use today	Still default on many networks	Growing; depends on ISP

Many users see only IPv4—that is normal. IPv6 rows appear when the browser successfully detects a public IPv6 address for your session.

Run What Is My IP Address IP to see your live addresses.