Blog · How-to
How to send an IP address (and can you message one?)
Short answer: To send your IP address, press Copy in the bar above and paste it into the chat, email or ticket. You cannot send a text message to an IP address the way you text a phone number. An IP identifies a network connection, not a person or an inbox.
How to send your IP address in 3 steps
- Look at the bar at the top of this page. It shows your public IP.
- Press Copy. If you have IPv6 as well, both lines are copied.
- Paste into WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, email or the support form, and send it only to the person who asked.
Pasting matters. One wrong digit points to someone else's network. More detail in how to share your IP address and how to copy your IP for support.
How to copy an IP address on phone or computer
On a phone, tap Copy in the bar. On a computer, either use the button or double-click the address to select it and press Ctrl+C (Cmd+C on Mac). Prefer the command line? See find your IP from the terminal.
Can you send a message to an IP address?
Not in the sense most people mean. There is no inbox at an IP address. Data only arrives if a program on that machine is listening on a port and the router lets it through. Home routers block unsolicited traffic by default, and one public IP is often shared by a whole household or even a whole mobile network (see shared IP address).
So a stranger who knows your IP cannot "text" you, and you cannot reach someone by typing their IP into a messenger.
What does work on a local network
- Windows: the old
msgcommand sends a pop-up to another PC on the same network, on Pro editions with the right settings. - Any OS: tools such as
netcatcan open a raw connection between two machines you control. - Games and apps: "join by IP" works when the host forwards a port. See port forwarding.
Is it safe to send my IP to someone?
For support, a game admin or a friend helping you, usually yes. It reveals a rough location and your ISP, nothing more. Read is it safe to share my IP address for the cases where you should not.
FAQ
How do I send my IP address to someone?
Press Copy next to your IP at the top of the page, then paste it into the chat, email or ticket.
Can you send a message to an IP address?
Not like a phone number. An IP has no inbox. Only a program listening on that machine, with the router allowing it, can receive data.
How do I copy my IP address?
Use the Copy button in the IP bar, or select the address and press Ctrl+C (Cmd+C on Mac).
Can someone message me if they know my IP?
No. Your router blocks unsolicited connections, and messengers do not work by IP address.