How to Track an IP Address Like a Pro – A Comprehensive Guide

This article covers how to track an IP address and walks you through different processes of tracking an IP address. This includes different methods of tracing the address through email, Social media, and the command prompt.

Also, learn about the top VPNs that can help you with the question of “how to trace an IP address.” We’ll also cover the FAQs about IP address tracking.

Imagine yourself as a gaming enthusiast dedicated to streaming every thrilling session. Suddenly, an unforeseen glitch catapults you back to the ’70s, when HD quality was a distant dream. No, it’s not the Internet speed. Your IP address has been leaked.

Since tracking an IP address is no hard mountain to climb, this article will discuss ways to track an IP address. Let’s dive in and learn how to track IP address!

Note: Learning how to track IP address is no difficult task. A leaked IP address welcomes extreme consequences. For this, we recommend using a trusted VPN, like iProVPN, to conceal your Internet Protocol address.

What Is an IP Address?

An IP address is a distinct label identifying a device within the internet or a local network. “IP” signifies “Internet Protocol,” a set of regulations dictating data format for internet or local network transmissions.

Essentially, IP addresses serve as identifiers enabling data exchange among network devices, encompassing location details and facilitating device accessibility for communication. In the digital world, where distinguishing between computers, routers, and websites is essential, IP addresses play a vital role in maintaining functionality.

The Working of IP Addresses

Imagine your device, a computer or phone, as a house. An IP address is like the house’s unique street address. When you send or receive information online, it’s like sending or receiving mail. The IP address ensures the data reaches the right “house” on the internet street.

It’s a system—like postal codes—helping computers, routers, and websites find and communicate with each other in the vast online neighborhood. It makes sure everything gets to the correct destination.

However, through an IP address lookup tool or any other tracking IP address tool, anyone can find your house’s unique street address. Once tracked, it could leak your personal information through advanced techniques.

For now, let’s jump to the main section on how to trace an IP address. Let’s dive in!

What Is the Use of Tracking IP Address?

Here are the main reasons why people learn how to trace an IP address:

1. Detecting Online Fraud

Once you know how to track an IP address, you can validate all your online purchases. Checking the IP address allows businesses to verify the user’s geographical location. If a purchase originates from a location different from the cardholder’s usual area, it raises a red flag for potential fraud.

For example, when you purchase something online, there’s a lingering threat of facing fraud. However, by tracking IP address, you can easily see the red flags, i.e., if the seller locations match their IP addresses.

2. Regional Marketing Practices

Those yummy-looking cookies that you see on almost every site – they’re used to track user information for personalized experiences. No wonder why they appear on every site.

For example, they can discern whether you’re a first-time or returning visitor, and they can trace your prior visits to different pages on their site. Presently, all cookie-using websites are required to display a message notifying visitors about their cookie usage.

If you encounter a site’s ads post-visit, it results from cookies tracking your online activity tied to that specific IP address. In summary, while IP addresses reveal location information, cookies give website owners and advertisers insights into your online behavior. On the other hand, you can always disable cookies as well.

3. Aids Legal Procedures

Law enforcement utilizes IP address tracing as a valuable tool. In cases where a cybercriminal commits a crime online, their IP address becomes a means to locate them offline. While this application can serve positive purposes, it also poses risks in oppressive regimes.

Authorities in such environments can leverage the process of tracking IP address to trace and target activists and advocates of free speech, highlighting the dual nature of IP tracking in different contexts.

Now that you know about the reasons for tracking IP addresses, let’s jump to a generic tutorial on how to track IP address.

How to Track an IP Address From an Email

Here’s how to trace an IP address via an Email:

1. Access the email and click on the three dots icon.
2. Choose the option “Show original.”
3. Locate the IP address through the plain text for “Received.”

How to Track IP Address of Someone Through Command Prompt

Here’s how to track an IP address through the Command prompt works:

• Press the “Windows + R” keys simultaneously.
• Input “cmd” in the prompted text box and press “OK.”
• Within the command prompt, type “ping,” followed by the desired website’s URL to obtain its IP address.
• Input the “Tracert” command and the IP address in the command prompt.

You can paste the IP address on an IP lookup online for detailed information.

How Can You Tell if Someone Is Tracking Your IP Address?

After learning about how to track an IP address, determining whether someone is tracking your IP address can be challenging. And it typically requires technical knowledge and tools.

While tracking an IP address is useful for identifying potential security risks or understanding network behaviors, leveraging robust network monitoring tools can enhance visibility and control over your network infrastructure. One prominent tool in this space is SolarWinds network monitoring software, which offers comprehensive features for real-time monitoring, performance analysis, and management of your networks. This software plays a critical role in not only tracking but also managing the health and performance of your network to ensure optimal operation and security against threats.

However, there are general indicators that might suggest such tracking:

1. Review Account Activity

Check the login activity for online accounts, as some services provide information on recent logins, including IP addresses.

2. Unexpected Pop-ups or Alerts

Be wary of unexpected pop-ups or alerts on your device, as they may signal malicious activity.

3. Malware Check

Conduct a thorough malware scan using reputable antivirus or anti-malware software.

4. Unusual Emails or Messages

Exercise caution with suspicious emails or messages that could contain tracking links.

5. Abnormal Network Activity

Examine router or firewall logs for unusual or suspicious activity.

Use network monitoring tools to identify irregular patterns in network traffic.

6. Firewall or Security Software Alerts

Keep security software up to date and pay attention to any warnings regarding potential tracking attempts.

7. Performance Changes

Note sudden changes in your computer’s performance, such as increased lag, which might indicate the presence of tracking software that offers ways on how to trace an IP address.

8. Monitor Router Activity

Access router settings to review connected devices and ensure only authorized devices are connected.

9. IP Tracking Tools

Explore online tools claiming ways for how to trace an IP address to check for potential tracking. However, be aware that these tools may be inaccurate and could raise privacy concerns.

10. Use a VPN

Use a VPN to conceal your actual IP address and encrypt your internet connection.

How to Hide Your IP Address on Phone

According to Statista, in the latest recorded period, the global count of distinct IPv4 addresses reached approximately 814.4 million, marking an increase from the 808 million. And, with this rise, the IP address leaks have also been more frequent.

Here are the top ways to ensure your IP address is always hidden. We’ve numbered the methods according to their relevance and reliability:

1. Use a VPN

Using a trusted VPN, like iProVPN, you can connect to a different server, such as Japan’s. Following that, your location will be disguised as Japan, and all your data will be encrypted through a private tunnel.

Here’s how you can download iProVPN on your Android phone:

• Go to the Play/App Store or visit iProVPN’s download section.

• Click on the device you want to download it on. Or, search for iProVPN on the Play/App Store

• Click Install.
• Once installed, launch it on your device.

2. Use Proxy Servers

Proxy servers are individual servers that users can connect to to encrypt and conceal their IP addresses. Unlike premium VPNs, proxy servers are usually free, offering users a cost-effective alternative.

3. Open/Public WiFi

We don’t primarily recommend this method since Open WiFis stays to be the least recommended. Yet, once you connect, you can conceal your IP address by it. Our top recommendation is to be using a VPN like iProVPN.

Do VPNs Really Hide Your IP?

A VPN can conceal your online identity by disguising your IP address, and it makes tracking your IP address almost impossible. It employs encryption to secure your location and the data you transmit and receive. However, we recommend using the best VPN, like iProVPN.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, safeguarding online privacy is paramount, especially when IP tracking poses risks. Utilizing tools like iProVPN’s IP locator and reputable VPNs ensures encrypted, secure browsing. Understanding IP address tracking aids in fraud detection, legal procedures, and awareness of online marketing practices.

With various methods facilitating how to track an IP address, protecting your IP address through VPNs and proxies is crucial, with iProVPN standing out for its robust features. Stay vigilant against potential IP tracking indicators and prioritize reliable VPNs to maintain a secure digital presence. They shield your personal information from unauthorized access and potential risks.