How to Trace an IP Address

Tracing an IP address provides its approximate geographic location, and the process is relatively straightforward. Various online tools, such as WolframAlpha and the Spiceworks IP Lookup tool, enable you to track an IP address quickly. This tutorial will guide you through tracing an IP address’s origin step-by-step.

Finding Someone’s Location by Their IP Address

To trace the location of an IP address, start by copying the IP address from a website you are interested in. Then, paste it into an IP lookup website like WolframAlpha. Press Enter to retrieve the IP address’s location details.

Method 1: Using WolframAlpha

Step 1: Find the IP Address

1. Locate the IP address: You can find a website’s IP address on various platforms, including Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android. You can also locate a Skype user’s IP address if needed.

Step 2: Access WolframAlpha

2. Open the WolframAlpha website:
   • Navigate to https://www.wolframalpha.com/  in your web browser.
3. Enter the IP Address:
   • Click the search bar at the top of the page and type in the IP address you want to trace. For instance, to trace Facebook’s IP address, you would enter 157.240.18.35.
4. Initiate the Search:
   • Press Enter to begin the search. WolframAlpha will search for geographical details associated with the IP address.

Step 3: Review the Results

5. Analyze the Information:
   • WolframAlpha typically displays details such as the type of IP address, the Internet Service Provider (ISP), and the city where the IP address is currently active.
   • Click More next to the “IP address registrant:” heading to view additional information about the registered city.
   • If WolframAlpha doesn’t provide the necessary information, consider using IP Lookup as an alternative.

Method 2: Using IP Lookup

Step 1: Find the IP Address

1. Locate the IP address: Similar to WolframAlpha, you can find a website’s IP address on various platforms, including Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android. This also applies to finding a Skype user’s IP address if needed.

Step 2: Access IP Lookup

2. Open the IP Lookup website:
   • Navigate to https://community.spiceworks.com/tools/ip-lookup/ in your web browser.
3. Enter the IP Address:
   • Click the search bar beneath the “IP Address or Hostname” heading and type in the IP address. For example, to search for one of Google’s addresses, enter 172.217.7.206.
4. Initiate the Search:
   • Click the Lookup IP button next to the text field. This action will search for the entered IP address.

Step 3: Review the Results

5. Analyze the Information:
   • IP Lookup provides basic information about the IP address’s location, such as the city and state, along with a map and location pin.
   • Additionally, ensure your Windows desktop or laptop is protected from viruses by using Windows Defender, an antivirus software built into the Windows operating system.

Q&A for How to Trace an IP Address

How can I find a person’s location right away?

• The fastest method is by finding their IP address.

How do I find out someone’s IP address when they’re connected to my WiFi network?

• If someone is on your WiFi network, they will share the same external IP address as everyone else on that network. However, individual devices have unique local IP addresses assigned by the router.

Can an IP address be tracked through Facebook or Viber messages?

• Tracking is possible only when chatting within the specific app.

Can I trace an IP address from Kik or iFunny?

• You can use a website that generates a trackable link. When the user clicks the link, their IP address is recorded.

How do I track someone’s IP from a post they made on Twitter?

• This is typically impossible. However, you could try tricking them into sending you an email.

Do I get to know the person’s name registered on the network by using the tracert command?

• No, the tracert command only traces the path to the desired network but does not reveal personal information.

How do I look up an IP address from an iPhone?

• You can use the same methods as on a computer. If you have internet access, use IP-address-tracing websites mentioned in this guide.

How do I stop an IP address from continuously trying to hack into my email?

• Change your IP address, update your passwords, and run an antivirus program on your computer.

My Facebook account showed a device accessing it that wasn’t mine. I got the IP address of the unknown device. What can I find out from this and how?

• Use an IP address searcher to find the location of the device. Meanwhile, change your Facebook password to secure your account.

Can I trace a Facebook account to find out who created an account with my name?

• Report the account to Facebook, and they will take appropriate action.

Can someone trace my IP address and make it look like I am doing something on the internet?

• Yes, if someone has your IP address, they can spoof it to appear as though the activity is coming from you.

Can I get an IP address from a street address?

• IP addresses can only be traced from devices or public areas connected to the internet.

Can I track an IP address from a Google review?

• Not from the review alone. However, if you know the Google account details, you might obtain the user’s public IP address unless they use a VPN.

How can a mobile phone have multiple IP addresses?

• Mobile phones typically have a single IP address assigned by the network they are connected to.

Can I track an IP from my Android device?

• Yes, various apps can assist you in tracing IP addresses, especially on Android devices. Look for reliable, highly-rated apps.

How do I trace an IP address from an email?

• Open the email and view the original message. Copy the header information and use an IP lookup tool, such as whatismyipaddress.com, to trace the sender’s IP address.

Can I use a phone number to track an IP number?

• This depends on the communication infrastructure where you live. In some systems, it might be possible.

Can I track my lost phone using an IP address?

• While tracking via IP is possible, using apps like “Find My iPhone” may be more effective. You can only track the device when it is online.

Conclusion

By following these detailed methods, you can trace the approximate geographic location of an IP address and gain insights into its origin.