6 Ways To Find Someone’s IP Address

Are you suspicious of someone’s online activity or simply curious about who’s behind an email or message? Knowing how to find someone’s IP address can provide valuable insights especially in cases of online harassment, cyber fraud, or even suspicion of infidelity or cheating.

In this guide, we break down six legitimate and accessible methods to find someone’s IP address while keeping ethical and legal considerations top of mind.

1. Use Email Header Information

Most emails carry hidden metadata that includes the sender’s IP address—especially if the email comes from a self-hosted domain.

Person examining email headers on screen to find IP address from metadata, highlighting "Received" line with sender IP address.

How to View IP from Email Headers

  • Open the email in a desktop browser (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, etc.).
  • Click “More” or “View Original Message.”
  • Look for lines starting with “Received:” — the sender’s IP usually appears here.

This method works best with personal domains, not major providers like Gmail which mask IPs.

You can also learn how investigators track phones using metadata in this guide.

2. Use Social Media Interactions

People often leave a digital footprint while messaging or commenting on social platforms.

Finding IP through Messaging Apps and Activity Logs

While you can’t directly extract an IP address from Facebook or Instagram, you can:

  • Use chat logs and timestamps to identify suspicious behaviour.
  • Ask the user to click a tracking link (see next section).
  • Use social engineering carefully and ethically.

If your suspicion stems from online flirting or secretive behaviour, you might want to check out what defines cheating in a relationship.

3. Employ an IP Grabber Tool (With Caution)

This method involves sending someone a special link that records their IP address when they click it.

What is an IP Logger and How Does It Work?

  1. Use trusted services like Grabify or IPLogger.
  2. Shorten a URL (e.g., YouTube link) through their platform.
  3. Send the link via chat, email, or DM.
  4. Once clicked, you’ll get a log of the visitor’s IP.

Always disclose your intent or seek legal guidance. IP tracking tools should not be used maliciously.

4. Run a Command Prompt (For Direct Connections)

If you’re connected to someone via peer-to-peer apps (like gaming platforms or VoIP calls), you can use your computer’s terminal.

Using “netstat” or “ping” to View IPs

  • On Windows, open Command Prompt.
  • Run netstat -an or ping [targetURL].
  • Look for suspicious external IPs during a live session.

This method works best in real-time communication.

5. Check Website Analytics or Forums

If you run a blog, website, or admin a forum—great news: IPs are automatically logged.

Use Admin Access to View IPs from Comments or Logs

  • Login to your dashboard (WordPress, Wix, or similar).
  • Open comments, form submissions, or user activity.
  • IP addresses and geolocation may appear in logs.

You can also detect suspicious devices with other forms of surveillance. If you suspect tracking, read how to tell if your car is bugged.

6. Hire a Professional (When Legally Appropriate)

Sometimes the safest and most accurate approach is leaving the job to an expert.

Private investigator analyzing IP geolocation data on screen with case files nearby, investigating suspicious online behavior legally.

When to Consider a Private Investigator

Professional investigators use advanced tools and data access to:

  • Locate IP addresses with legal compliance.
  • Cross-reference IPs with physical locations.
  • Investigate suspicious online behaviour like catfishing or infidelity.

Learn more about the power of professional skip tracing services to uncover hidden identities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it legal to find someone’s IP address in Australia?
 Yes, finding someone’s IP address through publicly available means is legal. However, using it to stalk or harass someone is not.

2. Can I find someone’s IP address from a phone number?
 No, phone numbers don’t directly reveal IP addresses unless used in apps that log IPs during a connection.

3. How do IP grabber links work?
 They log the IP address of the user who clicks the link, along with date, time, and sometimes geolocation data.

4. Can a private investigator legally trace an IP address?
 Yes, licensed professionals may trace IPs as part of broader digital investigations, provided they follow legal protocols.

5. Can I find the IP address of someone who messaged me on Facebook?
 Not directly. However, you may use indirect methods like sending a trackable link or observing behavioural clues.

Final Thoughts

Finding someone’s IP address can uncover valuable clues about their location, behaviour, and intent. However, always balance your curiosity or concern with ethical and legal boundaries. If you’re facing an emotional situation like infidelity or cheating, focus on transparency and seek professional support when needed.