IPv6 Test
IPv6 is the newer kind of internet address. Most connections still work fine without it, but it is worth knowing whether yours supports it. Press the button to check both versions in a few seconds.
Pressing the button makes your browser contact public address-lookup services (icanhazip.com and ident.me), which see the address they report back. Nothing is sent before you press it. See our privacy policy.
What the test does
The test asks one service that can only be reached over IPv4 and one that can only be reached over IPv6 to tell you the address they see. If the IPv6-only service answers, your connection has working IPv6. If only the IPv4 one answers, you are on IPv4 only, which is still normal. Each side tries a second service if the first does not answer, to avoid a false result.
What IPv4 and IPv6 are
An IP address identifies your connection on the internet. IPv4 addresses look like 203.0.113.9. There are only about 4.3 billion of them, so a newer format, IPv6, was created. IPv6 addresses look like 2001:db8::1 and there are far more of them. Many connections now have both. To see which address websites see for you right now, use What is my IP address?
Do you need IPv6?
No. Websites and apps keep working over IPv4, and many providers share IPv4 addresses between customers. IPv6 can mean fewer address-sharing problems, for example with hosting a game server or some remote-access tools, and some networks are moving to IPv6 first. It does not make your internet faster by itself.
How to get IPv6 if you do not have it
- Check your router’s settings for an IPv6 option and make sure it is on.
- Update your router’s firmware, since older routers may not support it.
- Ask your provider whether IPv6 is available on your plan. If they do not offer it, there is nothing you can switch on yourself.
- Check that a VPN or extension is not blocking IPv6. Many VPNs turn it off on purpose.
If you use a VPN, also run the WebRTC leak test, because IPv6 can reveal your real address if a VPN does not handle it.
About this tool
CHECKiOX stores nothing from this test. The result reflects the network you are on right now, so it can change if you switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data or turn a VPN on.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have IPv6?
Run the test above. If it shows an IPv6 address, your connection supports it. If it shows no answer for IPv6 but an IPv4 address, you are on IPv4 only.
Is IPv4 only a problem?
No. Almost everything still works over IPv4. IPv6 is useful but not required for normal browsing, streaming or gaming.
Does IPv6 make my internet faster?
Not by itself. Speed depends on your plan and connection. IPv6 can avoid some address-sharing issues, and some sites load slightly faster over it, but the difference is small.
Why does the test say no IPv6 when my router supports it?
Your provider may not give your line an IPv6 address, the option may be off in the router, or a VPN or extension may be blocking it. Check the router settings and ask your provider.
Can IPv6 reveal my real address when I use a VPN?
It can if the VPN does not handle IPv6 traffic. Run the WebRTC leak test and the IP address page with the VPN on to check.
Related tools and guides
- What is my IP address?: see your public IP.
- WebRTC leak test: is your VPN leaking.
- DNS lookup: look up A and AAAA records.
- All tools: every CHECKiOX tool in one place.