IP Address Validator
Validate whether a string is a correct IPv4 or IPv6 address, and identify its type such as private, loopback, link-local or public.
Last reviewed by the Radiatus Cloud team
Check whether a string is a valid IPv4 or IPv6 address and identify its type.
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Validate IPv4 and IPv6 addresses
This validator checks whether a string is a syntactically correct IP address and tells you which version it is. For IPv4 it confirms that there are four octets, each between zero and two hundred fifty-five. For IPv6 it checks the hexadecimal groups and the rules for the double-colon abbreviation that compresses runs of zeros. When an address is valid, the tool also identifies its type, such as private, loopback, link-local, unique local, multicast or public.
Classifying the address matters because different ranges behave very differently: a private address never appears on the public internet, while a loopback address only reaches the local machine.
Where address validation is used
Developers validate IP addresses in forms, configuration files and APIs to reject malformed input before it causes errors. Administrators check addresses when writing firewall rules or diagnosing connectivity. Knowing the type helps you understand whether traffic is local, internal or destined for the wider internet.
The IPv4 type detection recognises the RFC 1918 private ranges, the loopback block, the link-local APIPA range and multicast and reserved space, while the IPv6 check recognises loopback, link-local, unique local and multicast prefixes. All validation happens locally in your browser.
Related tools
- Port Scanner — Check which common ports respond on a host and understand what each exposed service means. Scan only systems you are authorised to test.
- DNS Misconfiguration — Analyze DNS records (TXT, SPF) for security gaps.
- TLS Compat Tester — Check client-server compatibility for TLS versions.
- Firewall Rule Risk — Evaluate firewall rules for over-permissive exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an IPv4 address valid?
It must have four numbers separated by dots, each from 0 to 255, with no extra characters. The validator enforces all of these rules.
How is an IPv6 address validated?
The tool checks the hexadecimal groups and the double-colon abbreviation rules, so both full and compressed IPv6 forms are recognised.
What do the type labels mean?
They show the address category, such as private, loopback, link-local or public, which tells you how and where the address can be used.
Does a private address work on the internet?
No. Private and link-local addresses are only valid inside local networks and are not routed across the public internet.
Can it tell IPv4 from IPv6?
Yes. It detects which version a valid address belongs to and reports it, or tells you if the string is neither.
Privacy & Security
Everything runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
How to Use
Enter an address to validate it and see its type.
Disclaimer: This tool is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Results are for educational and utility purposes.
Related Tools
Port Scanner
NetworkCheck which common ports respond on a host and understand what each exposed service means. Scan only systems you are authorised to test.
DNS Misconfiguration
NetworkAnalyze DNS records (TXT, SPF) for security gaps.
TLS Compat Tester
NetworkCheck client-server compatibility for TLS versions.