How Websites Detect Your IP

Websites detect your IP from the network connection presented to the server.

Direct connections

For a normal visit, the server sees the client address from the TCP connection (REMOTE_ADDR in PHP).

Proxies and CDNs

When a trusted reverse proxy or CDN sits in front of the application, the original client IP may appear in headers such as X-Forwarded-For or CF-Connecting-IP.

Security note

Headers can be spoofed unless the application trusts only verified proxy hops. IPLocator uses conservative detection and optional Cloudflare support.