What this IPv6 test checks
Your browser makes three small requests: one to a server reachable only over IPv4, one reachable only over IPv6, and one that is dual-stack (reachable over both). If the IPv6-only request succeeds, your device, router and ISP all support IPv6 end to end. The dual-stack request shows which protocol your system prefers when both are available. Modern systems use the "Happy Eyeballs" algorithm (RFC 8305) and normally prefer IPv6 when it works well.
How to read the results
- IPv4 and IPv6 both detected: you are fully dual-stack. This is the ideal state today.
- IPv4 only: your ISP, router or device does not provide IPv6. Everything still works, because almost all websites remain reachable over IPv4.
- IPv6 only: rare on home networks; IPv4 sites are usually reached through NAT64/DNS64 translation, common on mobile networks.
An IPv6 address that starts with 2 or 3 is a global unicast address. Addresses that start with fe80 (link-local) or fd (unique local) are never visible to websites. Learn how IPv4 and IPv6 differ.
How to enable IPv6
- Check that your ISP offers IPv6; most large broadband and mobile providers now do.
- Log in to your router (often at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and enable IPv6 on the WAN side, usually with DHCPv6 prefix delegation, and on the LAN side with SLAAC or DHCPv6.
- Make sure IPv6 is not disabled in your device's network adapter settings or blocked by a VPN client.
- Restart the router and run this test again.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need IPv6?
Not yet for basic browsing, but IPv6 avoids carrier-grade NAT, can reduce latency and makes hosting games or servers easier. It is the long-term future of the internet.
Is IPv6 less private than IPv4?
Modern operating systems use temporary "privacy extension" addresses (RFC 8981) that change regularly, so your IPv6 address does not permanently identify your device.
Why does the test show IPv6 but websites still see my IPv4?
Many websites are not IPv6-enabled, so your browser falls back to IPv4 for those sites.