Here's a simple way to understand how it works:
When you connect to the internet, your activity goes through your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Think of your ISP as the post office that sends and receives your internet data.
Your ISP assigns an IP address to your device. This IP address helps route your internet activity back and forth. For example, when you visit a website, your request is sent from your IP address, and the website's data is sent back to you through the same address.
Unlike your home address, an IP address isn’t permanent. It can change based on your connection and the network you're on. For example, if you use your phone’s data connection, it gets one IP address from the cellular network. When you connect to Wi-Fi, it gets another IP address from the Wi-Fi network.
Think of an IP address like your home address. Just as the mailman needs your home address to deliver a letter, the internet needs your IP address to deliver data to your device. This address ensures that the information you request online – like a video or a website – gets to the right place.
In short, your IP address allows your device to communicate on the internet, making sure you receive the right information and can connect with others smoothly. Without it, the internet wouldn’t know where to send all the data you need.