An IP address is a number that helps your devices, like computers and phones, talk to the internet. Think of it like a home address tells data where to go.
Sometimes, people make mistakes when writing IP addresses. For example, “164.68111.161” is not a real IP. One number is too big, and it is missing a part. Small mistakes like this can stop your device from connecting to the internet or cause problems on your network.
In this article, we will show what a proper IPv4 address looks like, why “164.68111.161” is wrong, and how to avoid common errors. By the end, you will know how to check and write IP addresses correctly.
What is an IPv4 Address?
An IPv4 address is a special number that identifies a device on a network. Every computer, phone, or tablet uses it to send and receive data on the internet. You can think of it like a home address for your device.
How it looks:
- An IPv4 address has four numbers separated by dots.
- Each number is between 0 and 255.
- Example: 192.168.1.1
Why it matters:
- Without a correct IP address, your device cannot connect to the internet.
- It helps websites, apps, and servers know where to send information.
- Every device on the same network needs a unique IP address.
Why “164.68111.161” Isn’t a Real IP Address: A Super Simple Guide
Hey! Saw “164.68111.161” and thought it was your device’s internet address? It might look like an IP address, but it has some big issues. An IP address is like your phone’s GPS; it tells data where to go online. If the address is wrong, your device can’t connect properly. Let’s break down why this one is wrong in clear, simple words, like we’re just chatting over snacks. We’ll go over the three main problems and how you can avoid them.
Three Reasons “164.68111.161” Fails
This IP has three big mistakes. Here’s why it doesn’t work.
1. Number Too Big (68111 > 255)
What’s Wrong
The middle number 68111 is way too big. In IPv4, every number must stay between 0 and 255. Think of it like a tiny box made to hold 255 toys. Trying to put 68,111 toys in it? Nope, not happening.
Why It’s Bad
Your device can’t read such a big number. It’s like sending a package to house 68111 when the street only has 255 houses. The mail gets lost.
How to Spot It
Glance at every number in the IP. If one has too many digits or is higher than 255, it’s wrong.
Example: 164 is okay. 68111 is way too big.
How to Fix It
Check if you typed it wrong. Maybe it should be 68 or 111. You can try it with ping 164.68111.161 in your computer’s command prompt it won’t work.
2. Missing a Number (Only Three, Not Four)
What’s Wrong
Look at “164.68111.161.” See the problem? It has only three numbers instead of four. A proper IPv4 address always has four parts. Think of it like making a burger bun, patty, lettuce, and tomato. Miss one and it’s just not a burger anymore.
Why It’s Bad
When one number is missing, your device has no idea where to send data. It’s like telling a delivery guy, “Go to Main Street,” but forgetting the house number. He’ll just keep driving.
How to Spot It
count the dots.
- Three dots = four numbers (good)
- Two dots = only three numbers (wrong)
How to Fix It
Add the missing number so it’s complete. Maybe it should be 164.68.111.161. Check where you copied it from or ask the person who gave it to you.
3. Wrong Format (Needs Four Numbers, Three Dots)
What’s Wrong
This address doesn’t follow the basic IP rule: four numbers, three dots, all between 0 and 255. Even if we ignore the huge number 68111, it’s still missing a part. It’s like giving someone a phone number with a digit missing; nobody’s calling you back.
Why It’s Bad
Computers are picky about format. If it’s wrong, they just won’t connect. No internet, no streaming, no games.
How to Spot It
Check the pattern:
- A good IP looks like number.dot.number.dot.number.dot.number.
- Most valid IPs are 7 to 15 characters long (for example, 1.1.1.1 is the shortest).
This one is too short and has a number that’s way too big, double fail.
How to Fix It
Rewrite it with four proper numbers, like 164.68.111.161. Then test it by typing ping 164.68.111.161 in your command prompt to make sure it works.
Common IP Address Mistakes: Why Your Internet Might Be Acting Up
Ever type an IP address and get an error that made nothing work? IP addresses are like your device’s home address on the internet; they have to be correct, or nothing shows up where it should. Get them wrong and boom, no Wi-Fi, no games, no websites.
Let’s look at the five most common IP address mistakes in super-simple words. Think of it like we’re hanging out, having a soda, and talking tech without the boring stuff. Quick, easy, and helpful, you can spot these mistakes and fix them fast.
1. Numbers Out of Range (Like 68111)
What’s the Problem?
Sometimes people type a number that’s way too big, like 68111 in 164.68111.161. An IPv4 address can only use numbers from 0 to 255. That’s because computers work with tiny bits (like little on/off switches) that stop at 255. Imagine trying to stuff 68,111 candies into a jar made to hold 255.
Why It’s Bad
A number this big just confuses your device. It’s like sending a letter to house 68111 on a street with only 255 houses.
How to Fix It
- Look at each number in the IP. If one has more than three digits or is over 255, it’s wrong.
- Example: 164 is good. 68111 is too big.
- You can test it by typing ping 164.68111.161 in your command prompt
2. Too Few or Too Many Numbers
What’s the Problem?
An IPv4 address should have four numbers, no more, no less, like 192.168.1.1. But sometimes people write only three, like 164.68111.161, or even five, like 1.2.3.4.5. That’s like giving someone half an address or adding an extra street that doesn’t exist; no one will find the place.
Why It’s Bad
If the count is off, your device just gets lost. It’s like saying, “Meet me at 123 Main,” but never saying which town. Your friend’s stuck driving around, and nothing gets delivered.
How to Fix It
- Count the dots. Three dots = four numbers (good).
- Missing one? Add it. Extra one? Cut it.
- If you’re not sure, run it through a checker like ipinfo.io to see if it’s valid
3. Wrong Separators (Dots Only, Please!)
What’s the Problem?
IPv4 addresses always use dots. Not commas, not colons. Some folks mix it up and type something like 192:168:1:1. Colons are for IPv6, which is a whole different thing (like 2001:db8::1).
Why It’s Bad
Using the wrong symbol is like putting the wrong area code on a phone number — the call never goes through. Your device just shrugs and gives up.
How to Fix It
- Use dots only: 192.168.1.1
- See a colon? Swap it for a dot.
- Test it with ping or use whatismyipaddress.com to double-check.
4. Leading Zeros in Numbers (Like 001)
What’s Going On?
Ever seen an IP like 192.168.001.1? Those extra zeros might look fancy, but they just make trouble. IPs don’t need them ,it’s like writing your phone number with extra digits up front.
Why It’s a Problem
Some devices read 001 in a weird way and can’t connect. It’s like sending an invite with the wrong name, maybe it gets there, maybe it doesn’t.
Easy Fix
- Just drop the zeros: 001 → 1.
- Try it out with ping 192.168.1.1.
- Keep things simple , plain numbers work best.
5. Typos While Copying IPs
What’s Going On?
Typos sneak in all the time! You might type 192.168.1.2 instead of 192.168.1.1, or swap a dot for a comma by mistake. It’s like writing the wrong house number on a package it ends up in the wrong place.
Why It’s a Problem
Even one tiny mistake stops everything from working. No connection, no streaming, no games.
Easy Fix
- Check every single number and dot.
- Copy and paste from your router settings if you can.
- Test it on sites like ipinfo.io to make sure it’s correct.
How to Check if an IP Address Is Valid: Super Easy Steps
Ever wonder if an IP like 192.168.1.1 is real? Think of IPs as your device’s home address on the internet. They have to be right or nothing works. The good news? Checking them is super easy, even if you’re not into tech stuff. Let’s go over three quick steps to spot a valid IP and a bonus tip with tools that make it even simpler.
3 Simple Steps to Check if an IP Is Valid
Here’s how anyone can check an IP address fast.
Step 1: Count the Numbers (There Should Be 4)
What to Do
Look at the IP and count the numbers. You need four numbers with three dots in between. Think of it like a pizza cut into four slices, not three, not five.
How to Check
- Good example: 192.168.1.1 → four numbers (192, 168, 1, 1). Perfect.
- Bad example: 164.68111.161 → only three numbers. Nope.
- Easy trick: Count the dots. Three dots = four numbers.
Why It Matters
If you have too few or too many numbers, your device won’t find the right place online. It’s like giving a delivery guy half an address; your package never shows up.
Step 2: Check Each Number (0–255)
What to Do
Look at every single number in the IP. Each one has to sit between 0 and 255. That’s the rule. If even one number is bigger, the IP is broken.
How to Check
- Go through them one by one.
- See more than three digits? Big problem.
- Good one: 192.168.1.1. All numbers under 255.
- Bad one: 164.68111.161, that “68111” is way too big.
Why It Matters
If one number is too big, your device gets lost. It’s like trying to deliver mail to house 68111 when the street only has 255 houses. Your letter never shows up.
Step 3: Use Dots, Not Anything Else
What to Do
Look at the IP and check how the numbers are split. They should be separated by dots ( . ) only. No colons, no commas, no dashes. Dots mean it’s a normal IPv4 address, the kind most people use. Colons are for IPv6, which is a totally different thing.
How to Check
- Count the dots, you should see three.
- Good: 192.168.1.1
- Bad: 192:168:1:1. Those colons don’t belong here.
- If you see a comma or space, fix it.
Why It Matters
Wrong symbols break the whole thing. Your device won’t find where to go. It’s like typing the wrong phone number; nothing happens.
Why Correct IP Addresses Matter: Keep Your Internet Running Smoothly
Ever wonder why IP addresses matter so much? They’re like the home address for your phone, laptop, or router on the internet. If the address is wrong, nothing works; your device can’t send or get data. It’s just like mailing a letter to the wrong house; it never gets where it should. Getting the IP right keeps you online and trouble-free.
1. Avoid Connection Problems
Why It Matters
A wrong IP, like 164.68111.161, can shut your internet down fast. No Wi-Fi, no Netflix, no scrolling through your favorite apps. It’s like calling a friend with the wrong number; you’ll never reach them.
Real-Life Example
Picture setting up your router with a bad IP. Your phone and laptop won’t connect, and you just keep hitting refresh. With over 5 billion devices online every day in 2025, getting the IP right keeps you streaming, gaming, and chatting without any break.
2. Fix Network Errors
Why It Matters
A bad IP can break your Wi-Fi. Downloads stop. Videos freeze. Sites won’t open. If you run a shop, this can mean no sales and upset customers.
Real-Life Example
Type one wrong number like 192.168.1.2 instead of 192.168.1.1, and your printer or smart TV goes offline. Fix the IP, and boom, everything works again.
3. Make Devices Talk to Each Other
Why It Matters
Good IPs let all your gadgets talk and share data. It’s like giving everyone the right party address; everyone shows up and has fun. Wrong IP? Your devices get lost and can’t connect.
Real-Life Example
Your laptop needs to “chat” with your router to get online. With a good IP (like 192.168.1.1), it’s quick and smooth. With a bad one, nothing loads, no work, no games.
Final Thoughts
Getting your IP right is a must if you want a smooth internet. A bad IP is like a wrong house number; nothing gets where it should. Check the numbers, count the dots, and fix any typos. Do this, and your Wi-Fi, games, and apps will work without trouble.