How to get the IP address from an email in Outlook and Gmail

Are you curious about how to track the origin of an email? Whether you’re dealing with spam, phishing attempts, or unauthorized access to your accounts, knowing how to retrieve the IP address from an email can provide valuable information for investigation. In this article, we will guide you through the process of obtaining the IP address from an email in two popular email clients, Outlook and Gmail. So, let’s delve into the details and get started!

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Retrieving IP Address from an Email in Outlook
  3. Tracing the IP Address from an Email in Gmail
  4. Why Is It Important to Get the IP Address?
  5. Conclusion

Introduction

Emails have become a fundamental means of communication in both personal and professional settings. However, unsolicited or suspicious emails can often cause inconvenience or even pose a threat to our privacy and security. That’s why it’s essential to be able to trace the IP address of such emails, as it can help in identifying the sender’s location and potentially reveal their true identity.

Retrieving IP Address from an Email in Outlook

Outlook, one of the most widely used email clients, offers a straightforward method to obtain the IP address of an email sender. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Open the email you want to investigate.
  2. In the email header section, click on the “File” tab.
  3. Select “Properties” from the drop-down menu that appears.
  4. Look for the “Internet Headers” section in the “Properties” window.
  5. You will find the IP address of the sender listed next to the “Received” field.
  6. Take note of the IP address for further analysis or reporting.

Tracing the IP Address from an Email in Gmail

Gmail, another popular email service, also allows users to obtain the IP address of an email sender. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to accomplish this:

  1. Open the email you wish to investigate in Gmail.
  2. Click on the three vertical dots located at the top-right corner of the email.
  3. From the options that appear, select “Show Original”.
  4. A new window will open, displaying the full headers of the email.
  5. Look for the section labeled “Received: from”.
  6. The IP address of the sender will be mentioned within square brackets, next to this section.
  7. Make a note of the IP address and proceed with your analysis or reporting.

Why Is It Important to Get the IP Address?

Retrieving the IP address from an email can offer valuable insights and assist in various scenarios. Here are a few reasons why understanding the IP address can be important:

  1. Tracking the Source: By knowing the IP address, you can trace the physical location of the sender, helping you identify if the message originated from a legitimate source or a potentially malicious entity.
  2. Investigating Spam: IP addresses can aid in identifying and reporting spam emails, enabling email providers to enhance their filters and protect users from such unsolicited messages.
  3. Uncovering Phishing Attempts: Phishing emails often try to deceive recipients into revealing sensitive information. By retrieving the IP address, you can report the incident and contribute to efforts to combat phishing attacks.
  4. Enhancing Security: Understanding the IP address of email senders can be useful in detecting unauthorized access attempts to your accounts or networks. This knowledge can help you take appropriate security measures to safeguard your digital assets.

Conclusion

Being able to retrieve the IP address from an email can be a valuable skill when it comes to tracing the origin of emails and ensuring our online safety. In this article, we discussed the step-by-step process of obtaining the IP address from emails in both Outlook and Gmail. Remember, this information can assist in identifying potential security threats, reporting spam or phishing attempts, and enhancing overall online security. Stay vigilant, and utilize this knowledge to protect yourself in the digital realm.

by Abdullah Sam
I’m a teacher, researcher and writer. I write about study subjects to improve the learning of college and university students. I write top Quality study notes Mostly, Tech, Games, Education, And Solutions/Tips and Tricks. I am a person who helps students to acquire knowledge, competence or virtue.

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