IPv4 vs IPv6 Matching

SegMetrics uses IP addresses as one of several signals to match website visitors to known contacts. By default, SegMetrics uses IPv4 addresses for this matching process. You can now choose your preferred IP matching method in your Account Settings.

What is IP Matching?

When a visitor lands on a page with your SegMetrics tracking pixel, their IP address is recorded alongside other identifiers. SegMetrics uses this information to connect anonymous page views to known contacts once they identify themselves (for example, by submitting a form or completing a purchase).

IPv4 addresses are the traditional format (e.g., 192.168.1.1) and are the most widely used. IPv6 addresses are the newer format (e.g., 2001:85a3:0000:370:733) and are becoming more common as the internet grows.

Which Option Should I Choose?

Use device fingerprinting and user data only (high fidelity): Best for most accounts. This method relies on device fingerprinting and user data rather than IP addresses, providing more precise visitor matching with less risk of grouping users together.

Match both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses (may over-attribute): Uses both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses for matching. This can increase match rates but may over-attribute visits by grouping multiple users on the same network.

Match IPv6 addresses (precise identification): Uses IPv6 addresses only. IPv6 addresses are more unique per device, which can improve matching precision in environments where visitors primarily use IPv6 connections.

If you are unsure which to choose, we recommend keeping the default setting.

How to Change Your IP Matching Preference

1. Log in to your SegMetrics account at app.segmetrics.io
2. Navigate to Account Settings
3. Under Reporting Preferences, locate the Visitor Matching dropdown
4. Select your preferred option: Use device fingerprinting and user data only, Match both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, or Match IPv6 addresses
5. Click Save

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Will changing this setting affect my existing data?

A. No. Historical tracking data remains unchanged. The setting only affects how new visitor sessions are matched going forward.

Q. Can I switch back after changing?

A. Yes. You can change between IPv4 and IPv6 at any time in your Account Settings.

Q. Does this affect my attribution reports?

A. IP matching is just one of several signals SegMetrics uses for visitor identification. Changing this setting may slightly affect how anonymous visitors are matched to contacts, but it will not change how attribution models calculate credit.

Q. Do I need to update my tracking pixel?

A. No. The tracking pixel automatically captures both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses. This setting controls which one SegMetrics prioritizes for matching.