What is IPv6, and should you enable it on your router?

Can IPv4 and IPv6 work together?

IPv6 provides a larger address space. IPv4 addresses look like 192.0.2.10, while IPv6 addresses can look like 2001:db8::10. When your provider supports both, the router can use both in a dual-stack setup. Leaving supported IPv6 enabled is a reasonable default when the connection works. A router toggle alone cannot provide operator support or improve every site’s speed.

Compare the same address on two networks

Try the exact URL on home internet and mobile data. A records point to IPv4 and AAAA records to IPv6. They can reach different hosts. Some clients fall back to IPv4 when an IPv6 route fails, while others may wait or show an error. An IPv4 result on My IP represents one request. An AAAA answer confirms a DNS record, not a working HTTPS connection.

Test both routes to a site you manage

curl -4 -I --max-time 10 https://example.com/
curl -6 -I --max-time 10 https://example.com/

Run this from a network that supports both. If IPv6 reaches the old site, compare the AAAA destination with the new hosting configuration. Check whether that host serves HTTPS and presents the right certificate. Include both record types in your DNS migration plan.

Before changing the router

Try other sites and another network first. If temporarily disabling IPv6 changes the result, restore the setting after the test and give your provider or site owner the URL, time, network and comparison. Keep appropriate firewall rules for IPv6 too.