Public IP vs Local IP — What Is the Difference?

  • Public IP: The address that identifies your home network on the internet. All devices in your home share the same public IP. Assigned by your ISP. Changes periodically (dynamic IP) unless you have a static IP.
  • Local (private) IP: The address assigned to a specific device on your home network by your router. Different for each device. Typically starts with 192.168.x.x or 10.0.x.x.

Find Your Public IP Address

  1. 1

    Google it

    Go to google.com and search what is my IP. Google displays your public IP address at the top of the search results. Takes 2 seconds.

  2. 2

    Visit whatismyip.com

    Go to whatismyip.com for your public IP plus additional details like your approximate location and ISP name.

Find Your Local IP Address

  • Windows: Press Windows + R → type cmd → Enter. Type ipconfig → Enter. Look for IPv4 Address under your active connection (usually 192.168.x.x).
  • Mac: System Settings → Network → click your active connection (WiFi or Ethernet) → the IP Address is shown in the details.
  • iPhone: Settings → WiFi → tap the (i) next to your connected network → IP Address shown under IPv4 Address.
  • Android: Settings → WiFi → tap your connected network → Advanced → IP Address shown.
Why you might need your IP addressSetting up port forwarding or remote access on your router, configuring a printer or network storage device, troubleshooting connection issues, hosting a game server, or connecting devices on your local network to each other.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — most home internet connections use a dynamic public IP that changes periodically (when your modem restarts or at your ISP's discretion). This is normal. If you need a permanent IP address (for hosting a server or remote access), ask your ISP about a static IP address (usually an add-on service for an extra monthly fee).
Yes — every website you visit can see your public IP address. This reveals your approximate location (city level, not your street address) and your ISP. A VPN routes your traffic through another server, masking your real IP from websites and replacing it with the VPN server's IP.