People often say “my IP address” when they’re actually talking about two different things: a public IP (what websites see) and a private IP (your device’s address inside your home or office network). Understanding the difference helps with troubleshooting, privacy, and VPN setup.
In one sentence
Public IP identifies your network on the internet. Private IP identifies a device inside your network.
What is a public IP address?
A public IP is assigned to your internet connection by your ISP (or by your VPN when you use one). It’s the address other systems on the internet use to send responses back to you.
Check it instantly:
What is a private (local) IP address?
A private IP is assigned by your router (or your network admin) to each device inside the network. Private IPs are not reachable directly from the public internet.
Common private IP ranges
- 192.168.0.0/16 (e.g., 192.168.1.23)
- 10.0.0.0/8 (e.g., 10.0.0.15)
- 172.16.0.0/12 (e.g., 172.16.5.90)
Why are private IPs used? (NAT explained)
Most homes have dozens of devices but only one public IP from the ISP. Your router uses NAT (Network Address Translation) to let many private-IP devices share one public IP.
What websites can see (and can’t)
- Websites can see: your public IP (or VPN IP), approximate location, ISP/ASN.
- Websites can’t see: your private IP like 192.168.x.x (unless you reveal it some other way).
How to find your public IP
- Visit What’s My IP Live.
- If you use a VPN, your public IP will be the VPN server’s IP.
- Use VPN Detection to confirm you’re seeing the VPN IP.
How to find your private IP (quick steps)
Windows
- Open Command Prompt → run
ipconfig→ look for “IPv4 Address”.
Mac
- System Settings → Network → select Wi‑Fi/Ethernet → look for “IP Address”.
iPhone / iPad
- Settings → Wi‑Fi → tap (i) next to your network → “IP Address”.
Android
- Settings → Network/Internet → Wi‑Fi → your network → Advanced → “IP address”.
Privacy tip: public IP is the one you protect
If your goal is privacy, you protect your public IP. The most common options are:
- VPN: replaces your public IP and encrypts traffic.
- Proxy: may replace IP for certain apps, usually without full encryption.
- Tor: strong anonymity but slower for many use cases.
Want to hide your public IP?
- Read: How to Hide Your IP Address
- Verify: VPN Detection Test
- If your IP “location” looks odd: Why is my IP location wrong?