WiFi Tips

What Is My IP Address - Local and Public IP Explained

 ·  WiFi Tips
What Is My IP Address - Local and Public IP Explained

You've got two IP addresses, not one. There's a local IP that works inside your home network, and a public IP that the rest of the internet uses to find you.

To check your public IP right now, just search "what is my IP" in Google. The result shows up at the top of the page. For your local IP (the one you need for router login), check your device's network settings below.

Quick answer: Your public IP is what websites see. Your local IP (like 192.168.1.x) is what your router assigns inside your home. Google "what is my IP" for the public one. Run ipconfig (Windows) or check WiFi settings (mobile) for the local one.

Local IP vs Public IP

Local IP address (also called private IP)

  • Examples: 192.168.1.5, 10.0.0.15

  • Only works inside your home network

  • Your router assigns it automatically through DHCP

  • Usually starts with 192.168 or 10.

  • Other devices on your network use this address to reach yours

Public IP address
  • Example: 85.214.32.109 (any number, assigned by your ISP)

  • Visible to the entire internet

  • Websites and servers need it to send data back to you

  • Every device in your home shares the same public IP through your router

How to Find Your Local IP Address

Windows:

  1. Press Windows + R, type `cmd`, press Enter.

  2. Type `ipconfig` and press Enter.

  3. Look for IPv4 Address under your active connection.

Mac:
  1. Open System Settings > Network.

  2. Select your active connection.

  3. Click Details > TCP/IP tab.

  4. The IP Address field shows your local IP.

iPhone:
Go to Settings > WiFi > tap the (i) next to your network > IP Address.

Android:
Open Settings > WiFi > tap your network > look for IP address in the details.

That whole process takes about 30 seconds on any device. I've found the Windows method is the quickest since you can just copy-paste from the terminal.

How to Find Your Public IP Address

Search "what is my IP" in Google. It's that simple. The answer appears right at the top before any search results.

You can also visit any IP lookup site in your browser. They display your public IP the moment the page loads.

Why This Matters for Router Login

When you type `192.168.1.1` in your browser to access your router's admin panel, you're using the router's local IP. It's not the public IP. This address only works while you're connected to that router's network.

Here's a common mistake: trying to log in to your router over mobile data. That won't work because your phone isn't on the local network anymore.

See the full guides:


Frequently Asked Questions

What is my IP address?

You have two. A local IP (like 192.168.x.x) that works inside your home network, and a public IP from your ISP. Search "what is my IP" in Google to find your public one.

What is my local IP address?

On Windows, run `ipconfig` in Command Prompt and look for IPv4 Address. On Mac, check System Settings > Network. On phones, tap your WiFi network in settings.

What is the difference between local and public IP?

Your local IP only works inside your home. Your public IP is the address the internet sees. All devices on your network share the same public IP.

Why does my IP address change?

Most ISPs use dynamic IP addresses that rotate periodically. You can get a static IP from your provider, but it's usually a paid add-on.