If you've ever been told to "check your IP" and gotten two different answers, it's because every device has two. The local IP lives inside your home network. The public IP is what the internet sees. Here's the difference — and when each matters.

What a local IP is

Your local IP is assigned by your router when your device joins the Wi-Fi. It's pulled from a private range (almost always 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x). It's how your phone, laptop, printer, and smart TV find each other inside your home. Websites never see it.

What a public IP is

Your public IP is assigned by your ISP to your router. Every device in your home shares this single public IP when reaching out to the internet. Your ISP can change it at any time unless you pay for a static IP. Websites, streaming services, and online games all see your public IP — nothing else.

How to find each

• Local IP: ipconfig on Windows, ifconfig on Mac/Linux, or Settings → Wi-Fi → network info on phones.
• Public IP: our IP checker — instantly.

When each matters

Use the local IP to set up a printer, configure a NAS, forward a port, or connect to a camera inside your house.

Use the public IP when a service outside your house needs to reach you — hosting a game server, setting up dynamic DNS, or when an external site is blocking you and you need to know what address they see.

The glue between them: NAT

Your router performs Network Address Translation — it rewrites packet headers so many local IPs share one public IP. Read more on how NAT actually works if you want the mechanics.

Try it now

Curious what your IP is showing the world right now? Check your IP address & location instantly with our free tool — no signup, nothing stored. Or trace any other IP to see its geolocation, ISP, and network details.