How to Find Your Public vs Local IP Address on Any Device

-

Every device connected to the internet actually uses two main types of IP addresses: a local (private) IP address and a public IP address.

Understanding the difference between these two addresses helps when setting up home networks, troubleshooting connection issues, configuring remote access, or setting up game servers.

Quick answer: Your Local IP is assigned by your home router and identifies your device inside your local network. Your Public IP is assigned by your ISP and identifies your entire network on the global internet.

Public vs Local IP Address: What is the difference?

Feature Local (Private) IP Public IP
Assigned By Your Wi-Fi Router (DHCP) Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Scope Internal home/office network only Global Internet
Visibility Hidden from external websites Visible to websites & web servers
Example Format 192.168.1.15 or 10.0.0.5 203.0.113.42

How to find your Public IP address

Finding your public IP address is extremely simple because external websites can see it when you connect to them.

You can instantly check your current public IPv4 and IPv6 addresses using the IPScope Public IP Lookup Tool.

How to find your Local IP address on Windows

  1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type ipconfig and press Enter.
  3. Look for IPv4 Address under your active network adapter (e.g., Wireless LAN or Ethernet).

How to find your Local IP address on macOS

  1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences).
  2. Click on Network.
  3. Select your connected Wi-Fi or Ethernet network, then click Details to view your IP address.

How to find your Local IP address on Android

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Network & Internet (or Connections) > Wi-Fi.
  3. Tap the gear icon next to your connected Wi-Fi network to view its details and IP address.

How to find your Local IP address on iPhone / iPad

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Wi-Fi.
  3. Tap the (i) info icon next to your connected network to see your IPv4 address.
Key takeaway

Your local IP address connects your device to your router, while your public IP address connects your router to the world. Knowing both makes network management and troubleshooting much easier!

Related IPScope guides

Learn more about network fundamentals in What Is an IP Address?.

Check if your ISP uses shared public addresses in What Is CGNAT and How Can You Tell If Your ISP Uses It?.

Popular posts from this blog

Crescent Moon Black Cat Cross Stitch Pattern

-
Image
↓ FREE FILE Crescent Moon Black Cat Cross Stitch Pattern Download this Crescent Moon Black Cat Cross Stitch Pattern as a high-resolution image file. The design features a playful black cat stretching through a crescent moon toward a small celestial star. File Type Image File Access Free Format JPG About this file This downloadable chart contains a crescent moon and black cat design arranged on a 100 × 130 stitch grid. The design uses a strong dark silhouette with small light details for a clear and distinctive result. The original project information recommends 14-count Aida and uses a compact DMC palette built mainly around black, white, and very dark charcoal tones. File information Grid 100 × 130 Suggested Fabric 14-count Aida ...
VIEW DOWNLOAD: Crescent Moon Black Cat Cross Stitch Pattern

Woven Star Quilt Pattern

-
Image
↓ FREE FILE Woven Star Quilt Pattern Access the Woven Star Quilt Pattern as a high-resolution image file. This geometric quilt design creates an interlocking woven-star effect using carefully arranged squares and Half-Square Triangles. File Type Image File Access Free Format JPG About this file The Woven Star design is based on an 8 × 8 layout of squares and Half-Square Triangles. Careful placement of contrasting fabrics creates the woven optical effect, with one section appearing to pass over and under another. The project information describes a block measuring approximately 16 inches square and uses three fabric groups: a darker feature fabric, a secondary color, and a lighter background fabric. File information Design 8 × 8 Grid Block Size ...
VIEW DOWNLOAD: Woven Star Quilt Pattern

How to Find Your Router IP Address on Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone

-
Your router IP address is the local network address used to communicate with your router from devices connected to your home or office network. You may need this address when you want to open your router settings, check Wi-Fi configuration, change network options, troubleshoot a connection, or view devices connected to your network. Quick answer: Your router IP address is usually the same address shown as the Default Gateway on your device. Common examples include 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1 , but your network may use a different address. What is a router IP address? A router normally has an IP address on your local network. Devices such as computers, phones, televisions, and printers use that local address when communicating with the router. On many home networks, the router also acts as the default gateway , which means it is the device that forwards traffic from your l...
VIEW DOWNLOAD: How to Find Your Router IP Address on Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone