How to Find Your IP Address | Check Your Public IP on PC and Smartphone
Want to find your IP address? The easiest way is to open a web browser and search for "What is my IP?" An IP lookup service will show the public IP address visible to websites and other internet services. However, the address shown in your computer or smartphone's network settings is usually a private IP, so it is important to understand the difference.
π Quick Guide: Find Your IP Address
Public IP: The address visible to external internet services.
Private IP: The address assigned to your device within a local network.
PC: Check your public IP using a browser or your private IP through network settings.
Smartphone: Use an IP lookup website or check Wi-Fi network details.
VPN: Websites may see your VPN server's IP instead of your regular internet IP.
π What Is the Difference Between a Public IP and a Private IP?
An IP address is a numerical identifier used to communicate across networks.
A public IP address is assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or network provider. It is the address that external websites and internet services can see when you connect to them.
A private IP address is used within a local network, such as your home, office, or Wi-Fi network. Your router assigns private IP addresses to connected devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets.
For example, your laptop and smartphone may have different private IP addresses while sharing the same public IP address through your home router.
π» How to Find Your IP Address on a Windows PC
You can check both your public and private IP addresses on Windows.
To find your public IP:
Open Chrome, Edge, or another web browser.
Search for "What is my IP?"
Open an IP lookup service.
Check the IPv4 or IPv6 address displayed on the page.
To find your private IP:
Open Windows Settings.
Select Network & Internet.
Choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on your connection.
Open your connected network's properties.
Look for the IPv4 address.
You can also use Command Prompt. Open CMD, type ipconfig, and press Enter. Windows will display network information, including your device's IPv4 address and default gateway.
π± How to Check Your IP Address on Android and iPhone
You do not need to install an additional app to find your public IP address on a smartphone.
Open your mobile browser and search for "What is my IP?" The displayed address is the public IP visible to the internet from your current connection.
If you want to find your private Wi-Fi IP address, follow these steps:
Android: Open Settings β Connections or Network β Wi-Fi β Select your connected network's details.
iPhone: Open Settings β Wi-Fi β Tap the information (i) icon next to your connected network β Find the IP Address field.
Menu names may vary depending on your device manufacturer and operating system version.
π Why Does My IP Address Change?
Your IP address does not necessarily remain the same.
Many internet providers use dynamic IP addresses, which can change depending on network conditions, reconnections, or the provider's address allocation system.
A VPN can also change the IP address visible to websites. When connected to a VPN, websites generally see the VPN server's public IP rather than your regular internet connection's IP.
Switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data can also result in a different public IP address because your mobile carrier uses a separate network.
Some mobile and internet providers also use Carrier-Grade NAT (CGNAT), allowing multiple customers to share a public IP address.
π Is It Safe to Share Your IP Address?
An IP address does not automatically reveal your exact home address or personal identity. IP lookup services generally provide an approximate location based on network and ISP information.
However, an IP address is still useful network information. Avoid unnecessarily sharing it in public posts or with unknown websites.
To check your connection, start by looking up your public IP in a browser. Then compare it with the private IP shown in your device's network settings. Understanding both addresses makes it easier to troubleshoot internet connections and manage your network.