🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 1 (from laksa100)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa001.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.whatismyip.com/public-vs-private-ip-address/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.whatismyip.com/public-vs-private-ip-address/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/public-vs-private-ip-address\/","crawl_time":1774956570,"first_indexed_time":1670700349,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,whatismyip!www,\/public-vs-private-ip-address\/ s443","src_root_hash":"14960799632857006401","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Private vs Public IP Address: What's the Difference?","meta_descriptions":["In this article, learn the difference between private IPs and public IPs and how they work together to provide Internet access to all users."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"IP (Internet Protocol) addresses\nallow us access to the Internet. However, they don't all provide that access directly. There are two types of IPs: public IP addresses and\nprivate IP addresses\n. Public IP addresses are globally unique identifiers assigned by your ISP and let devices communicate over the Internet, while private IP addresses operate solely within local networks and are not visible externally.\nUnderstanding public IPs vs. private IPs can seem difficult, but in this article, we'll explain what private IPs and public IPs are separately, as well as their differences and how they work together to provide Internet access to everyday users.\nWhat is a public IP address?\nOnly local networks use private IPs. They cannot connect to the Internet. However, a public IP's primary purpose is to connect to the Internet. An\nInternet service provider (ISP)\nassigns public IPs to network equipment, like modems or routers, which then shares that connection with your devices.\nWhen you browse the Internet, your public IP is the address that's visible. For this reason, we also refer to public IPs as\nexternal IP addresses\n. When users want to\nhide their IP address\nor keep their IP private, it's the public IP address they are looking to cover; a private IP address never connects to the wider Internet like a public IP does.\nPublic IPs usually change automatically if your ISP assigns dynamic IPs, or when you connect through a different network or router. You can view your public IP address - and IP address details - on the WhatIsMyIP.com homepage.\nWhat is a private IP address?\nA private IP address is an address used by devices on a local network and reserved only for internal communication. Also referred to as a local IP or internal IP, a private IP address is assigned to a single device on a private network - such as your home network - to allow device communication and prevent IP conflict between devices. These IP addresses don't connect to\nthe Internet\non their own; instead, they connect to the home network, which uses a router with a public IP address that does connect with the rest of the Internet.\nRouters\nassign each private IP within the\nlocal area network (LAN)\nusing DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). The ranges themselves were designated by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), but the router, not IANA, assigns the actual private IPs to devices. It's possible for two devices on two separate networks to have the same private IP, but no two devices on the same network can share the same private IP.\nRouters can assign private IPs from several private IP address ranges. They are addresses that start with 10.x.x.x, like\n10.0.0.1\n; addresses that start with 192.168.x.x, like\n192.168.10.1\nand\n192.168.12.1\n; and IPs in the\n172.16.0.0\n- 172.31.255.255 range.\nIn order to determine what IP you are viewing, check the numbers in the address. If you check your IP address on your device and the address falls within one of the private ranges above, you'll know you're seeing your device's private IP.\nUnderstanding public IP vs. private IP addresses\nWhen considering public vs. private IP addresses, it can be hard to understand the difference between the two since they're both IP addresses and both connected to your Internet experience. However, to differentiate between the two, consider the table below:\nPrivate IP Address\nPublic IP Address\nUsed to connect to other devices on the same local area network (LAN)\nUsed to connect to the Internet in a wide area network (WAN)\nAssigned by the network device, like the router\nAssigned by an Internet service provider\nSame address usable for multiple devices as long as they're not on the same network\nMust be different to avoid IP conflict\nFound in individual device settings\nFound via an online search\nAccess across the local network\nAccess across the entire Internet\nAddress limited to certain number sets - class A, class B, or class C\nAddress can be any string of numbers outside those set aside for class A, B, or C\nChanges based on network connection\nTypically changes periodically, since most ISPs use\ndynamic IP address\nsystems\nWhy are there two kinds of IPs?\nAt the start of the Internet, only\nIPv4\npublic IPs were in use. Since fewer devices were connected online, each device could receive a public address to connect directly. However, as the Internet grew, the limited amount of public IPv4 addresses no longer was sufficient to cover all devices.\nBecause of this issue, NAT emerged. With\nnetwork address translation (NAT)\n, routers and firewalls translate multiple private IP addresses to a single public IP, effectively acting as intermediaries between public and private networks. NAT established networks represented by a single public IPv4 address but made up of private IPv4 addresses.\nThough\nIPv6 addresses\nwere designed as the long-term solution to IPv4 exhaustion, NAT and private IPv4 addressing continue to be widely used to connect computing devices to each other and to the Internet because IPv6 adoption, while growing, is not yet universal.\nHow do I know if my IP address is public or private?\nThe easiest way to know if your IP address is a public IP or a private IP is by looking at the IP number. If it's within one of the following ranges, it's a private IP address:\n10.0.0.0 — 10.255.255.255 (Class A)\n172.16.0.0 — 172.31.255.255 (Class B)\n192.168.0.0 — 192.168.255.255 (Class C)\nIf it's an IP address outside of those ranges, it's a public IP address.\nThough this tells you whether an IP is public or private, note that all devices do have both a public IP and a private IP; it isn't an either-or situation. The ranges above can help you identify which is which. Your router or gateway generally holds the public IP, while your individual device receives a private IP from the router via DHCP.\nHow to check your public IP address\nThe easiest way to check your public IP address is by visiting the WhatIsMyIP homepage. The homepage detects and displays your public IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, your IP location, and your Internet service provider.\nHow to check your private IP address\nYour private IP address varies by device, so you need to access your system's settings to check your private IP. To check your private IP on a macOS device, go to the Apple menu and select\nSystem Settings.\nClick\nNetwork\nand select\nWiFi\n, then\nDetails\n. Finally, if you select the\nTCP\/IP\ntab, you can see your private IP.\nFor Windows devices, click the Start menu and select\nSettings\n. Choose\nNetwork & Internet\nfrom the left menu and select either\nWiFi\nor\nEthernet\n. Choose your connected network, then view the IPv4 and IPv6 address fields under the properties section.\nFrequently asked questions\nWhat is a local IP address?\nA local IP address is another term for a private IP address. It receives assignment to a device on a local area network (LAN) like your home network; therefore, it doesn't connect to the Internet directly.\nIs a local IP the same as private IP?\nYes, a local IP is the same as a private IP. Both are also known as internal IP addresses. Internal IP, local IP, and private IP are all interchangeable terms for the same address—the unique private IP address assigned within a local area network.\nIs a public IP better than a private IP?\nWhen comparing a private IP vs a public IP address, neither a public IP nor a private IP is better than the other. Both are necessary to connect to other devices on a network and access the Internet.\nHow do I determine my public and private IP?\nTo determine your public IP address, go to the\nWhat Is My IP\nhomepage. This displays your public IPv4 address, IPv6 address when available, and details about your IP.\nTo find your private IP address, you'll likely need to go to your device's settings. However, the location of your private IP varies on each device, so check out specific instructions for your device in order to find your private address.\nCan private IP addresses change?\nYes, private IPs can be dynamic under DHCP or manually assigned (static). Most home networks use DHCP, which means private IPs may change periodically or after device reboots.\nWhy do private IPs repeat in different homes?\nThey're local to each network and not routed publicly, so duplication is expected and causes no conflict between separate networks.\nWhat's an APIPA address?\nAPIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing) assigns a fallback address in the 169.254.0.0\/16 range when a device cannot obtain an IPv4 address from a DHCP server. Devices using APIPA can communicate with other APIPA devices on the same LAN segment, but they cannot reach the Internet.","attrs_markdown":"- [![Logo](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/images\/What-Is-My-IP.webp)WhatIsMyIP.com](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/ \"What Is My IP?\")\n- [News](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/news\/)\n- [Pricing](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/pricing\/)\n- [API](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/api\/)\n- [Sign Up](https:\/\/members.whatismyip.com\/sign-up\/)\n- [Login](https:\/\/members.whatismyip.com\/login\/)\n- [Help](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/help-center\/)\n\n☰\n\n- [What Is My IP?](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/)\n- [IP Address Lookup](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/ip-address-lookup\/)\n- [IP WHOIS Lookup](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/ip-whois-lookup\/)\n- [Speed Test](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/internet-speed-test\/)\n- IP Tools\n  - Lookups\n    - [IP Address Lookup](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/ip-address-lookup\/)\n    - [IP WHOIS Lookup](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/ip-whois-lookup\/)\n    - [ASN Lookup](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/asn\/)\n    - [Hostname Lookup](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/ip-address-hostname-lookup\/)\n  - DNS & Network\n    - [Speed Test](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/internet-speed-test\/)\n    - [DNS Lookup](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/dns-lookup\/)\n    - [Reverse DNS Lookup](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/reverse-dns-lookup\/)\n    - [Port Scanner](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/port-scanner\/)\n    - [Subnet Calculator](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/subnet-calculator\/)\n    - [CIDR Calculator](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/cidr-calculator\/)\n  - Utilities\n    - [Random IP Generator](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/random-ip-address\/)\n    - [Server Headers Check](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/server-headers-check\/)\n    - [API](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/api\/)\n- Privacy & Security\n  - Protect Your Privacy\n    - [Hide My IP Address](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/hide-my-ip-address\/)\n    - [VPN Guide](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/vpn-guide\/)\n    - [Proxy Check](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/proxy-check\/)\n    - [VPN Leak Test Coming Soon](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/public-vs-private-ip-address\/)\n    - [Browser Fingerprint Coming Soon](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/public-vs-private-ip-address\/)\n  - Security Tools\n    - [Data Breach Check](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/data-breach\/)\n    - [Password Generator](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/password-generator\/)\n    - [Password Strength Test](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/password-strength-test\/)\n    - [PIN Generator](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/pin-generator\/)\n- Guides\n  - IP Basics\n    - [What Is an IP Address?](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/what-is-an-ip-address\/)\n    - [IPv4 vs IPv6](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/ipv4\/)\n    - [Public vs Private IPs](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/public-vs-private-ip-address\/)\n  - Routers & Local IPs\n    - [Router Login](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/router-login\/)\n    - [192\\.168.1.1](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/192-168-1-1\/)\n    - [192\\.168.0.1](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/192-168-0-1\/)\n    - [10\\.0.0.1](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/10-0-0-1\/)\n  - Email & Headers\n    - [Email Header Analyzer](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/email-header-analyzer\/)\n    - [How To Trace an Email](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/how-to-trace-an-email-address\/)\n    - [MX Lookup](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/mx-lookup\/)\n    - [SPF Checker](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/spf-checker\/)\n  - More\n    - [User Agent](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/user-agent\/)\n    - [Screen Resolution](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/screen-resolution\/)\n    - [Sitemap](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/sitemap\/)\n\n✕\n\n[Home](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/)[IP Lookup](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/ip-address-lookup\/)[WHOIS](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/ip-whois-lookup\/)[DNS Lookup](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/dns-lookup\/)[Speed Test](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/internet-speed-test\/)[Tools](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/tools\/)[News](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/news\/)[Pricing](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/pricing\/)[API](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/api\/)[Login](https:\/\/members.whatismyip.com\/login\/)[Sign Up](https:\/\/members.whatismyip.com\/sign-up\/)[Help](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/help-center\/)\n\n# Private vs Public IP Address: What’s the Difference?\nEdited by [Lizzy Schinkel](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/lizzy-schinkel\/), Tech Writer \\| Reviewed by [Brian Gilbert](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/brian-gilbert\/), Network Administrator\n\n[IP (Internet Protocol) addresses](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/what-is-an-ip-address\/) allow us access to the Internet. However, they don't all provide that access directly. There are two types of IPs: public IP addresses and [private IP addresses](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/private-ip-address\/). Public IP addresses are globally unique identifiers assigned by your ISP and let devices communicate over the Internet, while private IP addresses operate solely within local networks and are not visible externally.\n\nUnderstanding public IPs vs. private IPs can seem difficult, but in this article, we'll explain what private IPs and public IPs are separately, as well as their differences and how they work together to provide Internet access to everyday users.\n\n## What is a public IP address?\nOnly local networks use private IPs. They cannot connect to the Internet. However, a public IP's primary purpose is to connect to the Internet. An [Internet service provider (ISP)](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/what-is-an-isp\/) assigns public IPs to network equipment, like modems or routers, which then shares that connection with your devices.\n\nWhen you browse the Internet, your public IP is the address that's visible. For this reason, we also refer to public IPs as [external IP addresses](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/how-to-determine-if-your-computer-is-being-assigned-the-external-ip-address\/). When users want to [hide their IP address](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/hide-my-ip-address\/) or keep their IP private, it's the public IP address they are looking to cover; a private IP address never connects to the wider Internet like a public IP does.\n\nPublic IPs usually change automatically if your ISP assigns dynamic IPs, or when you connect through a different network or router. You can view your public IP address - and IP address details - on the WhatIsMyIP.com homepage.\n\n## What is a private IP address?\nA private IP address is an address used by devices on a local network and reserved only for internal communication. Also referred to as a local IP or internal IP, a private IP address is assigned to a single device on a private network - such as your home network - to allow device communication and prevent IP conflict between devices. These IP addresses don't connect to [the Internet](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/what-is-the-internet\/) on their own; instead, they connect to the home network, which uses a router with a public IP address that does connect with the rest of the Internet.\n\n[Routers](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/what-is-a-router\/) assign each private IP within the [local area network (LAN)](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/lan\/) using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). The ranges themselves were designated by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), but the router, not IANA, assigns the actual private IPs to devices. It's possible for two devices on two separate networks to have the same private IP, but no two devices on the same network can share the same private IP.\n\nRouters can assign private IPs from several private IP address ranges. They are addresses that start with 10.x.x.x, like [10\\.0.0.1](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/10-0-0-1\/); addresses that start with 192.168.x.x, like [192\\.168.10.1](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/192-168-10-1\/) and [192\\.168.12.1](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/192-168-12-1\/); and IPs in the [172\\.16.0.0](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/172-ip-address\/) - 172.31.255.255 range.\n\n![Public IP vs private IP visually](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/static\/3f666bd6fe345a32a9cea828d9b2a4a2\/public-vs-private-ip.webp)\n\nIn order to determine what IP you are viewing, check the numbers in the address. If you check your IP address on your device and the address falls within one of the private ranges above, you'll know you're seeing your device's private IP.\n\n## Understanding public IP vs. private IP addresses\nWhen considering public vs. private IP addresses, it can be hard to understand the difference between the two since they're both IP addresses and both connected to your Internet experience. However, to differentiate between the two, consider the table below:\n\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| **Private IP Address** | **Public IP Address** |\n| Used to connect to other devices on the same local area network (LAN) | Used to connect to the Internet in a wide area network (WAN) |\n| Assigned by the network device, like the router | Assigned by an Internet service provider |\n| Same address usable for multiple devices as long as they're not on the same network | Must be different to avoid IP conflict |\n| Found in individual device settings | Found via an online search |\n| Access across the local network | Access across the entire Internet |\n| Address limited to certain number sets - class A, class B, or class C | Address can be any string of numbers outside those set aside for class A, B, or C |\n| Changes based on network connection | Typically changes periodically, since most ISPs use [dynamic IP address](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/static-ip-vs-dynamic-ip\/) systems |\n## Why are there two kinds of IPs?\nAt the start of the Internet, only [IPv4](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/ipv4\/) public IPs were in use. Since fewer devices were connected online, each device could receive a public address to connect directly. However, as the Internet grew, the limited amount of public IPv4 addresses no longer was sufficient to cover all devices.\n\nBecause of this issue, NAT emerged. With [network address translation (NAT)](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/nat\/), routers and firewalls translate multiple private IP addresses to a single public IP, effectively acting as intermediaries between public and private networks. NAT established networks represented by a single public IPv4 address but made up of private IPv4 addresses.\n\nThough [IPv6 addresses](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/ipv6\/) were designed as the long-term solution to IPv4 exhaustion, NAT and private IPv4 addressing continue to be widely used to connect computing devices to each other and to the Internet because IPv6 adoption, while growing, is not yet universal.\n\n## How do I know if my IP address is public or private?\nThe easiest way to know if your IP address is a public IP or a private IP is by looking at the IP number. If it's within one of the following ranges, it's a private IP address:\n\n- 10\\.0.0.0 — 10.255.255.255 (Class A)\n- 172\\.16.0.0 — 172.31.255.255 (Class B)\n- 192\\.168.0.0 — 192.168.255.255 (Class C)\n\nIf it's an IP address outside of those ranges, it's a public IP address.\n\nThough this tells you whether an IP is public or private, note that all devices do have both a public IP and a private IP; it isn't an either-or situation. The ranges above can help you identify which is which. Your router or gateway generally holds the public IP, while your individual device receives a private IP from the router via DHCP.\n\n## How to check your public IP address\nThe easiest way to check your public IP address is by visiting the WhatIsMyIP homepage. The homepage detects and displays your public IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, your IP location, and your Internet service provider.\n\n## How to check your private IP address\nYour private IP address varies by device, so you need to access your system's settings to check your private IP. To check your private IP on a macOS device, go to the Apple menu and select **System Settings.** Click **Network** and select **WiFi**, then **Details**. Finally, if you select the **TCP\/IP** tab, you can see your private IP.\n\nFor Windows devices, click the Start menu and select **Settings**. Choose **Network & Internet** from the left menu and select either **WiFi** or **Ethernet**. Choose your connected network, then view the IPv4 and IPv6 address fields under the properties section.\n\n## Frequently asked questions\n### What is a local IP address?\nA local IP address is another term for a private IP address. It receives assignment to a device on a local area network (LAN) like your home network; therefore, it doesn't connect to the Internet directly.\n\n### Is a local IP the same as private IP?\nYes, a local IP is the same as a private IP. Both are also known as internal IP addresses. Internal IP, local IP, and private IP are all interchangeable terms for the same address—the unique private IP address assigned within a local area network.\n\n### Is a public IP better than a private IP?\nWhen comparing a private IP vs a public IP address, neither a public IP nor a private IP is better than the other. Both are necessary to connect to other devices on a network and access the Internet.\n\n### How do I determine my public and private IP?\nTo determine your public IP address, go to the [What Is My IP](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/) homepage. This displays your public IPv4 address, IPv6 address when available, and details about your IP.\n\nTo find your private IP address, you'll likely need to go to your device's settings. However, the location of your private IP varies on each device, so check out specific instructions for your device in order to find your private address.\n\n### Can private IP addresses change?\nYes, private IPs can be dynamic under DHCP or manually assigned (static). Most home networks use DHCP, which means private IPs may change periodically or after device reboots.\n\n### Why do private IPs repeat in different homes?\nThey're local to each network and not routed publicly, so duplication is expected and causes no conflict between separate networks.\n\n### What's an APIPA address?\nAPIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing) assigns a fallback address in the 169.254.0.0\/16 range when a device cannot obtain an IPv4 address from a DHCP server. Devices using APIPA can communicate with other APIPA devices on the same LAN segment, but they cannot reach the Internet.\n\n![Author](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/images\/lizzy.jpeg)\n\nWritten and Edited by [Lizzy Schinkel](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/lizzy-schinkel\/) & WhatIsMyIP.com® Editorial Contributors\n\nLizzy Schinkel is a tech writer for WhatIsMyIP.com®, where she explains IP addresses, networking concepts, and online privacy topics in clear, accessible language for readers of all experience levels. A Grove City College graduate with a bachelor’s degree in English, she has been creating educational technology content since 2020. When she’s not writing about how the internet works, you’ll likely find her with a good book or exploring emerging tech trends.\n\n![Reviewer](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/images\/brian.png)\n\nTechnically Reviewed by [Brian Gilbert](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/brian-gilbert\/)\n\nBrian Gilbert is a network administrator and technical reviewer for WhatIsMyIP.com®, where he verifies the accuracy of content related to IP addressing, networking fundamentals, and Internet infrastructure. With more than 25 years of hands-on experience, he specializes in making complex technical topics understandable for a broad audience and ensuring explanations align with real-world networking practices.\n\nQuick Links\n\n- [What Is My IP?](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/)\n- [IP Address Lookup](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/ip-address-lookup\/)\n- [IP Whois Lookup](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/ip-whois-lookup\/)\n- [DNS Lookup](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/dns-lookup\/)\n- [Internet Speed Test](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/internet-speed-test\/)\n- [Port Scanner](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/port-scanner\/)\n- [Proxy Check](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/proxy-check\/)\n- [IP Address Blacklist Check](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/ip-address-blacklist-check\/)\n\n![Write us](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/images\/icons\/write.webp)\n\nManaged by [InternetAdmins.com](https:\/\/internetadmins.com\/)  \n501 Union St Ste 545 PMB 94218  \nNashville, TN 37219-1876, US\n\n![Contact Us](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/images\/icons\/contact.webp)\n\n[Contact Us](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/contact-us\/)  \nMon-Fri 9AM-5PM (ET, USA)\n\n![Follow Us](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/images\/icons\/share.webp)\n\n[![Facebook](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/images\/icons\/facebook.webp)](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/whatismyip)[![X](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/images\/icons\/twitter.webp)](https:\/\/x.com\/whatismyip)[![YouTube](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/images\/icons\/youtube.webp)](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/whatismyip)\n\n![logo](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/images\/What-Is-My-IP.webp)\n\nWhatIsMyIp.com®\n\nWhatIsMyIP.com® makes it easy to find your public IP address and understand its role in your online experience. From network troubleshooting to privacy protection, we provide reliable tools and expert tips to help you stay informed and in control.\n\nUseful Links\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/)\n- [Cuál es mi IP?](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/es\/)\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/about-us\/)\n- [Qual è il Mio IP?](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/it\/)\n- [Tools](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/tools\/)\n- [Quel Est Mon IP?](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/fr\/)\n- [Advertising](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/advertising\/)\n- [Wie Ist Meine IP?](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/de\/)\n\nExplore & Learn\n\nFind answers fast. Search WhatIsMyIP.com ®\n\nCopyright © 2026 WhatIsMyIP.com ®\n\n- [Terms](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/terms-and-conditions-of-use\/)\n- [Do Not Sell My Info](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/privacy-policy\/#CCPA\/)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/privacy-policy\/)\n- [Sitemap](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/sitemap\/)\n\nAll trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.\n\nGet IP Geolocation service from [IP2Location.com](https:\/\/www.ip2location.com\/?rid=722).\n\n[ipdata.co](https:\/\/ipdata.co\/?ref=whatismyip.com) also offers geolocation services.\n\nAnonymous Proxy database available at [IP2Proxy.com](https:\/\/www.ip2proxy.com\/?rid=722).","attrs_readable_markdown":"[IP (Internet Protocol) addresses](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/what-is-an-ip-address\/) allow us access to the Internet. However, they don't all provide that access directly. There are two types of IPs: public IP addresses and [private IP addresses](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/private-ip-address\/). Public IP addresses are globally unique identifiers assigned by your ISP and let devices communicate over the Internet, while private IP addresses operate solely within local networks and are not visible externally.\n\nUnderstanding public IPs vs. private IPs can seem difficult, but in this article, we'll explain what private IPs and public IPs are separately, as well as their differences and how they work together to provide Internet access to everyday users.\n\n## What is a public IP address?\nOnly local networks use private IPs. They cannot connect to the Internet. However, a public IP's primary purpose is to connect to the Internet. An [Internet service provider (ISP)](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/what-is-an-isp\/) assigns public IPs to network equipment, like modems or routers, which then shares that connection with your devices.\n\nWhen you browse the Internet, your public IP is the address that's visible. For this reason, we also refer to public IPs as [external IP addresses](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/how-to-determine-if-your-computer-is-being-assigned-the-external-ip-address\/). When users want to [hide their IP address](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/hide-my-ip-address\/) or keep their IP private, it's the public IP address they are looking to cover; a private IP address never connects to the wider Internet like a public IP does.\n\nPublic IPs usually change automatically if your ISP assigns dynamic IPs, or when you connect through a different network or router. You can view your public IP address - and IP address details - on the WhatIsMyIP.com homepage.\n\n## What is a private IP address?\nA private IP address is an address used by devices on a local network and reserved only for internal communication. Also referred to as a local IP or internal IP, a private IP address is assigned to a single device on a private network - such as your home network - to allow device communication and prevent IP conflict between devices. These IP addresses don't connect to [the Internet](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/what-is-the-internet\/) on their own; instead, they connect to the home network, which uses a router with a public IP address that does connect with the rest of the Internet.\n\n[Routers](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/what-is-a-router\/) assign each private IP within the [local area network (LAN)](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/lan\/) using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). The ranges themselves were designated by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), but the router, not IANA, assigns the actual private IPs to devices. It's possible for two devices on two separate networks to have the same private IP, but no two devices on the same network can share the same private IP.\n\nRouters can assign private IPs from several private IP address ranges. They are addresses that start with 10.x.x.x, like [10\\.0.0.1](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/10-0-0-1\/); addresses that start with 192.168.x.x, like [192\\.168.10.1](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/192-168-10-1\/) and [192\\.168.12.1](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/192-168-12-1\/); and IPs in the [172\\.16.0.0](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/172-ip-address\/) - 172.31.255.255 range.\n\n![Public IP vs private IP visually](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/static\/3f666bd6fe345a32a9cea828d9b2a4a2\/public-vs-private-ip.webp)\n\nIn order to determine what IP you are viewing, check the numbers in the address. If you check your IP address on your device and the address falls within one of the private ranges above, you'll know you're seeing your device's private IP.\n\n## Understanding public IP vs. private IP addresses\nWhen considering public vs. private IP addresses, it can be hard to understand the difference between the two since they're both IP addresses and both connected to your Internet experience. However, to differentiate between the two, consider the table below:\n\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| **Private IP Address** | **Public IP Address** |\n| Used to connect to other devices on the same local area network (LAN) | Used to connect to the Internet in a wide area network (WAN) |\n| Assigned by the network device, like the router | Assigned by an Internet service provider |\n| Same address usable for multiple devices as long as they're not on the same network | Must be different to avoid IP conflict |\n| Found in individual device settings | Found via an online search |\n| Access across the local network | Access across the entire Internet |\n| Address limited to certain number sets - class A, class B, or class C | Address can be any string of numbers outside those set aside for class A, B, or C |\n| Changes based on network connection | Typically changes periodically, since most ISPs use [dynamic IP address](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/static-ip-vs-dynamic-ip\/) systems |\n## Why are there two kinds of IPs?\nAt the start of the Internet, only [IPv4](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/ipv4\/) public IPs were in use. Since fewer devices were connected online, each device could receive a public address to connect directly. However, as the Internet grew, the limited amount of public IPv4 addresses no longer was sufficient to cover all devices.\n\nBecause of this issue, NAT emerged. With [network address translation (NAT)](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/nat\/), routers and firewalls translate multiple private IP addresses to a single public IP, effectively acting as intermediaries between public and private networks. NAT established networks represented by a single public IPv4 address but made up of private IPv4 addresses.\n\nThough [IPv6 addresses](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/ipv6\/) were designed as the long-term solution to IPv4 exhaustion, NAT and private IPv4 addressing continue to be widely used to connect computing devices to each other and to the Internet because IPv6 adoption, while growing, is not yet universal.\n\n## How do I know if my IP address is public or private?\nThe easiest way to know if your IP address is a public IP or a private IP is by looking at the IP number. If it's within one of the following ranges, it's a private IP address:\n\n- 10\\.0.0.0 — 10.255.255.255 (Class A)\n- 172\\.16.0.0 — 172.31.255.255 (Class B)\n- 192\\.168.0.0 — 192.168.255.255 (Class C)\n\nIf it's an IP address outside of those ranges, it's a public IP address.\n\nThough this tells you whether an IP is public or private, note that all devices do have both a public IP and a private IP; it isn't an either-or situation. The ranges above can help you identify which is which. Your router or gateway generally holds the public IP, while your individual device receives a private IP from the router via DHCP.\n\n## How to check your public IP address\nThe easiest way to check your public IP address is by visiting the WhatIsMyIP homepage. The homepage detects and displays your public IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, your IP location, and your Internet service provider.\n\n## How to check your private IP address\nYour private IP address varies by device, so you need to access your system's settings to check your private IP. To check your private IP on a macOS device, go to the Apple menu and select **System Settings.** Click **Network** and select **WiFi**, then **Details**. Finally, if you select the **TCP\/IP** tab, you can see your private IP.\n\nFor Windows devices, click the Start menu and select **Settings**. Choose **Network & Internet** from the left menu and select either **WiFi** or **Ethernet**. Choose your connected network, then view the IPv4 and IPv6 address fields under the properties section.\n\n## Frequently asked questions\n### What is a local IP address?\nA local IP address is another term for a private IP address. It receives assignment to a device on a local area network (LAN) like your home network; therefore, it doesn't connect to the Internet directly.\n\n### Is a local IP the same as private IP?\nYes, a local IP is the same as a private IP. Both are also known as internal IP addresses. Internal IP, local IP, and private IP are all interchangeable terms for the same address—the unique private IP address assigned within a local area network.\n\n### Is a public IP better than a private IP?\nWhen comparing a private IP vs a public IP address, neither a public IP nor a private IP is better than the other. Both are necessary to connect to other devices on a network and access the Internet.\n\n### How do I determine my public and private IP?\nTo determine your public IP address, go to the [What Is My IP](https:\/\/www.whatismyip.com\/) homepage. This displays your public IPv4 address, IPv6 address when available, and details about your IP.\n\nTo find your private IP address, you'll likely need to go to your device's settings. However, the location of your private IP varies on each device, so check out specific instructions for your device in order to find your private address.\n\n### Can private IP addresses change?\nYes, private IPs can be dynamic under DHCP or manually assigned (static). Most home networks use DHCP, which means private IPs may change periodically or after device reboots.\n\n### Why do private IPs repeat in different homes?\nThey're local to each network and not routed publicly, so duplication is expected and causes no conflict between separate networks.\n\n### What's an APIPA address?\nAPIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing) assigns a fallback address in the 169.254.0.0\/16 range when a device cannot obtain an IPv4 address from a DHCP server. Devices using APIPA can communicate with other APIPA devices on the same LAN segment, but they cannot reach the Internet.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	IP (Internet Protocol) addresses allow us access to the Internet. However, they don't all provide that access directly. There are two types of IPs: public IP addresses and private IP addresses . Public IP addresses are globally unique identifiers assigned by your ISP and let devices communicate over the Internet, while private IP addresses operate solely within local networks and are not visible externally. Understanding public IPs vs. private IPs can seem difficult, but in this article, we'll explain what private IPs and public IPs are separately, as well as their differences and how they work together to provide Internet access to everyday users. What is a public IP address? Only local networks use private IPs. They cannot connect to the Internet. However, a public IP's primary purpose is to connect to the Internet. An Internet service provider (ISP) assigns public IPs to network equipment, like modems or routers, which then shares that connection with your devices. When you browse the Internet, your public IP is the address that's visible. For this reason, we also refer to public IPs as external IP addresses . When users want to hide their IP address or keep their IP private, it's the public IP address they are looking to cover; a private IP address never connects to the wider Internet like a public IP does. Public IPs usually change automatically if your ISP assigns dynamic IPs, or when you connect through a different network or router. You can view your public IP address - and IP address details - on the WhatIsMyIP.com homepage. What is a private IP address? A private IP address is an address used by devices on a local network and reserved only for internal communication. Also referred to as a local IP or internal IP, a private IP address is assigned to a single device on a private network - such as your home network - to allow device communication and prevent IP conflict between devices. These IP addresses don't connect to the Internet on their own; instead, they connect to the home network, which uses a router with a public IP address that does connect with the rest of the Internet. Routers assign each private IP within the local area network (LAN) using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). The ranges themselves were designated by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), but the router, not IANA, assigns the actual private IPs to devices. It's possible for two devices on two separate networks to have the same private IP, but no two devices on the same network can share the same private IP. Routers can assign private IPs from several private IP address ranges. They are addresses that start with 10.x.x.x, like 10.0.0.1 ; addresses that start with 192.168.x.x, like 192.168.10.1 and 192.168.12.1 ; and IPs in the 172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.255 range. In order to determine what IP you are viewing, check the numbers in the address. If you check your IP address on your device and the address falls within one of the private ranges above, you'll know you're seeing your device's private IP. Understanding public IP vs. private IP addresses When considering public vs. private IP addresses, it can be hard to understand the difference between the two since they're both IP addresses and both connected to your Internet experience. However, to differentiate between the two, consider the table below: Private IP Address Public IP Address Used to connect to other devices on the same local area network (LAN) Used to connect to the Internet in a wide area network (WAN) Assigned by the network device, like the router Assigned by an Internet service provider Same address usable for multiple devices as long as they're not on the same network Must be different to avoid IP conflict Found in individual device settings Found via an online search Access across the local network Access across the entire Internet Address limited to certain number sets - class A, class B, or class C Address can be any string of numbers outside those set aside for class A, B, or C Changes based on network connection Typically changes periodically, since most ISPs use dynamic IP address systems Why are there two kinds of IPs? At the start of the Internet, only IPv4 public IPs were in use. Since fewer devices were connected online, each device could receive a public address to connect directly. However, as the Internet grew, the limited amount of public IPv4 addresses no longer was sufficient to cover all devices. Because of this issue, NAT emerged. With network address translation (NAT) , routers and firewalls translate multiple private IP addresses to a single public IP, effectively acting as intermediaries between public and private networks. NAT established networks represented by a single public IPv4 address but made up of private IPv4 addresses. Though IPv6 addresses were designed as the long-term solution to IPv4 exhaustion, NAT and private IPv4 addressing continue to be widely used to connect computing devices to each other and to the Internet because IPv6 adoption, while growing, is not yet universal. How do I know if my IP address is public or private? The easiest way to know if your IP address is a public IP or a private IP is by looking at the IP number. If it's within one of the following ranges, it's a private IP address: 10.0.0.0 — 10.255.255.255 (Class A) 172.16.0.0 — 172.31.255.255 (Class B) 192.168.0.0 — 192.168.255.255 (Class C) If it's an IP address outside of those ranges, it's a public IP address. Though this tells you whether an IP is public or private, note that all devices do have both a public IP and a private IP; it isn't an either-or situation. The ranges above can help you identify which is which. Your router or gateway generally holds the public IP, while your individual device receives a private IP from the router via DHCP. How to check your public IP address The easiest way to check your public IP address is by visiting the WhatIsMyIP homepage. The homepage detects and displays your public IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, your IP location, and your Internet service provider. How to check your private IP address Your private IP address varies by device, so you need to access your system's settings to check your private IP. To check your private IP on a macOS device, go to the Apple menu and select System Settings. Click Network and select WiFi , then Details . Finally, if you select the TCP/IP tab, you can see your private IP. For Windows devices, click the Start menu and select Settings . Choose Network & Internet from the left menu and select either WiFi or Ethernet . Choose your connected network, then view the IPv4 and IPv6 address fields under the properties section. Frequently asked questions What is a local IP address? A local IP address is another term for a private IP address. It receives assignment to a device on a local area network (LAN) like your home network; therefore, it doesn't connect to the Internet directly. Is a local IP the same as private IP? Yes, a local IP is the same as a private IP. Both are also known as internal IP addresses. Internal IP, local IP, and private IP are all interchangeable terms for the same address—the unique private IP address assigned within a local area network. Is a public IP better than a private IP? When comparing a private IP vs a public IP address, neither a public IP nor a private IP is better than the other. Both are necessary to connect to other devices on a network and access the Internet. How do I determine my public and private IP? To determine your public IP address, go to the What Is My IP homepage. This displays your public IPv4 address, IPv6 address when available, and details about your IP. To find your private IP address, you'll likely need to go to your device's settings. However, the location of your private IP varies on each device, so check out specific instructions for your device in order to find your private address. Can private IP addresses change? Yes, private IPs can be dynamic under DHCP or manually assigned (static). Most home networks use DHCP, which means private IPs may change periodically or after device reboots. Why do private IPs repeat in different homes? They're local to each network and not routed publicly, so duplication is expected and causes no conflict between separate networks. What's an APIPA address? APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing) assigns a fallback address in the 169.254.0.0/16 range when a device cannot obtain an IPv4 address from a DHCP server. Devices using APIPA can communicate with other APIPA devices on the same LAN segment, but they cannot reach the Internet.
Markdown	- [![Logo](https://www.whatismyip.com/images/What-Is-My-IP.webp)WhatIsMyIP.com](https://www.whatismyip.com/ "What Is My IP?") - [News](https://www.whatismyip.com/news/) - [Pricing](https://www.whatismyip.com/pricing/) - [API](https://www.whatismyip.com/api/) - [Sign Up](https://members.whatismyip.com/sign-up/) - [Login](https://members.whatismyip.com/login/) - [Help](https://www.whatismyip.com/help-center/) ☰ - [What Is My IP?](https://www.whatismyip.com/) - [IP Address Lookup](https://www.whatismyip.com/ip-address-lookup/) - [IP WHOIS Lookup](https://www.whatismyip.com/ip-whois-lookup/) - [Speed Test](https://www.whatismyip.com/internet-speed-test/) - IP Tools - Lookups - [IP Address Lookup](https://www.whatismyip.com/ip-address-lookup/) - [IP WHOIS Lookup](https://www.whatismyip.com/ip-whois-lookup/) - [ASN Lookup](https://www.whatismyip.com/asn/) - [Hostname Lookup](https://www.whatismyip.com/ip-address-hostname-lookup/) - DNS & Network - [Speed Test](https://www.whatismyip.com/internet-speed-test/) - [DNS Lookup](https://www.whatismyip.com/dns-lookup/) - [Reverse DNS Lookup](https://www.whatismyip.com/reverse-dns-lookup/) - [Port Scanner](https://www.whatismyip.com/port-scanner/) - [Subnet Calculator](https://www.whatismyip.com/subnet-calculator/) - [CIDR Calculator](https://www.whatismyip.com/cidr-calculator/) - Utilities - [Random IP Generator](https://www.whatismyip.com/random-ip-address/) - [Server Headers Check](https://www.whatismyip.com/server-headers-check/) - [API](https://www.whatismyip.com/api/) - Privacy & Security - Protect Your Privacy - [Hide My IP Address](https://www.whatismyip.com/hide-my-ip-address/) - [VPN Guide](https://www.whatismyip.com/vpn-guide/) - [Proxy Check](https://www.whatismyip.com/proxy-check/) - [VPN Leak Test Coming Soon](https://www.whatismyip.com/public-vs-private-ip-address/) - [Browser Fingerprint Coming Soon](https://www.whatismyip.com/public-vs-private-ip-address/) - Security Tools - [Data Breach Check](https://www.whatismyip.com/data-breach/) - [Password Generator](https://www.whatismyip.com/password-generator/) - [Password Strength Test](https://www.whatismyip.com/password-strength-test/) - [PIN Generator](https://www.whatismyip.com/pin-generator/) - Guides - IP Basics - [What Is an IP Address?](https://www.whatismyip.com/what-is-an-ip-address/) - [IPv4 vs IPv6](https://www.whatismyip.com/ipv4/) - [Public vs Private IPs](https://www.whatismyip.com/public-vs-private-ip-address/) - Routers & Local IPs - [Router Login](https://www.whatismyip.com/router-login/) - [192\.168.1.1](https://www.whatismyip.com/192-168-1-1/) - [192\.168.0.1](https://www.whatismyip.com/192-168-0-1/) - [10\.0.0.1](https://www.whatismyip.com/10-0-0-1/) - Email & Headers - [Email Header Analyzer](https://www.whatismyip.com/email-header-analyzer/) - [How To Trace an Email](https://www.whatismyip.com/how-to-trace-an-email-address/) - [MX Lookup](https://www.whatismyip.com/mx-lookup/) - [SPF Checker](https://www.whatismyip.com/spf-checker/) - More - [User Agent](https://www.whatismyip.com/user-agent/) - [Screen Resolution](https://www.whatismyip.com/screen-resolution/) - [Sitemap](https://www.whatismyip.com/sitemap/) ✕ [Home](https://www.whatismyip.com/)[IP Lookup](https://www.whatismyip.com/ip-address-lookup/)[WHOIS](https://www.whatismyip.com/ip-whois-lookup/)[DNS Lookup](https://www.whatismyip.com/dns-lookup/)[Speed Test](https://www.whatismyip.com/internet-speed-test/)[Tools](https://www.whatismyip.com/tools/)[News](https://www.whatismyip.com/news/)[Pricing](https://www.whatismyip.com/pricing/)[API](https://www.whatismyip.com/api/)[Login](https://members.whatismyip.com/login/)[Sign Up](https://members.whatismyip.com/sign-up/)[Help](https://www.whatismyip.com/help-center/) # Private vs Public IP Address: What’s the Difference? Edited by [Lizzy Schinkel](https://www.whatismyip.com/lizzy-schinkel/), Tech Writer \\| Reviewed by [Brian Gilbert](https://www.whatismyip.com/brian-gilbert/), Network Administrator [IP (Internet Protocol) addresses](https://www.whatismyip.com/what-is-an-ip-address/) allow us access to the Internet. However, they don't all provide that access directly. There are two types of IPs: public IP addresses and [private IP addresses](https://www.whatismyip.com/private-ip-address/). Public IP addresses are globally unique identifiers assigned by your ISP and let devices communicate over the Internet, while private IP addresses operate solely within local networks and are not visible externally. Understanding public IPs vs. private IPs can seem difficult, but in this article, we'll explain what private IPs and public IPs are separately, as well as their differences and how they work together to provide Internet access to everyday users. ## What is a public IP address? Only local networks use private IPs. They cannot connect to the Internet. However, a public IP's primary purpose is to connect to the Internet. An [Internet service provider (ISP)](https://www.whatismyip.com/what-is-an-isp/) assigns public IPs to network equipment, like modems or routers, which then shares that connection with your devices. When you browse the Internet, your public IP is the address that's visible. For this reason, we also refer to public IPs as [external IP addresses](https://www.whatismyip.com/how-to-determine-if-your-computer-is-being-assigned-the-external-ip-address/). When users want to [hide their IP address](https://www.whatismyip.com/hide-my-ip-address/) or keep their IP private, it's the public IP address they are looking to cover; a private IP address never connects to the wider Internet like a public IP does. Public IPs usually change automatically if your ISP assigns dynamic IPs, or when you connect through a different network or router. You can view your public IP address - and IP address details - on the WhatIsMyIP.com homepage. ## What is a private IP address? A private IP address is an address used by devices on a local network and reserved only for internal communication. Also referred to as a local IP or internal IP, a private IP address is assigned to a single device on a private network - such as your home network - to allow device communication and prevent IP conflict between devices. These IP addresses don't connect to [the Internet](https://www.whatismyip.com/what-is-the-internet/) on their own; instead, they connect to the home network, which uses a router with a public IP address that does connect with the rest of the Internet. [Routers](https://www.whatismyip.com/what-is-a-router/) assign each private IP within the [local area network (LAN)](https://www.whatismyip.com/lan/) using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). The ranges themselves were designated by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), but the router, not IANA, assigns the actual private IPs to devices. It's possible for two devices on two separate networks to have the same private IP, but no two devices on the same network can share the same private IP. Routers can assign private IPs from several private IP address ranges. They are addresses that start with 10.x.x.x, like [10\.0.0.1](https://www.whatismyip.com/10-0-0-1/); addresses that start with 192.168.x.x, like [192\.168.10.1](https://www.whatismyip.com/192-168-10-1/) and [192\.168.12.1](https://www.whatismyip.com/192-168-12-1/); and IPs in the [172\.16.0.0](https://www.whatismyip.com/172-ip-address/) - 172.31.255.255 range. ![Public IP vs private IP visually](https://www.whatismyip.com/static/3f666bd6fe345a32a9cea828d9b2a4a2/public-vs-private-ip.webp) In order to determine what IP you are viewing, check the numbers in the address. If you check your IP address on your device and the address falls within one of the private ranges above, you'll know you're seeing your device's private IP. ## Understanding public IP vs. private IP addresses When considering public vs. private IP addresses, it can be hard to understand the difference between the two since they're both IP addresses and both connected to your Internet experience. However, to differentiate between the two, consider the table below: \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| Private IP Address \| Public IP Address \| \| Used to connect to other devices on the same local area network (LAN) \| Used to connect to the Internet in a wide area network (WAN) \| \| Assigned by the network device, like the router \| Assigned by an Internet service provider \| \| Same address usable for multiple devices as long as they're not on the same network \| Must be different to avoid IP conflict \| \| Found in individual device settings \| Found via an online search \| \| Access across the local network \| Access across the entire Internet \| \| Address limited to certain number sets - class A, class B, or class C \| Address can be any string of numbers outside those set aside for class A, B, or C \| \| Changes based on network connection \| Typically changes periodically, since most ISPs use [dynamic IP address](https://www.whatismyip.com/static-ip-vs-dynamic-ip/) systems \| ## Why are there two kinds of IPs? At the start of the Internet, only [IPv4](https://www.whatismyip.com/ipv4/) public IPs were in use. Since fewer devices were connected online, each device could receive a public address to connect directly. However, as the Internet grew, the limited amount of public IPv4 addresses no longer was sufficient to cover all devices. Because of this issue, NAT emerged. With [network address translation (NAT)](https://www.whatismyip.com/nat/), routers and firewalls translate multiple private IP addresses to a single public IP, effectively acting as intermediaries between public and private networks. NAT established networks represented by a single public IPv4 address but made up of private IPv4 addresses. Though [IPv6 addresses](https://www.whatismyip.com/ipv6/) were designed as the long-term solution to IPv4 exhaustion, NAT and private IPv4 addressing continue to be widely used to connect computing devices to each other and to the Internet because IPv6 adoption, while growing, is not yet universal. ## How do I know if my IP address is public or private? The easiest way to know if your IP address is a public IP or a private IP is by looking at the IP number. If it's within one of the following ranges, it's a private IP address: - 10\.0.0.0 — 10.255.255.255 (Class A) - 172\.16.0.0 — 172.31.255.255 (Class B) - 192\.168.0.0 — 192.168.255.255 (Class C) If it's an IP address outside of those ranges, it's a public IP address. Though this tells you whether an IP is public or private, note that all devices do have both a public IP and a private IP; it isn't an either-or situation. The ranges above can help you identify which is which. Your router or gateway generally holds the public IP, while your individual device receives a private IP from the router via DHCP. ## How to check your public IP address The easiest way to check your public IP address is by visiting the WhatIsMyIP homepage. The homepage detects and displays your public IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, your IP location, and your Internet service provider. ## How to check your private IP address Your private IP address varies by device, so you need to access your system's settings to check your private IP. To check your private IP on a macOS device, go to the Apple menu and select System Settings. Click Network and select WiFi, then Details. Finally, if you select the TCP/IP tab, you can see your private IP. For Windows devices, click the Start menu and select Settings. Choose Network & Internet from the left menu and select either WiFi or Ethernet. Choose your connected network, then view the IPv4 and IPv6 address fields under the properties section. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a local IP address? A local IP address is another term for a private IP address. It receives assignment to a device on a local area network (LAN) like your home network; therefore, it doesn't connect to the Internet directly. ### Is a local IP the same as private IP? Yes, a local IP is the same as a private IP. Both are also known as internal IP addresses. Internal IP, local IP, and private IP are all interchangeable terms for the same address—the unique private IP address assigned within a local area network. ### Is a public IP better than a private IP? When comparing a private IP vs a public IP address, neither a public IP nor a private IP is better than the other. Both are necessary to connect to other devices on a network and access the Internet. ### How do I determine my public and private IP? To determine your public IP address, go to the [What Is My IP](https://www.whatismyip.com/) homepage. This displays your public IPv4 address, IPv6 address when available, and details about your IP. To find your private IP address, you'll likely need to go to your device's settings. However, the location of your private IP varies on each device, so check out specific instructions for your device in order to find your private address. ### Can private IP addresses change? Yes, private IPs can be dynamic under DHCP or manually assigned (static). Most home networks use DHCP, which means private IPs may change periodically or after device reboots. ### Why do private IPs repeat in different homes? They're local to each network and not routed publicly, so duplication is expected and causes no conflict between separate networks. ### What's an APIPA address? APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing) assigns a fallback address in the 169.254.0.0/16 range when a device cannot obtain an IPv4 address from a DHCP server. Devices using APIPA can communicate with other APIPA devices on the same LAN segment, but they cannot reach the Internet. ![Author](https://www.whatismyip.com/images/lizzy.jpeg) Written and Edited by [Lizzy Schinkel](https://www.whatismyip.com/lizzy-schinkel/) & WhatIsMyIP.com® Editorial Contributors Lizzy Schinkel is a tech writer for WhatIsMyIP.com®, where she explains IP addresses, networking concepts, and online privacy topics in clear, accessible language for readers of all experience levels. A Grove City College graduate with a bachelor’s degree in English, she has been creating educational technology content since 2020. When she’s not writing about how the internet works, you’ll likely find her with a good book or exploring emerging tech trends. ![Reviewer](https://www.whatismyip.com/images/brian.png) Technically Reviewed by [Brian Gilbert](https://www.whatismyip.com/brian-gilbert/) Brian Gilbert is a network administrator and technical reviewer for WhatIsMyIP.com®, where he verifies the accuracy of content related to IP addressing, networking fundamentals, and Internet infrastructure. With more than 25 years of hands-on experience, he specializes in making complex technical topics understandable for a broad audience and ensuring explanations align with real-world networking practices. 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Readable Markdown	[IP (Internet Protocol) addresses](https://www.whatismyip.com/what-is-an-ip-address/) allow us access to the Internet. However, they don't all provide that access directly. There are two types of IPs: public IP addresses and [private IP addresses](https://www.whatismyip.com/private-ip-address/). Public IP addresses are globally unique identifiers assigned by your ISP and let devices communicate over the Internet, while private IP addresses operate solely within local networks and are not visible externally. Understanding public IPs vs. private IPs can seem difficult, but in this article, we'll explain what private IPs and public IPs are separately, as well as their differences and how they work together to provide Internet access to everyday users. ## What is a public IP address? Only local networks use private IPs. They cannot connect to the Internet. However, a public IP's primary purpose is to connect to the Internet. An [Internet service provider (ISP)](https://www.whatismyip.com/what-is-an-isp/) assigns public IPs to network equipment, like modems or routers, which then shares that connection with your devices. When you browse the Internet, your public IP is the address that's visible. For this reason, we also refer to public IPs as [external IP addresses](https://www.whatismyip.com/how-to-determine-if-your-computer-is-being-assigned-the-external-ip-address/). When users want to [hide their IP address](https://www.whatismyip.com/hide-my-ip-address/) or keep their IP private, it's the public IP address they are looking to cover; a private IP address never connects to the wider Internet like a public IP does. Public IPs usually change automatically if your ISP assigns dynamic IPs, or when you connect through a different network or router. You can view your public IP address - and IP address details - on the WhatIsMyIP.com homepage. ## What is a private IP address? A private IP address is an address used by devices on a local network and reserved only for internal communication. Also referred to as a local IP or internal IP, a private IP address is assigned to a single device on a private network - such as your home network - to allow device communication and prevent IP conflict between devices. These IP addresses don't connect to [the Internet](https://www.whatismyip.com/what-is-the-internet/) on their own; instead, they connect to the home network, which uses a router with a public IP address that does connect with the rest of the Internet. [Routers](https://www.whatismyip.com/what-is-a-router/) assign each private IP within the [local area network (LAN)](https://www.whatismyip.com/lan/) using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). The ranges themselves were designated by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), but the router, not IANA, assigns the actual private IPs to devices. It's possible for two devices on two separate networks to have the same private IP, but no two devices on the same network can share the same private IP. Routers can assign private IPs from several private IP address ranges. They are addresses that start with 10.x.x.x, like [10\.0.0.1](https://www.whatismyip.com/10-0-0-1/); addresses that start with 192.168.x.x, like [192\.168.10.1](https://www.whatismyip.com/192-168-10-1/) and [192\.168.12.1](https://www.whatismyip.com/192-168-12-1/); and IPs in the [172\.16.0.0](https://www.whatismyip.com/172-ip-address/) - 172.31.255.255 range. ![Public IP vs private IP visually](https://www.whatismyip.com/static/3f666bd6fe345a32a9cea828d9b2a4a2/public-vs-private-ip.webp) In order to determine what IP you are viewing, check the numbers in the address. If you check your IP address on your device and the address falls within one of the private ranges above, you'll know you're seeing your device's private IP. ## Understanding public IP vs. private IP addresses When considering public vs. private IP addresses, it can be hard to understand the difference between the two since they're both IP addresses and both connected to your Internet experience. However, to differentiate between the two, consider the table below: \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| Private IP Address \| Public IP Address \| \| Used to connect to other devices on the same local area network (LAN) \| Used to connect to the Internet in a wide area network (WAN) \| \| Assigned by the network device, like the router \| Assigned by an Internet service provider \| \| Same address usable for multiple devices as long as they're not on the same network \| Must be different to avoid IP conflict \| \| Found in individual device settings \| Found via an online search \| \| Access across the local network \| Access across the entire Internet \| \| Address limited to certain number sets - class A, class B, or class C \| Address can be any string of numbers outside those set aside for class A, B, or C \| \| Changes based on network connection \| Typically changes periodically, since most ISPs use [dynamic IP address](https://www.whatismyip.com/static-ip-vs-dynamic-ip/) systems \| ## Why are there two kinds of IPs? At the start of the Internet, only [IPv4](https://www.whatismyip.com/ipv4/) public IPs were in use. Since fewer devices were connected online, each device could receive a public address to connect directly. However, as the Internet grew, the limited amount of public IPv4 addresses no longer was sufficient to cover all devices. Because of this issue, NAT emerged. With [network address translation (NAT)](https://www.whatismyip.com/nat/), routers and firewalls translate multiple private IP addresses to a single public IP, effectively acting as intermediaries between public and private networks. NAT established networks represented by a single public IPv4 address but made up of private IPv4 addresses. Though [IPv6 addresses](https://www.whatismyip.com/ipv6/) were designed as the long-term solution to IPv4 exhaustion, NAT and private IPv4 addressing continue to be widely used to connect computing devices to each other and to the Internet because IPv6 adoption, while growing, is not yet universal. ## How do I know if my IP address is public or private? The easiest way to know if your IP address is a public IP or a private IP is by looking at the IP number. If it's within one of the following ranges, it's a private IP address: - 10\.0.0.0 — 10.255.255.255 (Class A) - 172\.16.0.0 — 172.31.255.255 (Class B) - 192\.168.0.0 — 192.168.255.255 (Class C) If it's an IP address outside of those ranges, it's a public IP address. Though this tells you whether an IP is public or private, note that all devices do have both a public IP and a private IP; it isn't an either-or situation. The ranges above can help you identify which is which. Your router or gateway generally holds the public IP, while your individual device receives a private IP from the router via DHCP. ## How to check your public IP address The easiest way to check your public IP address is by visiting the WhatIsMyIP homepage. The homepage detects and displays your public IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, your IP location, and your Internet service provider. ## How to check your private IP address Your private IP address varies by device, so you need to access your system's settings to check your private IP. To check your private IP on a macOS device, go to the Apple menu and select System Settings. Click Network and select WiFi, then Details. Finally, if you select the TCP/IP tab, you can see your private IP. For Windows devices, click the Start menu and select Settings. Choose Network & Internet from the left menu and select either WiFi or Ethernet. Choose your connected network, then view the IPv4 and IPv6 address fields under the properties section. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a local IP address? A local IP address is another term for a private IP address. It receives assignment to a device on a local area network (LAN) like your home network; therefore, it doesn't connect to the Internet directly. ### Is a local IP the same as private IP? Yes, a local IP is the same as a private IP. Both are also known as internal IP addresses. Internal IP, local IP, and private IP are all interchangeable terms for the same address—the unique private IP address assigned within a local area network. ### Is a public IP better than a private IP? When comparing a private IP vs a public IP address, neither a public IP nor a private IP is better than the other. Both are necessary to connect to other devices on a network and access the Internet. ### How do I determine my public and private IP? To determine your public IP address, go to the [What Is My IP](https://www.whatismyip.com/) homepage. This displays your public IPv4 address, IPv6 address when available, and details about your IP. To find your private IP address, you'll likely need to go to your device's settings. However, the location of your private IP varies on each device, so check out specific instructions for your device in order to find your private address. ### Can private IP addresses change? Yes, private IPs can be dynamic under DHCP or manually assigned (static). Most home networks use DHCP, which means private IPs may change periodically or after device reboots. ### Why do private IPs repeat in different homes? They're local to each network and not routed publicly, so duplication is expected and causes no conflict between separate networks. ### What's an APIPA address? APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing) assigns a fallback address in the 169.254.0.0/16 range when a device cannot obtain an IPv4 address from a DHCP server. Devices using APIPA can communicate with other APIPA devices on the same LAN segment, but they cannot reach the Internet.
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