Before you start
- Any device
Public vs private IP
Public IP: assigned by your internet provider to your router. Every device in your home shares it on the internet.
Private (local) IP: assigned by your router to each device. Common ranges: 192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x, 172.16–31.x.x. These aren’t reachable from the internet.
Method 1 Find your public IP
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Step 1: Use a website
Visit whatismyipaddress.com, ifconfig.me or search “what is my IP” in Google.
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Step 2: Check the router
The router’s status page shows the WAN IP. If it starts with 100.64–100.127 or is private, your provider uses CGNAT (shared public IPs).
Method 2 Find your private IP
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Step 1: Windows
Open Terminal, run ipconfig, and read IPv4 Address under your active adapter. Or Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > [network] properties.
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Step 2: Mac
System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Details > TCP/IP.
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Step 3: Android
Settings > Network & internet > Internet, tap the gear next to your network > IP address (may be under Advanced).
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Step 4: iPhone
Settings > Wi-Fi, tap (i) next to the network and see IP Address.
ipconfig (Windows)
ipconfig getifaddr en0 (Mac, Wi-Fi)
curl ifconfig.me (public IP, any OS with curl)Troubleshooting
My IP starts with 169.254
The device didn’t get an address from the router. Restart the router and renew the IP.
My public IP keeps changing
Most home connections have dynamic IPs. Ask your provider about a static IP if you need one.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone find my location from my IP?
Only roughly (city or region, sometimes wrong). Your provider knows the exact account but won’t share it without legal process.
How do I hide my public IP?
Use a VPN or Tor Browser.
Summary
Search “what is my IP” for your public address, and check ipconfig or your device’s Wi-Fi details for your private address.
