Connection guide

Public vs. private IP addresses

You may see a different address in your device settings than you see on an IP checker. Both can be correct: one describes your device on its local network, and the other describes the connection a website sees.

What is a public IP?

A public IP identifies a connection on the internet. A router can share one public IPv4 address across several devices at home. Websites may see a different address if you use a VPN, a proxy, a work network, or mobile data.

What is a private IP?

A private IP is used inside a local network. For example, your phone might use 192.168.1.20 to talk to your router, while a device in another household uses the same address on an entirely separate network. That address can’t route directly across the public internet.

Which one should I check?

If you’re troubleshooting a printer or a device on the same Wi-Fi, check its local address in your network settings. If you’re troubleshooting an IP allowlist, compare the public IP from the same device, browser, and network where you’re having trouble. Recheck after connecting to a VPN.