An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a numerical label assigned to a device on a network. It lets data find its way to the right place, much like a postal address routes mail. Every device that talks to the internet uses at least one IP address.
Public vs private IP addresses
A public IP is assigned by your internet service provider and is visible to the websites you visit. A private IP is used inside your local network (for example 192.168.x.x) and is not routable on the open internet. Your router translates between the two using NAT. Private and reserved addresses cannot be geolocated publicly, which is why an IP address lookup only works on public IPs.
IPv4 vs IPv6
A shorter, older format such as 203.0.113.10. Addresses are limited, so providers often share them using carrier-grade NAT.
A longer modern format such as 2001:db8::1. Mobile and fiber networks increasingly prefer IPv6 for its vastly larger address space.
What an IP address can and cannot reveal
A public IP can often be linked to an approximate city, region, country, time zone, ISP, and ASN. It does not expose your name, exact street address, or browsing history. When you use a VPN or proxy, the visible IP belongs to that service rather than your real network.
Why devices show different IPs
Your phone might use cellular data, IPv6, or a VPN, while your laptop uses home Wi‑Fi over IPv4. Each path exits through a different gateway, so each device can present a different public IP. To check whether your browser exposes addresses through WebRTC, use the WebRTC leak test.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a public and private IP address?
A public IP is assigned by your ISP and is visible on the internet. A private IP is used inside your home or office network and is not routable on the public internet.
Why do my devices show different IP addresses?
Each device may use a different network path, such as cellular versus Wi‑Fi, IPv4 versus IPv6, or a VPN, so each can present a different public IP.