What is a public IP address?

A public IP is reachable on the internet — assigned by your ISP. Websites and games see this address, not your 192.168.x.x LAN IP.

What is a private IP address?

Private IPs (RFC 1918) are used only inside home or office networks. Routers use NAT to share one public IP among many devices.

Can someone find me with my public IP?

Public IP reveals approximate location and ISP — not your exact street address. VPNs change the visible public IP.

Why is my public IP different on phone vs Wi‑Fi?

Mobile carriers use different NAT and CGNAT pools than home broadband — each network has its own public egress.

Do I need a public IP for gaming servers?

Hosting from home usually requires a public IP (not CGNAT) and port forwarding on the router to your PC’s private IP.

IP Tools

Public IP vs Private IP

Learn the difference between public and private IP addresses and how NAT connects your home network to the internet.

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Public IP (internet)

What websites, games, and remote users see.

Assigned by your ISP. Used for port forwarding, Minecraft servers, VPN checks, and abuse reports. Changes when you reboot modem, switch networks, or enable VPN.

Example: 203.0.113.42

Show my public IP

Live public IP

Quick rules

Port forwarding / gaming → use public IP
Router printer / NAS on Wi‑Fi → use private IP
“Who is my ISP for VPN?” → check IP lookup / WHOIS, not only your bill
VPN on → public IP and ISP should change; run our privacy checklist