Quick table
| Local IP (private) | Public IP |
|---|---|
| Identifies a device inside your Wi-Fi/Ethernet network. | Identifies your network on the internet. |
| Assigned by your router (DHCP). | Assigned by your ISP to your connection. |
| Common examples: 192.168.1.23, 10.0.0.12. | Looks like any routable IP, e.g. 203.0.113.45 (example). |
| Used for printers, NAS, smart devices, local dashboards. | Used when you browse websites, or when someone connects to your router from outside (port forwarding). |
The most common confusion
If you see 192.168… or 10…, that is local (private). Websites will never “see” that number. They see your public IP.
Where to find each one
- Local IP: inside your device network settings (Wi-Fi/Ethernet), or via tools like ipconfig (Windows).
- Public IP: easiest is to open your “what’s my IP” page (your site’s home does exactly that).
Why they’re different (NAT in one line)
Most home networks use a router that “shares” one public IP across many devices. Inside the network, each device has its own local IP. That separation is why both numbers can be true at the same time.