What Is My Public IP?
Understanding public IP addresses and how to find yours
Table of Contents
What Is My Public IP?
Your public IP address is the IP address assigned to your internet connection by your ISP (Internet Service Provider), visible to websites and services on the internet. Public IP addresses are routable on the internet, enabling devices to communicate with internet services.
Public IP addresses differ from private IP addresses (used within local networks). You can find your public IP address using our What Is My IP tool, online services, or command-line tools.
Public IP addresses may be static (don't change) or dynamic (change periodically). Learn more about IP addresses and private IP addresses.
Public vs Private IP
Public IP Address
Public IP addresses are routable on the internet, assigned by ISPs, unique globally, and visible to internet services. Public IPs enable internet connectivity and communication with external services.
Private IP Address
Private IP addresses are used within local networks (LANs), not routable on internet, assigned by routers, and used for local network communication. Learn more about private IP addresses.
Key Differences
- Public IP: Routable on internet, assigned by ISP
- Private IP: Used in local networks, assigned by router
- Public IP: Visible to internet services
- Private IP: Not visible outside local network
NAT (Network Address Translation)
NAT enables multiple devices with private IPs to share single public IP, translating between private and public IPs for internet communication.
Finding Your Public IP
1. Online Tools
Use our What Is My IP tool or other online IP lookup services to find your public IP address instantly.
2. Command Line
Use command-line tools: curl ifconfig.me, curl ipinfo.io/ip, or dig +short myip.opendns.com @resolver1.opendns.com
3. Router Configuration
Check router configuration or admin interface to view public IP address assigned to your internet connection.
4. Network Settings
Some operating systems show public IP in network settings, though this is less common than private IP display.
5. ISP Information
Contact your ISP or check ISP account information to find your public IP address.
Public IP Purpose
1. Internet Connectivity
Public IP addresses enable internet connectivity - devices need public IPs (directly or through NAT) to access internet services.
2. Service Access
Public IPs enable access to internet services (websites, email, cloud services) by providing routable addresses.
3. Server Hosting
Public IPs enable server hosting - servers need public IPs to be accessible from internet.
4. Remote Access
Public IPs enable remote access to networks and devices, allowing connections from internet.
5. Identification
Public IPs identify internet connections, enabling services to send data to correct connections and locations.
Static vs Dynamic IP
Static Public IP
Static public IP addresses don't change, providing consistent addresses for servers, remote access, and services requiring fixed IPs.
Dynamic Public IP
Dynamic public IP addresses change periodically (typically when router reconnects), assigned by ISP DHCP. Most home internet connections use dynamic IPs. Learn more about IP address changes.
Choosing IP Type
Choose static IP for servers, remote access, or services requiring fixed addresses. Dynamic IPs are sufficient for most home users.
IP Change Impact
Dynamic IP changes may affect: remote access, DNS records, firewall rules, and services relying on specific IP addresses.
