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What your local IP means
A local IP, also called a private IP, is the address assigned to a device inside a private network. That network can be your home Wi-Fi, an office LAN, a school network, a hotel Wi-Fi or any other internal network.
The local IP does not identify your connection on the public internet. It only helps devices communicate inside the same local network. Your router uses it to know which traffic belongs to your laptop, which traffic belongs to your phone, and which traffic belongs to a printer, TV, NAS or camera.
Simple rule: your local IP identifies a device inside your network. Your public IP identifies your internet connection outside your network.
How to find your local IP
The exact steps depend on the device. You are looking for the device address, usually shown as IPv4 address, IP address or simply Address. Do not confuse it with the router address or default gateway.
Windows
Open CMD or Terminal, run ipconfig, and look for IPv4 Address.
macOS
Open System Settings, go to Network, select your active connection and check the IP address.
iPhone and iPad
Open Settings, Wi-Fi, tap the connected network and look for the device IP address.
Android
Open Wi-Fi details for your current network and look for IP address or network details.
Windows example
ipconfig
Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi:
IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.23
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1In this example, the local IP of the device is 192.168.1.23. The router IP is 192.168.1.1, shown as the default gateway.
Device local IP vs router IP
People often search for “my local IP” when they actually need one of two different addresses: the local IP of their current device, or the local IP of the router.
| Address | What it identifies | Common example |
|---|---|---|
| Device local IP | Your phone, computer, TV, printer or another device inside the local network. | 192.168.1.23 |
| Router IP | Your router inside the local network. This is often called the default gateway. | 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 |
| Public IP | Your internet connection as seen by websites and external services. | Shown on the homepage of ip-local.com |
If you want to open the router settings, use the router IP, not the local IP of your laptop or phone. Start with the Router IP guide or try common router pages such as 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1.
What a local IP is used for
A local IP gives each device a place in the network. Without local IPs, the router could not send data to the right device.
- The router connects your local network to the internet.
- Each device gets its own local IP inside that network.
- The router uses those addresses to send traffic to the correct device.
Common uses
- Opening router settings or checking the router IP.
- Connecting to a printer, NAS, camera or local server.
- Troubleshooting Wi-Fi or Ethernet problems.
- Checking whether two devices are on the same network.
- Setting a fixed local IP for a device that should not change.
How to recognize a local IP
Most local IPv4 addresses belong to private address ranges. If you see one of these formats, you are probably looking at a local IP:
192.168 range
192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.23, 192.168.100.10
10 range
10.0.0.1, 10.0.1.25, 10.10.10.7
172.16 to 172.31
172.16.0.10 to 172.31.255.254
Very common at home
You will often see 192.168.0.x or 192.168.1.x.
For the concept behind these ranges, read What is a private IP?.
Difference between local IP and public IP
A local IP and a public IP are different addresses used in different places.
Local IP
Works inside your private network. It identifies one device to your router and nearby devices.
Public IP
Works on the internet. It is the address websites and external services usually see.
Fast rule: if you are dealing with Wi-Fi, router settings, printers or devices at home, think local IP. If you are dealing with websites, external access or geolocation, think public IP.
For a deeper comparison, read Local IP vs public IP. To see your public IP, use the ip-local.com homepage.
Why your local IP can change
Your local IP can change because most routers assign addresses automatically using DHCP. This is normal and usually harmless.
When it often changes
- When your device reconnects to Wi-Fi.
- When the router restarts.
- When you move to another network or access point.
- When the DHCP lease is renewed.
If a device should always keep the same address, use a DHCP reservation or a fixed local IP. These guides continue the path: What is DHCP? and How to set a fixed local IP.
Can a website detect my local IP?
A website can normally show your public IP, but it cannot always show your local IP reliably. Modern browsers restrict access to local network details for privacy and security reasons.
That is why the most reliable way to find your local IP is to check it directly on the device: Windows settings or ipconfig, macOS network settings, iPhone Wi-Fi details, Android network details, or your router device list.
Useful distinction: ip-local.com can help you understand IP addresses and see your public IP, but your device settings are the best source for the local IP of that specific device.
Next step depending on what you need
Find local IP on Windows
Use ipconfig or Windows network settings to find your PC address.
Find local IP on Android
Check the private address of your phone inside the current Wi-Fi network.
Find your router IP
Use this if you need the gateway address to open router settings.
Compare local and public IP
The clearest guide when your device shows one IP and a website shows another.
Frequently asked questions
What is my local IP?
It is the private address assigned to your device inside the network you are currently using, such as your home Wi-Fi or office Ethernet network.
Is my local IP the same as my public IP?
No. A local IP works inside your private network. A public IP is the address visible to websites and services on the internet.
How can I find my local IP?
On Windows, run ipconfig and look for IPv4 Address. On phones and Macs, open the Wi-Fi or network details and look for the device IP address.
Is the router IP the same as my local IP?
Not usually. Your device local IP identifies your phone, computer or other device. The router IP, often called the default gateway, identifies the router.
Why does my local IP change?
Most routers use DHCP to assign local IPs automatically. Your local IP can change after reconnecting, restarting the router, changing networks or renewing the DHCP lease.
Can a website show my local IP?
A website can usually show your public IP, but modern browsers restrict direct access to your local IP for privacy reasons. Your device settings are more reliable.
Does a local IP reveal my real location?
No. A local IP only has meaning inside your private network. It is not a public internet address and it is not used to locate you on the internet.