How to Find Your Public IP Address on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android

If you are trying to find your public IP address, the first thing to know is that your device often has both:

• a private IP address used inside your local network
• a public IP address visible to websites and remote services

The easiest way to see the public one is to use an internet-facing lookup tool such as FindMyIP.uk.

The fastest method

Open IP Lookup in your browser.

That immediately shows:

• your current public IP
• the ASN and network owner
• approximate geolocation
• whether the visible network context looks consumer, mobile, hosting-based, or otherwise unusual

For most people, that is the only step needed.

Why your device settings can be confusing

On Windows, macOS, iPhone, and Android, the built-in network settings usually show your local IP first.

That address is useful for:

• home-network troubleshooting
• printer and LAN device setup
• router-level diagnostics

But it is usually not the address websites see.

If you need the difference explained clearly, read Public vs Private IP Addresses.

How to find your public IP on Windows

Browser method

This is the easiest option:

1. Open your browser.
2. Visit FindMyIP.uk.
3. Read the public IP shown at the top of the result.

Command-line note

Windows tools like ipconfig mostly show local interface addresses, not your internet-facing public IP. For public IP checks, a web-based lookup is simpler and usually more accurate for normal users.

How to find your public IP on Mac

Browser method

1. Open Safari, Chrome, or another browser.
2. Visit FindMyIP.uk.
3. Read the public IP in the result panel.

System settings often show the local address of the active interface, which is useful for local networking but different from the public internet-facing address.

How to find your public IP on iPhone or iPad

Browser method

1. Open Safari.
2. Visit FindMyIP.uk.
3. Check the public IP, provider, and approximate location result.

On iPhone or iPad, Wi-Fi settings typically show the local address on your home or office network, not the public one that external services see.

How to find your public IP on Android

Browser method

1. Open Chrome or another browser.
2. Visit FindMyIP.uk.
3. Read the visible public IP and network context.

This is usually faster and clearer than navigating device network menus when your goal is the public internet-facing address.

Why the result can change

Your public IP may change if:

• you switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data
• your ISP reassigns the address
• you connect to a VPN or proxy
• your network uses a different egress path

That is normal. If the location or provider changes unexpectedly, read Why Does My IP Location Look Wrong?.

A practical checklist

If you need to verify the “real” public address seen by websites:

1. Disconnect from VPN or proxy if you want the baseline ISP address.
2. Open IP Lookup.
3. Record the IP, provider, and ASN.
4. Reconnect VPN or switch networks and compare again if needed.

FAQ

Is my router IP the same as my public IP?

Usually no. Router interfaces often use private addresses such as 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x, which are not the same as the public internet-facing address.

Why does my public IP look different from the IP in my settings?

Because device settings usually show your local private address, while websites see the public address of your router, ISP, mobile carrier, VPN, or proxy.

Can my public IP change during the day?

Yes. It can change when networks reassign addresses or when you switch between Wi-Fi, cellular, VPN, or proxy routes.

What should I check next after finding my public IP?

Check whether the ASN, provider, and geolocation match what you expect. That tells you more about the network than the number alone.