Public vs Private IP Address: The Simple Difference
Learn the difference between public and private IP addresses, common private ranges, and why only public IPs appear on the internet.
Private IP addresses
Private IP addresses are used inside local networks. Common ranges include 10.0.0.0/8, 172.16.0.0/12, and 192.168.0.0/16.
These addresses are not directly reachable from the public internet and are often reused in homes, offices, and internal systems.
Public IP addresses
A public IP address is routable on the internet. It is the address websites see when your router, server, VPN, or mobile network sends traffic.
If multiple devices use the same router, they may share one public IP while keeping separate private addresses inside the network.
What to look up
IP geolocation tools are most useful for public IP addresses. Private addresses generally do not map to a public city, ISP, or risk profile.
Use Crafzo IP Lookup to check the public IP visible to websites or analyze another public address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I look up 192.168.1.1?
That is a private address and normally will not have public geolocation data.
Why do my devices share one public IP?
Your router uses NAT so many local devices can access the internet through one public address.
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