Not sure whether an IP address is private or public? Enter an IPv4 or IPv6 address into our free Private vs Public IP Checker to identify its address type, matching network range, and typical internet routing status.
The checker also recognizes common special-use addresses, including loopback, link-local, IPv6 unique-local, and shared addresses associated with Carrier-Grade NAT (CGNAT).
Enter an IP address below to check its classification.
Check an IP address
Enter any IPv4 or IPv6 address to see whether it is private, publicly scoped, or reserved for a special use.
- Input address
- IP version
- Matching range
- Public internet
How to Use the Private vs Public IP Checker
Checking an IP address takes three simple steps:
- Enter an IP address: Type an IPv4 address such as
192.168.1.1or an IPv6 address such asfd12:3456::1. - Click Check IP Address: The tool validates the address and checks its type against supported IP address ranges.
- Read your result: See whether the address is private, publicly scoped, shared, or special-use, along with an explanation and matching range.
You can also select one of the example IP addresses provided in the checker. Use the Copy Result option to save the displayed information.
The tool checks addresses you enter manually. It does not automatically discover your current IP address.
What Is the Difference Between a Private and Public IP Address?
The main difference is how the address is intended to work within a network.
Private IP Address
A private IP address is used inside a local network, such as your home, office, or school network.
For example, a Wi-Fi router might have the address 192.168.1.1, while a laptop connected to that router might use 192.168.1.5.
Private IPv4 addresses can be reused across different networks because they are not routed directly over the public internet.
Three IPv4 ranges are reserved for private networking:
| Private IPv4 range | Example |
|---|---|
10.0.0.0/8 |
10.0.0.5 |
172.16.0.0/12 |
172.16.1.10 |
192.168.0.0/16 |
192.168.1.1 |
These ranges are defined in RFC 1918.
Public IP Address
A public IP address is an address that can be used for communication across the internet when it is properly assigned and routed.
Your internet service provider may assign a publicly scoped IP address to your router or connection. Devices inside your home can then access internet services through the router, often using Network Address Translation (NAT) for IPv4 connections.
For example, 8.8.8.8 is a publicly scoped IPv4 address.
However, a public address classification does not guarantee that a device is online, accessible, or accepting connections. Firewalls, network configurations, and routing policies can still prevent access.
Other IP Address Types Explained
Not every address belongs to the standard private or public categories.
Shared IP Address (CGNAT)
The IPv4 range 100.64.0.0/10, covering 100.64.0.0 through 100.127.255.255, is designated as shared address space.
Internet service providers can use this range for Carrier-Grade NAT, which allows multiple subscribers to share public IPv4 addresses.
If your router shows an address such as 100.64.1.2 on its WAN interface, it may indicate that your connection uses CGNAT.
Some internet connections in Pakistan may use CGNAT, but whether yours does depends on your provider’s configuration.
An address in this range is not classified as ordinary RFC 1918 private space, and finding it does not by itself prove your entire network configuration.
Loopback and Link-Local Addresses
A loopback address allows a device to communicate with itself. For IPv4, 127.0.0.1 is the familiar example; for IPv6, it is ::1.
Link-local addresses are used for communication on a local network link rather than across the public internet. Examples include 169.254.1.10 for IPv4 and fe80::1 for IPv6.
Private IPv6 Addresses
IPv6 uses unique-local addresses, defined by fc00::/7, for private networking.
An address such as fd12:3456::1 belongs to this category. Like private IPv4 addresses, unique-local IPv6 addresses are not intended for normal routing across the global internet.
IPv6 also has special-purpose ranges, including documentation addresses such as 2001:db8::/32.
Private vs Public IP Address Examples
Here are some addresses you can enter into the checker to understand its results.
| IP address | Expected classification |
|---|---|
192.168.1.1 |
Private IPv4 |
10.0.0.5 |
Private IPv4 |
8.8.8.8 |
Publicly scoped IPv4 |
100.64.1.2 |
Shared / CGNAT |
127.0.0.1 |
Loopback |
169.254.1.10 |
Link-local IPv4 |
fd12:3456::1 |
Unique-local IPv6 |
2001:db8::1 |
Documentation-only IPv6 |
These examples show why checking address ranges is more reliable than assuming every address outside 192.168.x.x must be public.
How to Find Your Private IP Address
You can find your device’s local IP address in its network settings.
On Windows: Open Command Prompt, enter ipconfig, and find the IPv4 Address listed under your active Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter.
On Android: Open Settings, go to your connected Wi-Fi network, and look for IP address or network details. The exact menu depends on your phone.
On iPhone: Open Settings → Wi-Fi, tap the information icon beside your connected network, and check the IP Address field.
On a router: Open its administration interface and look under LAN settings or the connected-device list. The location of these settings depends on the router model.
Copy the address you find and enter it into the checker.
Can You Check Whether Your ISP Gives You a Public IP?
You can use this tool to classify an address shown in your router’s WAN or internet connection settings.
If the WAN IPv4 address belongs to a private or shared range, your connection may be behind another layer of NAT. A CGNAT address is one possible explanation.
If the WAN address is publicly scoped, that still does not confirm inbound connectivity or whether your ISP provides a static public IP.
For a more complete assessment, compare the router’s WAN address with the public-facing address reported by a separate IP display service, accounting for any active VPN and IPv4/IPv6 differences.
If you need inbound access for a server, camera system, or remote application, consult your ISP about public IP availability and applicable connection restrictions.
Privacy and Accuracy of This IP Checker
The Private vs Public IP Checker processes the address you enter directly in your browser. The checker itself does not send that submitted address to an external IP lookup API.
Normal website page and asset requests still occur when the page loads.
The tool provides an address classification, not a live connection test. It does not determine:
- Your current public or private IP automatically
- The owner, ISP, country, or location of an address
- Whether an IP address responds to ping or accepts connections
- Whether your connection is using a VPN
- Whether a server or router is accessible from the internet
Publicly scoped results are based on the supported address rules. Some individual special-purpose allocations have their own routing characteristics, so consult the official IANA registries when you need authoritative details.
Common Questions
Is 192.168.1.1 a private or public IP?
192.168.1.1 is a private IPv4 address. It belongs to the 192.168.0.0/16 private range and is commonly used as a router’s local network address.
Is 100.64.1.2 a public IP address?
No. 100.64.1.2 belongs to shared address space used in networks that may employ CGNAT. It is neither a normal publicly routable IPv4 address nor an RFC 1918 private IPv4 address.
Does having a public IP mean my device can be accessed remotely?
Not necessarily. Remote access depends on routing, firewall settings, network configuration, the service being used, and ISP restrictions. An address being publicly scoped does not guarantee accessibility.
Check Your Internet Connection Performance
IP address classification can help you understand your network configuration, but it cannot measure connection speed.
To check download speed, upload speed, and connection responsiveness, visit our Internet Speed Test.
Technical References
This tool’s address classifications and explanations are based on established internet addressing standards:
- RFC 1918 — Address Allocation for Private Internets
- RFC 6598 — Shared Address Space
- IANA IPv4 Special-Purpose Address Registry
- IANA IPv6 Special-Purpose Address Registry
PTCLSpeedTest is an independent internet information and testing website and is not an official PTCL service.