Different IP Address on WhatIsMyIP.com Than IPCONFIG?
Understand why websites show a different IP address than local tools like ipconfig, and what that difference means for your network.
Public vs. Private IP Addresses
Tools like ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig/ip (Linux and macOS) typically show the IP address assigned to your local network interface, such as 192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x, or 172.16.x.x. These are private addresses used only inside your home or office network.
Websites like WhatIsMyIP.com report your public IP—the address seen by servers on the internet. This public address belongs to your router, modem, or VPN endpoint rather than directly to your individual device.
How NAT and VPNs Create Differences
Most home and business networks use Network Address Translation (NAT). Many devices share a single public IP, and the router keeps track of which internal device initiated each connection. As a result, every device behind the router sees its own private IP locally, but websites see the same shared public IP.
If you use a VPN, your traffic is tunneled to the VPN provider’s server, so websites see the VPN server’s IP instead. Locally, ipconfig still reports your private IP on the LAN and often a separate virtual adapter for the VPN.
When Different IPs Are Normal—and When They Are Not
Seeing different addresses locally and on IP-checking sites is normal in almost all home and office setups. It becomes a concern if you unexpectedly see an unfamiliar public IP when you are not using a VPN or proxy, which may indicate that you are on a different network than you think or connected through someone else’s hotspot.
If IP differences coincide with login notifications from distant locations or unusual account activity, review your network, router configuration, and connected devices to ensure that only authorized equipment is on your network.