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How to Find Your iPhone’s IP Address (Local & Public)

Discover how to reveal your iPhone’s local and public IP addresses in Settings, why they matter, and quick app alternatives for full network insight.

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How to Find Your iPhone’s IP Address (Local & Public)

Ever wondered why your iPhone keeps its IP address hidden behind a curtain? We’ve all opened Settings, squinting at the screen, hoping to spot those numbers. Finding your local or public IP can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack, but it’s actually easier than you think. Let’s pull back the curtain together.

1. Why You Need to Know Your iPhone’s IP Address

Knowing your IP helps you troubleshoot, set up remote access, and guard privacy. IT pros use it to diagnose Wi‑Fi hiccups, while developers need it for debugging network calls. Users want to see if their device is exposed to the internet. Let’s dive into why it matters.

Private vs. Public IP Addresses

Feature

Private (Local)

Public

Definition

Assigned by your Wi‑Fi router or cellular network. Only visible inside your local network.

The address your device uses to communicate with the wider internet.

Typical ranges

192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x, 172.16‑172.31.x.x

Any globally routable IPv4 or IPv6 address.

Why it matters

Needed for local network services (e.g., printers, media servers).

Needed for internet‑wide services (e.g., web servers, remote VPN).

NAT

Network Address Translation hides multiple devices behind one public IP.

The NAT device (router or carrier gateway) translates your private IP to the public one.

2. Finding the Wi‑Fi Local IP in Settings

  1. Open Settings – tap the gear icon.
  2. Tap Wi‑Fi – the Wi‑Fi icon will highlight.
  3. Locate your connected network – it will have a green checkmark.
  4. Tap the blue “i” circle next to the network name.
  5. Scroll to “IPv4 Address” – this is your local IP.

3. Locating the Cellular IP (About Section)

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap About – the first option in the list.
  3. Scroll to Cellular Data Network – it’s near the bottom.
  4. Find IPv4 Address – this is the IP assigned by your carrier.

4. Third‑Party Apps That Display Both Addresses

App

Key Features

Availability

Network Analyzer

Shows Wi‑Fi local IP, cellular IP, DNS, gateway, and network speed.

App Store (free, in‑app purchases)

Fing – Network Scanner

Lists all devices on the network, shows public IP via built‑in checker, and includes detailed network diagnostics.

App Store (free)

IP Scanner

Quick view of local IP, public IP via external service, and port scanning.

App Store (paid)

5. Verifying Your Public IP in a Browser

  1. Open Safari or any browser.
  2. Go to https://www.whatismyip.com or https://ipinfo.io.
  3. The IP displayed is the public IP your device uses to reach the internet.

Tip: If you use iCloud Private Relay, the IP shown will be an Apple‑assigned relay IP, not the carrier’s.

6. Quick Checklist

Item

1

Open Settings > Wi‑Fi, tap “i” → IPv4 Address (local IP).

2

Open Settings > About → Cellular Data Network → IPv4 Address (cellular IP).

3

Open a browser → https://www.whatismyip.com → confirm public IP.

4

Cross‑check with a third‑party app if you need more details.

5

Note any changes after reboot or network switch – NAT may reassign addresses.

7. FAQ

Question

Answer

Why does my IP change after a restart?

Wi‑Fi IPs are usually DHCP‑assigned and may change when the router renews leases. Cellular IPs are also re‑allocated by the carrier each session.

Can I hide my iPhone’s IP from apps?

iOS does not allow apps to spoof or hide the IP; they see the public IP assigned by the network. Using a VPN or iCloud Private Relay can mask the original IP from external servers.

Is the IP shown in Settings the same as the one shown on a browser?

The local IP is only visible inside the LAN. The browser shows the public IP visible to the internet. They are different unless you’re on a local network with no NAT.

Does iCloud Private Relay change my IP?

Yes, it routes traffic through Apple’s servers, giving you a relay IP that changes frequently for privacy.

Can I view the IPv6 address?

In the same Wi‑Fi info screen, scroll to “IPv6 Address” – it’s shown if the network supports IPv6.

8. Using Forest VPN to Manage Your iPhone IP

If you want extra control over which IP your iPhone presents to the internet, Forest VPN offers a simple, affordable solution. With a single tap you can:

  • Mask your public IP so that websites and apps see a different address, protecting your privacy.
  • Choose a server location from multiple countries, giving you the flexibility to access region‑locked content or speed up connections to specific services.
  • Enjoy a transparent, no‑log policy that keeps your browsing data private, while still letting you stay connected securely.

Forest VPN is affordable, with a free tier that includes limited data and a paid tier that unlocks unlimited usage and advanced features. Users report a smooth experience on iPhones, with no noticeable lag or battery drain. Try Forest VPN today and take full control of your iPhone’s network identity.

How to Check IP on iPhone

Ever wonder why your iPhone keeps its IP hidden behind a curtain? Let’s pull back that curtain together and see the numbers that make the internet tick. Think of your phone as a house on a block – the local IP is your street address, while the public IP is the city‑wide name the world sees. In this section we’ll break down the two, explain how NAT turns many houses into one address, and show you how to spot each one on your device.

Private (Local) IPs

We call these local because they only matter inside your home or office network. When your iPhone connects to a Wi‑Fi router, the router’s DHCP server hands out an address from a private range. The most common ranges are 192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x, and 172.16‑172.31.x.x. These numbers are like the apartment numbers in a building – useful only to people inside that building. They let your phone talk to your printer, share a file, or stream a movie from a media server.

How the phone gets one

  • The router advertises a pool of addresses.
  • Your iPhone requests one.
  • The router assigns an address and records it in its lease table.

If you reboot the phone or move to another network, the lease may change, just as a new tenant might move into a different apartment.

Public IPs

This is the address the internet sees. It’s the “street name” that directs traffic to your device. Mobile carriers often use carrier‑grade NAT, so the public IP may belong to the carrier’s gateway rather than your phone. Public IPs can be IPv4 or IPv6, and they’re globally unique.

Why NAT matters

NAT translates every private address to a single public address. It’s like a receptionist who forwards calls from a hallway to the correct office. Without NAT, every device would need a unique public IP, which would quickly exhaust the IPv4 pool.

Quick Visual Cue Table

Feature

Private IP

Public IP

Scope

Inside your LAN

Across the internet

Typical ranges

192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x

Any globally routable address

Assignment

DHCP from router

Carrier or ISP gateway

Visibility

Only local devices

All internet servers

Spotting Them on Your iPhone

  1. Open Settings – tap the gear.
  2. Tap Wi‑Fi and find the network you’re on.
  3. Tap the blue “i” next to the network name.
  4. Locate “IPv4 Address” – that’s your private IP.
  5. Scroll to “Router” – that router’s public IP is what the internet uses.

If you’re on cellular data, go to Settings → About → Cellular Data Network. The “IPv4 Address” shown there is usually a private address assigned by the carrier; the true public IP is hidden behind the carrier’s NAT.

Verification Tips

  • Check the public IP by opening Safari and searching “what is my IP” or visiting a site like https://whatismyipaddress.com.
  • Cross‑check with a third‑party app such as Network Analyzer or Fing that displays both local and public IP addresses.

Quick Checklist

FAQ

Why does my IP change after a restart? When the device restarts, it may request a new lease from the router, which can assign a different private IP. The public IP is usually stable unless the carrier changes its NAT assignment.

Can I hide my iPhone’s IP from apps? You can use a VPN or cellular data to mask your IP address, but most apps still rely on the underlying network layer to communicate.

Is the public IP the same as the one shown in Settings? No. Settings only shows the private IP assigned by the router or carrier. The public IP is the address the internet sees and is often behind NAT.

Can I see my IPv6 address? Yes – in the same “i” screen under Wi‑Fi, look for “IPv6 Address.” It’s usually a longer string of hexadecimal numbers.

This overview gives you a clear understanding of private and public IPs on an iPhone, helping you troubleshoot, set up VPNs, or simply satisfy your curiosity about how your device talks to the world.

How to Check IP on iPhone

If you’re digging into a network issue, setting up a home server, or just curious about how your phone talks to the world, you’ll need to know its IP address. Two kinds of IPs show up:

  • Private (Wi‑Fi) IP – the address your router hands out. It’s only visible inside your home or office network.
  • Public IP – the address your device presents to the internet, usually given by your ISP or a VPN.

Below is a quick, step‑by‑step guide to find the local Wi‑Fi IP in Settings, plus other ways to grab the cellular IP, use third‑party apps, and check the public IP.

1. Find the Local Wi‑Fi IP in Settings

  1. Open Settings – tap the gear icon on the home screen.
  2. Tap Wi‑Fi – the Wi‑Fi icon turns green, confirming you’re connected.
  3. Locate your network – a green checkmark next to the network name shows the active connection.
  4. Tap the blue “i” icon – this opens the network details page.
  5. Scroll to “IPv4 Address” – that number is your device’s local IP.

On that page you’ll also see:

  • Subnet Mask – tells you which part of the address belongs to the network.
  • Router – the gateway to the internet.
  • DNS – the name servers your phone uses.
  • IPv6 Address (if available) – the newer, globally unique address.

iOS 15‑17 Nuances

  • In iOS 15, the information page scrolls a little faster.
  • iOS 16 adds a “Private IP” label next to the IPv4 field.
  • iOS 17 moves IPv6 details under an “Advanced” section, making them easier to spot.

If you’re on a guest network or have more than one Wi‑Fi network, compare the Router field with the Subnet Mask to make sure you’re on the expected network. Guest networks usually use a separate IP range.

2. Alternative Methods

Cellular IP

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Cellular.
  3. Select Cellular Data or Cellular Data Options.
  4. Look for the Cellular IP entry; that shows the IP assigned by your carrier.

Third‑Party Apps

Apps such as Network Analyzer or Fing can display both local and public IP addresses along with extra network details. They’re handy if you want a quick overview without digging through Settings.

3. Verify Your Public IP

  1. Open Safari or any web browser.
  2. Visit a site like whatismyip.com or ipinfo.io.
  3. The page will show your public IP address.

If you’re using a VPN, the public IP shown will be the VPN’s exit node address.

Quick Checklist

FAQ

Q: Why does my IP change after a restart? A: Most home routers use dynamic IP allocation (DHCP). When you restart, the router may assign a different local IP.

Q: Can I hide my iPhone’s IP from apps? A: Using a VPN or the iCloud Private Relay feature can mask your public IP, but the local IP remains visible to apps that access the local network.

Q: How do I know if my network supports IPv6? A: On the Wi‑Fi details page, look for an IPv6 Address entry. If present, the network supports IPv6.

With these steps, you’ll confidently locate both your local and public IP addresses and understand how they fit into your iPhone’s networking.

How to Check IP on iPhone: Cellular IP, Wi‑Fi IP, and Forest VPN

Need to know your iPhone’s IP address? Whether you’re troubleshooting, accessing a remote server, or just checking who can see you online, this quick guide shows you how to find both the local (Wi‑Fi) IP and the public (cellular) IP. It also walks you through using Forest VPN to keep your data private.

Private vs. Public IP

  • Private (Wi‑Fi) IP – the address your home router gives you. It’s only visible on your local network.
  • Public (Cellular) IP – the address your carrier assigns when you use mobile data. That’s the IP the rest of the internet sees.

1. Find the Wi‑Fi IP (Local)

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Wi‑Fi.
  3. Tap the i icon next to the network you’re connected to.
  4. Look for the IP Address line. That’s your local IP.
Screenshot: Settings > Wi‑Fi > i > IP Address line.

2. Find the Cellular IP (Public)

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap About.
  3. Scroll to Cellular Data Network.
  4. Find IPv4 Address – that’s the carrier‑assigned IP.

3. Verify the Public IP in a Browser

Open Safari or any browser and go to a site like https://whatismyip.com or just search “what is my IP”. The number you see should match the IPv4 Address you located in Settings.


4. Third‑Party Apps for Both Addresses

  • Network Analyzer – shows Wi‑Fi and cellular IPs, ping, and more.
  • Fing – provides detailed network diagnostics.
  • Forest VPN – a privacy‑first VPN that also displays your public IP, server location, latency, and leak tests.

5. Install and Use Forest VPN

  1. Open the App Store and search for Forest VPN.
  2. Tap GetInstall.
  3. Open the app, sign up with an email or Apple ID, and grant VPN permissions when prompted.
  4. Connect to a server – the dashboard instantly shows your public IP, server location, and real‑time data usage.
  5. Use the leak‑test feature to confirm no data is exposed.

Quick Checklist


FAQ

Q: Why does my IP change after a restart? A: Mobile carriers often use dynamic IP addressing, so the IP can change whenever you reconnect.

Q: Can I hide my iPhone’s IP from apps? A: Yes, using a VPN like Forest VPN routes all traffic through a secure tunnel, masking your real IP.


Ready to protect your public IP on the go?

Download Forest VPN today for a clean, affordable, and convenient way to keep your data safe wherever you roam.

How to Check IP on iPhone

Introduction

When your iPhone connects to the internet, it gets two kinds of addresses. A private IP identifies it on your local Wi‑Fi network, while a public IP is what the rest of the world sees. Knowing both can help you troubleshoot, set up remote access, or just keep an eye on your privacy.

This guide walks through looking up the iPhone’s local IP, checking the public IP, and verifying IPv6 visibility.

1. Find the Private Wi‑Fi IP in Settings

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Wi‑Fi.
  3. Tap the info (i) icon next to the network you’re connected to.
  4. The IP Address line shows your private IPv4 address (e.g., 192.168.1.5).
  • If you scroll, you’ll also see the IPv6 Address (e.g., fe80::a8a4:…).
  • Screenshot: Settings > Wi‑Fi > tap i > IP address line.

2. Check the Public IP in Safari

  1. Open Safari.
  2. Go to a trusted IP‑checker site such as https://whatismyip.com or https://ipinfo.io.
  3. The page displays your public IPv4 address.
  • If you’re using iCloud Private Relay, the address shown will be an Apple‑assigned relay IP, not your carrier’s.
  1. At the bottom of the page you may also see an IPv6 address if the network supports it. Safari shows both IPv4 and IPv6 side by side.

3. Verify IPv6 Visibility

  • In the same IP‑checker page, look for the colon‑separated string (e.g., 2601:0:0:1234::1).
  • On your iPhone, open Settings > Wi‑Fi, tap the info icon, and confirm the IPv6 address matches.

4. Quick Checklist

Item

1

Safari shows the same IPv4 address as Settings > Wi‑Fi.

2

iCloud Private Relay is on, giving a relay IP if enabled.

3

IPv6 addresses match in both browser and Settings.

4

No discrepancy after a reboot; if there is, clear DNS cache in Settings.

5. When to Use VPN or Private Relay

If you notice a mismatch between the Settings IP and the browser IP, consider using a VPN for extra privacy. Forest VPN offers a simple toggle, affordable plans, and a free tier that assigns a public IP from its own pool. Toggling the app changes the address shown in Safari, confirming that traffic is routed through the VPN server. If you’re concerned about a data thief sniffing your cellular IP, a VPN is your best shield. Forest charges only a few cents per month, so you can keep your privacy without breaking the bank.

6. FAQ

Why does my IP change after a restart? A reboot can trigger a new DHCP lease from your router or carrier, which may assign a different public IP.

Can I hide my iPhone’s IP from apps? Yes, by disabling iCloud Private Relay or using a VPN, you can prevent apps from seeing the carrier IP. However, disabling Private Relay will revert to the carrier IP.

Why does Safari sometimes show 0.0.0.0? That indicates no active internet connection at the moment.

Does Private Relay change my public IP every hour? Apple rotates relay nodes periodically for anonymity, so the address may change.

Conclusion

You now know how to locate both the private and public IP addresses on your iPhone, verify them with Safari, and troubleshoot any discrepancies. Whether you’re a casual user, IT support staff, or a developer, these steps give you full visibility into your device’s network identity.

Ever wondered how your iPhone keeps its IP address under wraps, like a secret code? We’ve all opened Settings, only to find a maze of numbers. Knowing the exact address can feel like cracking a safe. Let’s pull the lock together.

Quick Checklist – One Page to Confirm Your IPs Anytime

Verification Step

Notes on Change After Reboot or Network Switch

1

Open SettingsWi‑Fi → tap the blue "i" → read IPv4 Address (local IP).

Note any new address if DHCP renews.

2

Open SettingsAboutCellular Data Network → read IPv4 Address (cellular IP).

Carrier may reassign on each session.

3

Open Safari → visit a trusted IP checker (e.g., whatismyipaddress.com) → confirm public IP.

Public IP may shift if you switch between Wi‑Fi and cellular.

4

Run a third‑party network app (e.g., Network Analyzer) → cross‑check all addresses.

Apps often display DNS and gateway; spot discrepancies.

5

After any reboot or network change, compare the table values to spot DHCP or carrier reassignments.

A change signals a new lease or route.

Want a quick cheat sheet you can print or keep on your desk? This table is your go‑to for IT support, developers, and anyone who needs instant IP confirmation.

Keep it handy; when the next glitch hits, you’ll know exactly which address to double‑check and why it matters.

TechnologyMobile DevicesiPhone Settings