Router IP vs Public IP

Learn why your router, device, and online IP checker may show different addresses and how NAT, WAN addresses, and CGNAT fit together.

Your phone or laptop normally has a private address inside the local network, while websites see a public address used for internet traffic. Your router sits between those networks and may display several addresses for different interfaces.

Comparing the wrong fields can make a normal setup look confusing. The key is to separate a device LAN address, router gateway address, router WAN address, and the public address visible beyond the provider network.

Device and gateway addresses

A device may use an address such as 192.168.1.25 and send local traffic to a gateway such as 192.168.1.1. Both are private addresses used only inside the network.

The router WAN address

The WAN interface connects toward the ISP. It may receive a public address, a private upstream address, or a CGNAT address depending on the provider design.

The public IP websites see

An online checker reports the source address visible at the internet edge. With ordinary home NAT, many local devices share this address.

Why the values may not match

A VPN, corporate tunnel, double NAT, CGNAT, mobile hotspot, or IPv4/IPv6 difference can cause the router and website to show different addresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my router show 192.168.x.x?

That is a private address used inside your local network.

Why is my WAN IP different from my public IP?

Your connection may be behind another router, provider NAT, CGNAT, or a VPN.

Which IP should I give to support?

For internet-facing issues they usually need the public IP; for local network issues they may ask for device or router addresses.