Private ip address – Free IP Lookup & Guide

Q: What is a private IP address?

A private IP address is used within a private network and is not accessible from the internet.

🗓️ Published on October 27, 2025

Understanding your private IP address is essential for managing your home network and ensuring online privacy. In this guide, we will explore what a private IP address is, how it functions, and the differences between IPv4 and IPv6, along with practical tips for utilizing IP lookup tools effectively.

Overview

A private IP address is an address that is assigned to devices within a private network. Unlike public IP addresses, which are visible on the internet, private IP addresses help keep devices secure within a localized area. They are often used in homes, offices, and other internal networks.

How It Works

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Devices within a private network communicate with each other using private IP addresses. These addresses are not routable over the internet, which means that they cannot be accessed directly from outside the network. Instead, a router with a public IP address acts as an intermediary, translating private IP addresses to the public IP address for internet access.

IPv4 vs IPv6

The two most common versions of IP addresses are IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 uses a 32-bit address scheme, which allows for approximately 4.3 billion unique addresses, while IPv6 uses a 128-bit scheme, vastly increasing the number of available IP addresses. Private IP addresses in IPv4 typically fall within specific ranges: 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255, 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255, and 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255. In IPv6, private addresses are designated using the Unique Local Address (ULA) range, starting with the prefix fc00::/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a private IP address?

A private IP address is used within a private connection and is not accessible from the internet.

Can I find my private IP address?

Yes, you can find your private IP address through your device's network settings or by using IP lookup tools.

What is the difference between private and public IP addresses?

Private IP addresses are used within local networks, while public IP addresses are used to identify devices on the internet.

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