Internal IPs are in the 8-12 digit IPv4 address format and almost always begin with 192.168. Imagine it along the lines of an apartment address, and you should get the idea. It’s handed out by a router’s DHCP server is unique for each device on the network, and helps distinguish your Mac from other devices. Your Mac also has an internal-or private-IP address. Unless you pay extra for a static IP address, your external IP address is dynamic and changes each time you reboot your router. If you want to mask it to prevent yourself from being tracked online, consider investing in a virtual private network (or VPN). For example, if you connect your Mac and iPhone to the same router, expect to see identical public IP addresses on both devices.Īn external IP address reveals information such as your general location and ISP. Other devices on a network will also have the same external IP. It can be in IPv4 (8-12 digits) or IPv6 (16 digits) format. Consider it something akin to a street address, which websites and online services need to transmit data back and forth with the router. The external-or public-IP address is assigned by your ISP (internet service provider) and is what the internet at large sees. There are two types of IP (Internet Protocol) addresses-external and internal-in play when your Mac establishes an internet connection over Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Difference Between Internal and External Addresses

How to find my ip address mac