Introduction
Switching from WiFi to an Ethernet cable may or may not change your IP address — it depends on which type of IP you're asking about. Here's the complete breakdown.
Public IP: Usually Stays the Same
Your public IP address (the one visible to websites) is assigned to your router by your ISP. Both your WiFi and Ethernet connections use the same router, so they typically share the same public IP.
Result: Your public IP usually stays the same whether you're on WiFi or Ethernet.
Private IP: Usually Changes
Your private IP address (assigned by your router) is unique to each device and connection type. Your router treats WiFi and Ethernet as separate network interfaces and may assign different private IPs.
- Your laptop on WiFi might have:
192.168.1.10 - Your laptop on Ethernet might have:
192.168.1.25
This is because each network adapter gets its own DHCP lease from the router.
Why It Matters
For most everyday tasks, this difference doesn't matter at all. However, it's relevant when:
- Port forwarding rules — If you've set up port forwarding to a specific private IP, switching adapters may break it
- Static IP configuration — If you've manually set a static IP on one adapter, it only applies to that adapter
- Network troubleshooting — Understanding which IP is changing helps diagnose issues
How to Check Your IP on Each Connection
- Connect via WiFi → visit what-is-my-ip.best → note your public IP
- Connect via Ethernet → revisit the site → compare
For private IPs: Run ipconfig (Windows) or check Network settings on Mac to see each adapter's IP.
Conclusion
Your public IP stays the same across WiFi and Ethernet (it's your router's IP). Your private IP may differ because each adapter gets its own address from your router. For most users, this distinction is academic — but it matters for network configuration and port forwarding.
Last updated: 2026 | Category: IP Address Basics