Troubleshooting DNS issues, switching to a new host, or setting up hosting for the first time? You’ll likely need to know how to check server Internet Protocol (IP) address details, which enables devices to communicate across the internet.  

Finding a server’s IP address is pretty simple. But before jumping into the steps, let’s quickly cover what a server IP address actually is. 

What is a Server IP Address? 

A server IP address is a unique identifier assigned to a server on a network so other devices know exactly where to send a request for a website, app, or online service. Most IP addresses are a string of numbers separated by periods, like 192.168.1.1. Every time you visit a website, your browser uses that address to pull up the page. 

How to Find Your Private Server IP Address 

A private IP address helps your server communicate with other devices inside the same local network. You’ll often use it during server setup, network administration, or when you need more control over how systems connect internally. 

Here’s how it works by operating system: 

  • Method 1: When using the Windows Command Prompt 
  • Method 2: When using Linux 

Method 1: When Using the Windows Command Prompt 

If your server runs on Windows, you can find its private IP address in the Command Prompt. 

  1. Open the Run window with Windows + R. 
  2. Type CMD and hit Enter. 
  3. Type ipconfig and press Enter again. 
  4. Review the results that display on your screen. 
  5. Look for IPv4 Address under your active network connection. This is usually your private server IP address. 

Note: What you see on screen may vary slightly depending on your Windows edition and network configuration. 

Method 2: When Using Linux 

On a Linux operating system, you can locate your private server IP address from the command line. 

  1. Open the Terminal window. 
  2. Type hostname -I and press Enter. 

The output will display the IP address assigned to your server. If you need more network details, you can also use the command ip addr. Look for the address in the list shown under your active network interface. 

Note: Don’t be surprised if your results differ a little, since Linux distributions and system configurations aren’t always identical. 

How to Find Your Public Server IP Address 

A public server IP address is the address that other devices see when your server connects to the internet. Unlike a private IP, it’s accessible outside your local network and can be used by visitors, services, and a DNS server to reach your website. 

Two options work for this: 

  • Method 1: When using a browser-based lookup tool 
  • Method 2: When using DNS lookup commands 

Method 1: When Using a Browser-Based Lookup Tool 

A browser-based lookup tool is one of the fastest ways to find your public server IP address.  

Here are the steps: 

  • Open a web browser. 
  • Go to Google or an IP lookup tool such as NSLookup.io. 
  • Search for your IP address or enter your domain name. 
  • The tool will check and display the public IP address linked to your server, even if multiple domains use the same IP address. 

This method is useful when you need a quick answer and don’t want to use commands or access server settings. 

Method 2: When Using DNS Lookup Commands 

This method uses DNS records to help identify the IP address linked to a domain or server name. 

  • Open Command Prompt or Terminal. 
  • Enter the command nslookup yourdomain.com. 
  • Review the results to find the server’s public IP address. 

You can also use ping yourdomain.com to see which IP address a domain points to. The results may change depending on your DNS settings and how your DNS records are configured. 

Important: The results from these methods (like ipconfig or hostname -I) can vary depending on your setup. You may see multiple IP addresses or slightly different results based on your network or hosting environment. 

Why Do IP Lookup Tools Sometimes Show the Wrong Country for My Server IP Address? 

You might purchase hosting in one country, then run an IP lookup and see a completely different location. While that can be confusing, it doesn’t automatically mean your server is hosted in the wrong place. 

One important thing to know is that there isn’t a single global geolocation database. Different IP lookup tools use different data sources and update schedules, which means the same server IP can sometimes produce different results. 

This usually comes down to a few things: 

  • Different geolocation databases may have different records for the same IP address. 
  • Some databases show where the network owner or hosting provider is registered rather than the server’s physical location. 
  • Cloud platforms and shared hosting environments, including those built on AWS and other global networks, use shared infrastructure and complex routing that can affect location results. This means some lookup tools may show the location tied to the cloud provider’s network rather than the exact country where your server actually physically sits. 
  • Database updates can take days, weeks, or even longer, so recently assigned IP addresses may show outdated information for short periods. 

These databases gather information from many sources, such as: 

  • Network registration records 
  • ISP details 
  • Routing data
  • Old historical records  

Since every database mixes this information differently, the same IP address can show different “correct” answers depending on where you check. One tool could pinpoint the actual server location, while another shows where the hosting company is registered, an outdated location, or just a general fallback when exact data isn’t available. 

Example: A server hosted in India could appear to be in the United States if a database associates the IP range with the provider’s headquarters based there. This usually happens because larger cloud providers frequently reassign IP addresses. Since geolocation databases update at varying speeds, a newly assigned IP may temporarily show the “wrong” country until the database catches up. 

How Can You Verify Your Hosting Location? 

If an IP lookup result doesn’t seem right, try a few other sources before assuming something is wrong: 

  • Review the location you selected when purchasing your hosting plan.  
  • Check your hosting dashboard or account information for region details.  
  • Compare results across multiple IP lookup tools instead of relying on just one.  
  • Run a quick speed/latency test, as servers usually respond faster from closer locations, which can hint at where it’s really hosted. 
  • Reach out to your hosting provider if you need confirmation of where your service is deployed.  

Note: IP lookup tools are helpful guides, but they shouldn’t be treated as the final authority on a server’s physical location. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is server IP? 

A server IP is what allows your website, app, or online service to be reached over the internet. For example, when someone enters a domain name, the IP helps direct that request to the correct server so the content can load. 

How do I find my server IP address? 

If you need your server IP address quickly, an IP lookup tool or your hosting provider’s control panel is usually the fastest place to start. If you manage your own host, you can also use commands such as nslookup to view the IP address linked to a server name or domain. 

What is the difference between public and private server IP addresses? 

A public server IP address allows visitors and services to connect to your server, while a private server IP address works only within a local network and isn’t accessible through your internet connection. 

Why does my BigRock hosting IP show a different country? 

Seeing a different country in an IP lookup tool doesn’t always mean your hosting is in the wrong location. IP ranges can be reassigned, cloud infrastructure can span multiple regions, and location databases don’t always reflect recent changes right away. 

Which IP location tool is the most accurate? 

No IP location tool gets it right 100% of the time. Most reputable tools are quite accurate at the country level, but city-level results can be less precise, so it’s often worth comparing a few trusted sources. 

How can I verify where my hosting is located? 

Your hosting provider’s dashboard or account details are usually the quickest way to find your server location. You can also compare IP lookup results, WHOIS records, and provider documentation to confirm what you’re seeing. 

Take Control of Your Server Information 

Server IP addresses are easier to find than they sound. A lookup tool, a quick command, and you’re done. Whether you’re tracking down a private IP for network admin work or looking up a public IP to sort out a DNS issue, you now have the steps to do it. So the next time you check yours and a location seems off, now you know why. 

If you’re using BigRock hosting, you can often find your server IP address directly in the control panel.