Different networks, different exits

On Wi-Fi, a phone reaches the internet through a home or workplace network; on mobile data it uses the carrier’s network. Seeing different IPs is normal. Remaining in the same physical place does not guarantee that the network path or public address stays unchanged.

Why the location may be distant

A carrier may route traffic through central network exits and share IPv4 addresses among subscribers. The city result can therefore reflect exit infrastructure rather than your location. Do not treat mobile IP geolocation as equivalent to phone GPS: the measurements are produced differently.

Make the test consistent

Disable Wi-Fi to verify mobile-data use, note the VPN state, and refresh the page. Repeat on Wi-Fi. When designing an IP allowlist, remember that mobile addresses may not persist; access based only on a fixed IP can unexpectedly block legitimate users.

Measuring a Wi-Fi transition

Record the public address on Wi-Fi, switch to mobile data, then refresh. An old result does not automatically describe the new connection. Note network, VPN state, and address family. A different city does not prove the phone moved; the carrier exit can differ while physical location remains unchanged.

Put it into practice

Inspect one public IP, or compare a list of addresses with the bulk lookup tool. Location results are approximate.

Single lookup ↗ Bulk lookup ↗