Finding your IP address depends on what device you're using

Your IP address is a number assigned to your device so it can send and receive data on the internet. You may need to find it to troubleshoot a connection problem, set up a printer or smart home device, or give it to technical support. The steps differ depending on whether you're on Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android — and whether you want your local IP (the one inside your home network) or your public IP (the one the outside internet sees).

Most of the time, you're looking for your local IP address, which is the number your router assigned to your device. This is what you need when connecting a printer, setting up a security camera, or troubleshooting why a device won't talk to another device on your home network. Your public IP address is less often needed, but it's what websites see when you visit them.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address is a number your router gives your device and usually starts with 192.168 or 10.0 on home networks.
  • On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to see your local IP listed as "IPv4 Address".
  • On Mac, go to System Settings, click Network, select your connection, and look for the IP address shown on the right side.
  • On iPhone or Android, go to Settings, find Wi-Fi or Network settings, tap your connected network, and the IP address appears in the details.
  • To find your public IP address, search "what is my IP" in any web browser and the number appears at the top of the results.

Finding your local IP on Windows

The fastest way on Windows is to use Command Prompt. Right-click the Windows Start button, select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)", and type ipconfig then press Enter. Look for the line that says "IPv4 Address" — that number is your local IP address. It usually looks like 192.168.1.100 or 10.0.0.50.

If you prefer not to use the command line, you can find it through Settings. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, click on your connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), and scroll down to find "IPv4 address" listed under your connection details.

Finding your local IP on Mac

On Mac, open System Settings and click Network on the left side. Select the connection you're using — Wi-Fi if you're wireless, Ethernet if you're plugged in. On the right side of the window, you'll see "IP Address" listed with a number next to it. That's your local IP address.

If you're using an older version of macOS, the steps are similar but the menu is called System Preferences instead of System Settings. The location of Network settings remains the same.

Finding your local IP on iPhone or Android

On iPhone, open Settings, tap Wi-Fi, and select the network you're connected to. Scroll down and you'll see "IP Address" listed in the network details. On Android, the path varies by manufacturer, but generally you go to Settings, tap Network or Connections, select Wi-Fi, tap the network you're connected to, and the IP address appears in the details — sometimes labeled as "IP address" and sometimes as part of "Advanced" settings.

If you can't find it in Wi-Fi settings on Android, try going to Settings, About Phone, and looking for a Status or Network section. Some Android phones also let you long-press the Wi-Fi network name to see the details without disconnecting.

Finding your public IP address

Your public IP address is what the outside internet sees when you visit a website. To find it, open any web browser and search for "what is my IP" or "my IP address". The first result will show your public IP prominently at the top of the page. You can also visit websites like whatismyipaddress.com or ipinfo.io directly.

Your public IP address changes periodically depending on your internet provider and how often you restart your modem. Most home internet users get a new public IP every few days or weeks. If you need a stable public IP that doesn't change, that's a service your internet provider may offer, but it usually costs extra.

Why you might need each type of IP address

Your local IP address is what you need when setting up devices on your home network. If a printer won't connect, a smart speaker can't find your Wi-Fi, or you're troubleshooting why two devices aren't communicating, you'll often need to enter the local IP address of one device into another. Technical support may also ask for your local IP when helping you fix a connection problem.

Your public IP address matters less often in daily use, but you might need it if you're setting up remote access to your computer, troubleshooting why a website thinks you're in a different location, or reporting abuse to a website. Some services also ask for your public IP to whitelist your connection for security reasons.

What to do if you can't find your IP address

If the steps above don't show an IP address, your device may not be connected to the network. On Wi-Fi devices, make sure you're actually connected to your network — the Wi-Fi icon should show a full signal, not a warning symbol. On wired devices, check that the Ethernet cable is plugged in firmly on both ends.

If you're connected but still don't see an IP address, restart your device and try again. If the problem persists, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting two minutes for it to fully restart. Then check for the IP address again. If you still can't find it after these steps, contact your internet provider or the device manufacturer for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a local IP and a public IP?

Your local IP is assigned by your router and only works on your home network — devices outside your home can't use it to reach you. Your public IP is assigned by your internet provider and is how the outside internet identifies your connection. Websites see your public IP, but your printer only needs your local IP.

Will my IP address change?

Your local IP can change if you restart your router or if your device reconnects to Wi-Fi, though most routers try to give the same device the same local IP each time. Your public IP changes periodically based on your internet provider's settings, usually every few days to a few weeks. Restarting your modem may change it immediately.

Is it safe to share my IP address?

Sharing your public IP address is generally safe — websites already see it when you visit them. Sharing your local IP address is safe within your home network. However, don't share either with strangers online, as someone with your public IP could attempt to probe your connection for vulnerabilities.

Why does my device show multiple IP addresses?

Some devices show both an IPv4 address (the traditional format like 192.168.1.100) and an IPv6 address (a newer format with colons and letters). Both are normal and both work. For most home network tasks, use the IPv4 address, which is shorter and easier to type.

Can I change my IP address?

You can change your local IP address through your router's settings, though this is rarely necessary. You can change your public IP by restarting your modem, though it will change on its own eventually. If you need a permanent public IP that never changes, contact your internet provider about their static IP service.