Finding your IP address depends on your operating system

Your computer's IP address is a set of numbers assigned to it on your network — either your home WiFi, your workplace network, or the internet itself. The steps to find it differ between Windows, Mac, and Linux, but each takes less than a minute. You'll need to know which operating system you're running, then follow the specific steps for that system.

The IP address you find will be one of two types: a local IP address (the one your router assigned to your computer on your home or office network) or a public IP address (the one your internet service provider assigned to your entire network). Most of the time, you need the local one. If you need your public IP address instead, that's a separate, faster lookup.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can find their local IP address by opening Command Prompt and typing ipconfig, then looking for the line labeled "IPv4 Address".
  • Mac users can open System Settings, go to Network, select their active connection, and read the IP address shown in the details pane.
  • Linux users can open a terminal and type hostname -I to see their local IP address immediately.
  • Your public IP address (the one the internet sees) is different from your local IP address and can be found by searching "what is my IP" in any browser.
  • If you need your IP address for a specific task — like setting up a printer or connecting to a server — ask that device or service what type of address it needs first.

Finding your IP address on Windows

Open the Start menu and type "Command Prompt" into the search box. Click on Command Prompt when it appears. A black window will open with a blinking cursor.

Type ipconfig and press Enter. The window will display a list of network information. Look for the section labeled with your network connection name (usually "Ethernet" if you're plugged in with a cable, or "Wireless LAN adapter WiFi" if you're on WiFi). In that section, find the line that says "IPv4 Address" — the number next to it is your local IP address. It will look something like 192.168.1.105 or 10.0.0.42.

If you see multiple network adapters listed, find the one that shows "Connected" or has an IPv4 address assigned. Virtual network adapters or disconnected connections may also appear but won't be the one you need.

Finding your IP address on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older versions). In the sidebar, click "Network".

You'll see a list of network connections on the left side — WiFi, Ethernet, or others. Click whichever one shows a green dot or says "Connected". On the right side of the window, you'll see the details for that connection. Your IP address will be displayed clearly, usually labeled as "IP Address" or "IPv4 Address". It will be a series of four numbers separated by dots, like 192.168.0.50.

If you're connected to multiple networks, make sure you click the one that's actually active — it will be the one with the green indicator.

Finding your IP address on Linux

Open a terminal window. The method varies slightly by Linux distribution, but usually you can right-click on the desktop and select "Open Terminal Here", or search for "Terminal" in your applications menu.

Type hostname -I and press Enter. Your local IP address will appear immediately on the next line. If you're connected to multiple networks, you may see more than one address listed — the first one is usually the one you need.

If that command doesn't work on your system, try ip addr show instead. This will display more detailed information, and you can look for the line that starts with "inet" (not "inet6") under your active network connection.

Finding your public IP address instead

Your public IP address is different from your local one. It's the address your internet service provider assigned to your home or office network, and it's what websites see when you connect to them. Most of the time, you don't need this — you need your local address. But if someone asks for your "public IP" or "external IP", here's how 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 address in large text. You can also visit websites like whatismyipaddress.com or ipinfo.io, which will display your public IP immediately. No installation or command-line work needed.

Understanding the difference between local and public IP addresses

Your local IP address is assigned by your router to your specific computer on your home or office network. It usually starts with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16. This is the address you use to connect to other devices on the same network — like a printer, a smart TV, or another computer in your house. It's also the address you'd give to someone if they need to access a service running on your computer from within the same network.

Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider to your entire network. It's the address the outside internet sees. When you visit a website, that website logs your public IP, not your local one. If you're setting up remote access to your computer from outside your home network, or if a service asks for your "external" or "WAN" address, you need the public one.

Most of the time, when someone asks for "your IP address" for a local task — setting up a printer, connecting to a home server, or troubleshooting a network device — they mean your local address. Ask if you're unsure.

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

If the commands above don't show an IP address, or if you see "No IP address assigned", your computer isn't connected to the network yet. Check that your WiFi is turned on (on Windows or Mac, look for the WiFi icon in the system tray or menu bar; on Linux, check your network settings). If you're using an Ethernet cable, make sure it's plugged in firmly on both ends.

If you're connected but still don't see an address, your network may not be assigning one automatically. This is rare on home networks but can happen on some corporate networks. Contact your network administrator or internet service provider for help.

If you need your IP address for a specific task and you're having trouble, write down the exact error message or what you're trying to do. That information will help a support person understand whether you need your local address, your public address, or something else entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to know my IP address?

Common reasons include setting up a printer or other network device, accessing your computer remotely, troubleshooting a network problem, or connecting to a server. The task itself usually tells you which type of address you need — local or public.

Is my IP address the same every time?

Your local IP address usually stays the same as long as you're on the same network and your router doesn't restart. Your public IP address can change if your internet service provider reassigns it, which happens occasionally but not constantly. If you need a permanent address for a specific task, ask your router or service provider about setting a static IP.

Can someone harm my computer if they know my IP address?

Knowing your local IP address alone doesn't let someone access your computer — they'd need to be on the same network first. Your public IP address is visible to every website you visit, but it doesn't directly expose your computer to attack. Standard security practices like a firewall and keeping your software updated protect you far more than hiding your IP.

What if I see multiple IP addresses when I run these commands?

You may see addresses for different network adapters (WiFi, Ethernet, virtual networks). Find the one that's actually connected — it will be the active network you're using right now. If you're unsure which one, use the one that starts with 192.168 or 10.0, as those are standard for home and office networks.

Do I need to write down my IP address?

Only if you're setting up a device or service that specifically asks for it. For most everyday tasks, you can look it up again whenever you need it — it takes less than a minute. If a task requires a permanent address that doesn't change, that's when you'd ask your router about setting a static IP.