Where to find your IP address depends on your operating system

Your computer has an IP address assigned by your router or internet provider. Finding it takes less than a minute and requires no special tools — just a built-in menu or command. The steps differ between Windows, Mac, and Linux, but all three show the information in the same place: your network settings.

You will need your IP address to troubleshoot internet problems, set up devices on your home network, or configure port forwarding. Knowing where to look saves you time when your internet provider or a tech support person asks for it.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can find their IP address by opening Settings, selecting Network & Internet, and checking the Wi-Fi or Ethernet details page.
  • Mac users can open System Settings, go to Network, select their connection, and view the IP address in the TCP/IP section.
  • Linux users can open a terminal and type ip addr show or hostname -I to see all IP addresses on the system.
  • Your IP address may change if you restart your router or if your internet provider assigns addresses dynamically, which is common in home networks.
  • You can also find your public IP address (the one your internet provider assigns) by searching "what is my IP" in any web browser.

Finding your IP address in Windows 10 and 11

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Click Network & Internet in the left sidebar. If you are connected by Wi-Fi, click Wi-Fi and then click the name of your network. If you are using an ethernet cable, click Ethernet instead.

Scroll down to the IP settings section. You will see your IPv4 address listed there — this is the number you need. It looks like four groups of numbers separated by periods, such as 192.168.1.100. Below it you will also see your Subnet mask and Default gateway, which are useful for network troubleshooting.

If you prefer using the command line, you can also open Command Prompt (press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter) and type ipconfig. This shows the same information in a different format and is faster if you need to check it repeatedly.

Finding your IP address on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Click Network in the sidebar. Select the connection you are using — either Wi-Fi or Ethernet — and click the Details button on the right side of the window.

Click the TCP/IP tab at the top of the details window. Your IPv4 address appears in the field labeled "IPv4 Address". Like Windows, it will be four groups of numbers separated by periods. You will also see your subnet mask and router address on this same screen.

If you use the terminal instead, open Applications > Utilities > Terminal and type ifconfig. Look for the line that starts with "inet" under your active connection — the number after "inet" is your IP address.

Finding your IP address in Linux

Open a terminal window. The method depends on your desktop environment, but you can usually right-click the desktop and select "Open Terminal" or search for "Terminal" in your applications menu. Type ip addr show and press Enter.

The output will list all network connections on your computer. Look for the connection you are using — usually eth0 for ethernet or wlan0 for Wi-Fi. Next to "inet" you will see your IP address. Ignore any lines that start with "inet6" unless you specifically need your IPv6 address.

A faster alternative is to type hostname -I and press Enter. This shows only the IP addresses without the extra network details, which is useful if you just need the number quickly.

The difference between your local and public IP address

The IP address you find in your network settings is your local IP address — the one your router assigns to your computer on your home or office network. This address usually starts with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16 and is only visible to devices on the same network as you.

Your public IP address is different. This is the address your internet provider assigns to your router, and it is what websites and online services see when you connect to them. To find your public IP address, open any web browser and search for "what is my IP". The first result will show it to you.

You need your local IP address for tasks like accessing your router settings or setting up devices on your home network. You need your public IP address if you are troubleshooting with your internet provider or setting up remote access to your computer from outside your home.

Why your IP address might change

Most home networks use dynamic IP addressing, which means your router assigns a new local IP address to your computer each time you restart it or reconnect to the network. This is normal and usually not a problem for everyday use.

If you need your computer to keep the same IP address — for example, to set up port forwarding or to make it easier to find on your network — you can assign a static IP address in your router settings. This tells your router to always give your computer the same address. The steps vary by router model, but you can usually find this option in your router's admin panel under DHCP or IP settings.

Your public IP address can also change, though usually less often. If your internet provider uses dynamic public IP addressing, your public IP may change when you restart your modem or after a period of inactivity. If you need a stable public IP address, you can contact your internet provider to request a static one, though this often costs extra.

What to do if you cannot find your IP address

If the steps above do not show an IP address, your computer may not be connected to the network. Check that your Wi-Fi is turned on or that your ethernet cable is plugged in securely. Wait a few seconds for the connection to establish, then check again.

If you are connected but still see no IP address, try restarting your computer and your router. Turn off your router, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Once it has finished restarting, restart your computer. This resolves most connection problems and usually assigns a new IP address.

If the problem continues, check whether your router is working by looking at its lights. Most routers have a light that indicates internet connection — if it is off or red, your router may not be connected to your internet provider. Restart your modem (the device that connects to your internet provider's line) by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same as my MAC address?

No. Your IP address is a network address that identifies your computer on the internet or on a local network. Your MAC address is a hardware address that identifies your network card itself. They serve different purposes, and you need both for some network tasks. Your MAC address looks like six pairs of letters and numbers separated by colons, such as 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E.

Can someone find my location from my IP address?

Your public IP address can reveal your approximate location — usually your city or region, not your exact address. Your local IP address (the one starting with 192.168) is only visible to devices on your own network and cannot be used to find your location. If you are concerned about privacy, you can use a VPN service, which masks your public IP address.

Why do I see multiple IP addresses when I look at my network settings?

Your computer may have more than one network connection active at the same time — for example, both Wi-Fi and ethernet. Each connection gets its own IP address. You can also see IPv6 addresses, which are a newer format and look like groups of letters and numbers separated by colons. Use the IPv4 address (the one with four groups of numbers) unless you specifically need IPv6.

What should I do if my IP address keeps changing?

This is normal behavior for most home networks. If you need your IP address to stay the same, you can assign a static address in your router settings. Look for an option called "DHCP reservation" or "static IP" in your router's admin panel, usually under Network or LAN settings. Your router's manual or support page will have the exact steps for your model.