The quickest way to find your IP address on Mac

Open System Settings, click Network in the left sidebar, then select Wi-Fi or Ethernet depending on how you're connected. Your IP address appears next to "IP Address" in the window that opens — it looks like four numbers separated by dots, such as 192.168.1.5.

If you're connected to Wi-Fi, you can also click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen, then hold Option and click your network name. A dropdown shows your IP address without opening System Settings.

For a wired Ethernet connection, the same System Settings path works, but you'll select Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi. The IP address field displays the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • System Settings > Network shows your current IP address in one click, whether you use Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
  • Holding Option while clicking the Wi-Fi menu bar icon reveals your IP address without opening any windows.
  • Terminal commands like ifconfig or ipconfig getifaddr en0 display your IP address for users who prefer the command line.
  • Your IP address changes when you switch networks or restart your router, so check it again if you've moved or reconnected.

Finding your IP address through System Settings

System Settings is the most straightforward path on any recent Mac. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select System Settings, then click Network in the sidebar on the left. The window shows your connection type at the top — either Wi-Fi or Ethernet — and displays your IP address directly below the connection status.

If you're on Wi-Fi, the IP address appears under the network name you're connected to. If you're using Ethernet, it appears in the Ethernet section. The address is always four groups of numbers between 0 and 255, separated by dots — for example, 10.0.0.42 or 172.16.5.100.

This method works on macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and earlier versions, though the exact location of the Network settings may shift slightly between versions. The information displayed is the same regardless.

Using the Wi-Fi menu bar for a faster lookup

If you only need your IP address once and don't want to open System Settings, the menu bar offers a quicker route. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the top-right corner of your screen, then hold down the Option key on your keyboard and click the name of the network you're currently connected to. A small menu appears showing your IP address, subnet mask, and router address all at once.

This method only works for Wi-Fi connections. If you're using Ethernet, you'll need to go through System Settings instead. The Option-click trick is fastest for someone checking their IP address once or twice and then moving on.

Finding your IP address from Terminal

Terminal is the command-line tool built into every Mac. Open it by pressing Command-Space to open Spotlight search, typing "Terminal," and pressing Enter. Once Terminal opens, type one of these commands and press Enter:

ifconfig | grep "inet " | grep -v 127.0.0.1

This command displays all IP addresses on your Mac. If you want only the IP address for your current Wi-Fi connection, type:

ipconfig getifaddr en0

For Ethernet, replace en0 with en1 or en2 depending on your Mac model. Terminal returns your IP address as a single line of numbers and dots. This method is useful if you're already working in Terminal or need to include the IP address in a script.

What to do if your IP address keeps changing

Most home networks assign IP addresses through DHCP, which means your address can change when you restart your router, reconnect to the network, or after a set period of time passes. If you need the same IP address every time you connect, you can set a static IP address in System Settings.

Open System Settings > Network, select your connection, click Details, then look for an option to set a static IP. Some routers also let you reserve an IP address for your Mac so DHCP always assigns the same one. Check your router's settings page — usually accessible by typing your router's IP address into a web browser — to see if this option is available.

For most everyday uses, a changing IP address causes no problems. You only need to worry about it if you're running a server, hosting a game, or need to access your Mac remotely from a specific address.

Understanding public versus private IP addresses

The IP address you see in System Settings is your private IP address — it's only used within your home or office network. It always starts with 10, 172, or 192, which are reserved ranges that routers use internally. This address is not visible to websites or services outside your network.

Your public IP address is different. It's assigned by your internet service provider and is what websites see when you visit them. To find your public IP address, visit a site like whatismyipaddress.com or search "what is my IP" in any search engine. Your public IP address changes less often than your private one, but it can still change if you restart your modem or your ISP reassigns it.

Most people only need their private IP address when troubleshooting network problems, connecting to a printer, or accessing their Mac remotely from another device on the same network. Your public IP address matters when you're concerned about online privacy or need to know what address websites see.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I see multiple IP addresses when I use the ifconfig command?

Your Mac may have several network connections active at once — Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and virtual networks all show up. Look for the one labeled en0 (usually Wi-Fi) or en1 (usually Ethernet). Ignore addresses that start with 127, as those are local loopback addresses used only by your Mac itself.

Is my private IP address the same as my public IP address?

No. Your private IP address (the one in System Settings) is only used on your home network. Your public IP address is assigned by your internet provider and is what websites see. They're completely different numbers. You can find your public IP by searching "what is my IP" online.

What should I do if System Settings shows no IP address?

If the IP address field is empty or shows "Not Connected," your Mac isn't receiving an address from your router. Try turning Wi-Fi off and back on, or unplug your Ethernet cable for 10 seconds and reconnect it. If the problem persists, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

Can I change my IP address on my Mac?

You can set a static IP address in System Settings so the same address is assigned every time you connect. However, your router must support this, and you need to know your router's gateway address and subnet mask. For most users, letting DHCP assign an address automatically is simpler and causes no problems.