Find your IP address in seconds on Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android

Your IP address is a set of numbers that identifies your device on the internet — like a mailing address for data. You may need it to troubleshoot a connection problem, set up a printer on your home network, or give to technical support. The steps differ slightly depending on what device you're using, but all of them take less than a minute.

This guide shows you exactly where to look on each type of device, and what the numbers mean when you find them.

Key Takeaways

  • Your device has two IP addresses: a local one (used only on your home network) and a public one (how the internet sees you).
  • On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to see your local IP address instantly.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings, click Network, and select your connection to find your local IP address.
  • On iPhone or Android, open Settings, find Wi-Fi or Network settings, and tap your connected network to see the IP address assigned to that device.
  • If you need your public IP address instead, search "what is my IP" in any web browser.

Find your IP address on Windows

The fastest way on Windows is to use Command Prompt. Click the Start button, type cmd, and press Enter. A black window opens with a blinking cursor.

Type ipconfig and press Enter. You will see a list of information. Look for the line that says IPv4 Address — the numbers next to it (usually starting with 192 or 10) are your local IP address. This is the address your device uses on your home network.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can also find it through Settings. Open Settings, click Network & Internet, then Wi-Fi or Ethernet depending on how you're connected. Click the network name you're using, scroll down, and you will see your IP address listed as "IPv4 address".

Find your IP address on Mac

Open System Settings and click Network in the left sidebar. You will see a list of connection types — select the one you're using (Wi-Fi if you're wireless, Ethernet if you're plugged in).

On the right side of the window, look for a button or link that says Details or Advanced. Click it, then look for the line labeled IPv4 Address. The numbers there are your local IP address.

If you're using an older Mac with System Preferences instead of System Settings, the path is the same: open System Preferences, click Network, select your connection, and the IP address appears in the main window without needing to click anything else.

Find your IP address on iPhone

Open Settings and tap Wi-Fi. Find the network you're currently connected to and tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i" inside it) next to the network name.

Scroll down and you will see IP Address listed under the IPv4 Address section. The numbers there are your device's local IP address on that Wi-Fi network.

If you're using cellular data instead of Wi-Fi, your IP address is assigned by your phone carrier and is not visible in Settings. You would need to search "what is my IP" in Safari to see your public IP address instead.

Find your IP address on Android

Open Settings and tap Wi-Fi. Find the network you're connected to and hold your finger on the network name until a menu appears. Tap Manage or Advanced (the exact wording varies by phone maker).

Look for IP Address in the list that appears. The numbers shown are your local IP address on that Wi-Fi network.

On some Android phones, you may need to tap Advanced or Additional Settings within the network details to see the IP address. If you cannot find it after these steps, search your phone's model name plus "how to find IP address" — the exact menu location varies between Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, and other brands.

Understand the difference between local and public IP addresses

When you look up your IP address on your device, you are seeing your local IP address — the number your home router assigns to that specific device. This address only works on your home network. It usually starts with 192.168 or 10.0.

Your public IP address is different. It is assigned to your entire home by your internet provider, and it is how websites and services see you on the internet. To find your public IP address, open any web browser and search "what is my IP". The first result will show you the public address.

You need your local IP address when setting up devices on your home network, like printers or smart home equipment. You need your public IP address less often — mostly when troubleshooting internet problems with your provider or when a service asks for it.

What to do if you cannot find your IP address

If you followed the steps above and do not see an IP address, the most common reason is that your device is not actually connected to the network. Check that Wi-Fi is turned on (or that your Ethernet cable is plugged in), and that you see a connected network listed.

On Windows, if Command Prompt shows an error, make sure you typed ipconfig correctly — it is easy to mistype. On Mac, if you do not see an IP address in Network settings, try clicking Advanced or Details again, as it may be on a different tab.

If your device shows "No IP Address" or a number that starts with 169, your device is connected to the network but did not receive an address from the router. Disconnect and reconnect to the network, or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need my IP address?

You need it to troubleshoot network problems, set up devices like printers on your home network, or give to technical support when they ask for it. Some online games or services also ask for it during setup.

Is my IP address the same every time I look it up?

Your local IP address usually stays the same as long as you stay connected to the same network and do not restart your router. Your public IP address may change when your router restarts or after several days, depending on your internet provider.

Can someone find me using my IP address?

Your public IP address can be traced to your internet provider and general location (usually your city), but not to your exact home address. Your local IP address only works on your home network and cannot be used to find you on the internet.

What if my IP address starts with 169?

This means your device is connected to the network but did not receive an address from your router. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and reconnect your device.

Do I need to write down my IP address?

You do not need to save it. You can look it up again anytime using the same steps. Write it down only if a technician asks you to or if you are setting up a device that requires it.