Where to find your IP address on an iPhone

Your iPhone's IP address lives in the Wi-Fi settings, not in a separate networking menu. Open Settings, tap Wi-Fi, then tap the name of the network you're connected to. The IP address appears on that screen labeled as IP Address — it's a string of four numbers separated by periods, like 192.168.1.45.

This is your local IP address, the one your home or office network uses to identify your phone. It changes each time you connect to a different Wi-Fi network, and it may change on the same network if you disconnect and reconnect after a while. If you need your public IP address instead — the one the internet sees when you browse — you'll need a different method, covered below.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address appears in Settings > Wi-Fi > [Network Name], listed as "IP Address" on the network details screen.
  • The IP address you see in Wi-Fi settings is only valid on that specific network and changes when you switch networks.
  • Your public IP address (the one websites see) requires a web search or a third-party app to view, since it doesn't appear in iPhone settings.
  • If you need your IP address for troubleshooting, write it down before you disconnect from the network, because it may change.

Step-by-step: Finding your local IP address

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your home screen.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap Wi-Fi. You'll see a list of available networks and the one you're currently connected to (marked with a checkmark).

Step 3: Tap the name of the network you're connected to. A new screen opens showing details about that connection.

Step 4: Look for the line labeled IP Address. The address appears directly below it. Write it down if you need it for troubleshooting or network setup — it may change the next time you connect.

Finding your public IP address

The IP address in your Wi-Fi settings is only visible to devices on your home or office network. Websites and online services see a different address — your public IP address — which your internet provider assigns to your router. This address doesn't appear anywhere in iPhone settings.

To find your public IP address, open Safari and search for "what is my IP address" or "my IP". Google and other search engines display your public IP at the top of the results page. You can also visit websites like whatismyipaddress.com or ipinfo.io, which show your public address and sometimes additional details like your approximate location and internet provider.

Your public IP address is the same across all your devices on that Wi-Fi network — your iPhone, laptop, and tablet all share it when connected to the same router. It changes when your internet provider assigns you a new one, which can happen when you restart your router or after several days of continuous use.

Why you might need your IP address

Network troubleshooting is the most common reason to look up your IP address. If your internet is slow or you're having connection problems, your internet provider or tech support may ask for it to diagnose the issue. You'll also need your local IP address if you're setting up a device on your network that requires manual configuration, like a printer or security camera.

Some people need their IP address to set up remote access to a computer or to configure port forwarding on their router. If you're doing any of these tasks, make sure you have the right address — your local IP (from Wi-Fi settings) for network setup, and your public IP (from a web search) if you're accessing something from outside your home network.

What to do if the IP address keeps changing

iPhones request a new IP address from your router each time they connect to Wi-Fi. Most home routers assign the same address repeatedly to the same phone, but some networks are set to change addresses more frequently. If you need a stable IP address for a device you're setting up, you can assign a static IP address through your router's settings — not through the iPhone itself.

To do this, log into your router's admin panel (usually by typing your router's IP address into a web browser on a computer). Look for DHCP settings or a section called "Reserved IPs" or "Static IP". From there, you can tell the router to always give your iPhone the same address. The exact steps vary by router brand, so check your router's manual or manufacturer website for instructions.

Common mistakes when looking for your IP address

The most common mistake is confusing your local IP address with your public IP address. If someone asks for "your IP address" without specifying which one, they usually mean your local IP if they're helping you with home network problems, or your public IP if they're helping with internet-wide issues. When in doubt, ask which one they need.

Another mistake is writing down an IP address and then trying to use it after you've disconnected from the network. That address is no longer valid once you leave the network. If you need it again, go back to Settings > Wi-Fi > [Network Name] and check the current address — it may have changed.

Don't assume the IP address you see on one network is the same on another. Each network assigns its own local IP address to your phone. Your public IP address is the same across all networks, but your local address is unique to each Wi-Fi network you join.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find my IP address without being connected to Wi-Fi?

Your local IP address only exists when you're connected to a Wi-Fi network, so it won't appear in settings if you're on cellular. Your public IP address is active on cellular too — search "what is my IP" in Safari to see it. But if you need your local IP for network troubleshooting, you have to be connected to that specific Wi-Fi network first.

Is my IP address the same as my phone number or Apple ID?

No. Your IP address is a temporary network identifier assigned by your router or internet provider. Your phone number and Apple ID are separate accounts tied to your phone. They're not related and serve different purposes. Your IP address changes regularly; your phone number and Apple ID stay the same unless you change them.

Why does my IP address look different from what I expected?

If your IP address starts with 10., 172., or 192., that's normal — those are private address ranges used on home and office networks. If it starts with something else, you may be on a guest network or a network with unusual settings. If you're seeing an address that looks completely different, double-check that you're looking at the right network in Wi-Fi settings.

Do I need to hide my local IP address for privacy?

Your local IP address is only visible to other devices on your network, so privacy isn't a concern. Your public IP address is visible to websites you visit, but it's not the same as your identity — it's just the address your internet provider assigned to your router. If privacy is a concern, use a VPN, which masks your public IP address.