What you need to know right now

Your computer has an IP address — a unique number that identifies it on your network. You may need this address to troubleshoot connection problems, set up a printer, access your router settings, or help a support person diagnose an issue. The steps to find it depend on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux, but each takes less than a minute.

The address you are looking for is your local IP address, the one your devices use to communicate at home. It always starts with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16. This is different from your public IP address, which your internet service provider assigns and which websites see when you browse — but for home troubleshooting, you need the local one.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can find their IP address by opening Command Prompt and typing ipconfig, then looking for the number next to "IPv4 Address".
  • Mac users open Terminal, type ifconfig, and find the IP address next to "inet" under the active connection.
  • Your IP address on your home network starts with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16 and is different from your internet-facing IP address.
  • If you see multiple IP addresses listed, look for the one labeled as your "Local Area Connection" or the connection you are currently using.

Finding your IP address on Windows

Open Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key and typing cmd, then press Enter. A black window will open with a blinking cursor.

Type ipconfig and press Enter. Your computer will display a list of network information. Look for the section labeled "Ethernet adapter" or "Wireless LAN adapter" — whichever one you are using to connect. Next to "IPv4 Address" you will see a number that looks like 192.168.1.100 or similar. That is your local IP address.

If you see multiple adapters listed, find the one that shows an IPv4 address. Some adapters may show "Media disconnected" — skip those. Write down the number or take a screenshot if you need to reference it later.

Finding your IP address on Mac

Open Terminal by pressing Command and Space together, typing terminal, and pressing Enter. A white window will open.

Type ifconfig and press Enter. Your Mac will display network information for each connection. Look for the section labeled en0 or en1 — these represent your active network connections. Next to the word "inet" you will see your IP address, which typically starts with 192.168 or 10.0.

If you have both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connected, you will see both listed separately. Use the address from whichever connection you are currently using. If you are unsure which one is active, the one with an "inet" address is the one that is working.

Finding your IP address through your router settings

If you prefer not to use the command line, you can find your IP address through your router's web interface. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar and press Enter. You may be asked to log in — check the back or bottom of your router for the default username and password.

Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Connected Devices," "DHCP Clients," or "Device List." Your computer will be listed there with its IP address next to it. This method also shows you every device connected to your network, which is useful if you are trying to find the address of a phone, printer, or other device.

If neither 192.168.1.1 nor 192.168.0.1 works, your router may use a different address. Check the back of your router for a label that says "Default Gateway" or "Router Address" — that is the number to type into your browser.

Understanding local versus public IP addresses

The address you find using the methods above is your local IP address — the one your devices use to talk to each other at home. It always starts with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16. This is the address you need for most home troubleshooting tasks.

Your public IP address is different. It is assigned by your internet service provider and is how websites see you on the internet. If someone asks for your IP address to help you troubleshoot, they almost always mean your local address. Your public address changes periodically and is not useful for fixing home network problems.

If you need your public IP address for some reason, you can find it by opening a web browser and searching "what is my IP address" — any search engine will show it at the top of the results.

What to do if you see multiple IP addresses

Some computers have more than one network adapter — for example, both Ethernet and Wi-Fi. When you run ipconfig or ifconfig, you may see several addresses listed. The one you need depends on which connection you are using right now.

If you are connected by Ethernet cable, use the address under the Ethernet section. If you are on Wi-Fi, use the address under the wireless section. You can tell which connection is active by looking for the one that shows a valid IP address (not "Media disconnected" on Windows, or one with an "inet" address on Mac).

If you are setting up a device like a printer and need to specify your computer's address, use the connection type that the printer will use to reach your computer. Most home printers use Wi-Fi, so if your computer is on Wi-Fi, use that address.

Troubleshooting when you cannot find your IP address

If ipconfig or ifconfig shows no IPv4 or inet address, your computer is not connected to the network. Check that your Ethernet cable is plugged in or that you are connected to your Wi-Fi network. On Windows, look at the network icon in the bottom right corner. On Mac, check the Wi-Fi icon in the top right.

If you are connected but still see no address, restart your computer and try again. Sometimes the network adapter needs to be reset. If the problem continues, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in and waiting two minutes for it to fully start up.

If you are using a corporate or school network, your IT department may have assigned your computer a static IP address or may require special setup. Contact your IT support team for the correct address in that case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same every time I turn on my computer?

Usually yes, for your local IP address. Your router typically assigns the same address to the same device each time it connects. However, if you move your computer to a different network or if your router is reset, the address may change. Your public IP address changes periodically — sometimes weekly or monthly — depending on your internet service provider.

Why do I need my IP address?

You may need it to set up a printer on your network, access your router settings, troubleshoot connection problems with a support person, or configure certain software. Some games and applications also ask for your IP address to connect with other players or devices on your home network.

Is it safe to share my IP address?

Your local IP address is safe to share — it only works on your home network and does not expose you to the internet. Your public IP address is visible to every website you visit, so it is not a security risk to share it, but there is usually no reason to. Never share your router's login password, which is different from your IP address.

What if my IP address starts with a different number than 192.168?

Some routers use 10.0 or 172.16 as the starting numbers instead. These are all valid local addresses. As long as the address is on your home network (not starting with a number like 8 or 1), it is the correct one to use for home troubleshooting and device setup.

Can I change my IP address?

Your local IP address is assigned by your router and can be changed through the router's settings, but there is rarely a reason to do so. If you want a device to always have the same address, you can set up a "static IP" or "reserved IP" in your router settings, which tells the router to always give that device the same number.