Finding your IP address takes less than a minute on any computer

Your computer has an IP address assigned to it right now — it's how your device talks to the internet and to other devices on your network. You may need to find it to troubleshoot a connection problem, set up a printer, or give it to someone helping you with your computer. The steps differ slightly between Windows and Mac, but both are straightforward.

On Windows, you'll use the Command Prompt. On Mac, you'll check System Settings. Both methods show you your local IP address (the one on your home or office network) and your public IP address (the one the wider internet sees). Most of the time, 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 line labeled "IPv4 Address".
  • Mac users can find their IP address in System Settings under Network, where it appears next to "IP Address" for whichever connection is active.
  • Your local IP address (the one on your home network) usually starts with 192.168 or 10.0 and is what you need for most home troubleshooting.
  • Your public IP address is what websites see when you visit them, and you can find it by searching "what is my IP" in any browser.
  • If you're setting up a device like a printer or security camera, you almost always need the local IP address, not the public one.

Finding your IP address on Windows

Open the Start menu and type Command Prompt into the search box. Click on "Command Prompt" when it appears — you don't need to run it as administrator for this task. A black window will open.

Type ipconfig and press Enter. You'll see a block of information. Look for the section labeled "Ethernet adapter" or "Wireless LAN adapter" depending on whether you're plugged in or on WiFi. Under that section, find the line that says "IPv4 Address". The number next to it — something like 192.168.1.105 — is your local IP address. That's the one you'll use for most home network tasks.

If you see multiple adapter sections, look for the one that has an IPv4 address listed. Adapters without an address listed aren't currently connected. You can close the Command Prompt window once you've written down the address.

Finding your IP address on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or "System Preferences" on older versions). Click Network in the sidebar on the left.

You'll see a list of connection types on the left — WiFi, Ethernet, or others. Click whichever one shows a green dot next to it, which means it's currently active. On the right side of the window, you'll see "IP Address" with a number next to it. That's your local IP address. Write it down if you need it, then close the window.

Understanding local versus public IP addresses

The address you just found is your local IP address — it's only used on your home or office network. Every device on your WiFi has one. These addresses always start with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16, which tells you they're meant for private networks only.

Your public IP address is different. It's assigned by your internet service provider and is what websites see when you visit them. You don't need to dig into settings to find it — just open any browser and search for "what is my IP". The first result will show you the public address. You rarely need this for home troubleshooting, but it's useful if you're setting up remote access to your computer or if someone is asking for your "internet IP".

When you need your local IP address

You'll use your local IP address when you're setting up or troubleshooting devices on your home network. If you're installing a printer, you may need to type your computer's IP address into a setup page. If a technician is helping you remotely, they might ask for it to understand your network setup. If your internet isn't working, your IT support person might ask you to check whether your computer has been assigned an IP address at all.

You'll also need it if you're trying to access your computer from another device on the same network — for example, if you want to transfer files between your laptop and desktop, or if you're setting up a shared printer. In those cases, the local IP address is the address you type into the other device.

What to do if you don't see an IP address

If you run ipconfig on Windows or check Network settings on Mac and don't see an IPv4 address listed, your computer isn't connected to the network properly. On Windows, you might see "Media disconnected" under your adapter, which means the cable is unplugged. On Mac, the connection might show as "Not Connected".

If you're on WiFi, try disconnecting and reconnecting to your network. If you're plugged in with an Ethernet cable, check that the cable is firmly connected at both ends. If you've tried both and still don't see an address, your router may not be assigning addresses correctly — restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait a minute for it to fully restart, then check again.

Saving your IP address for later

If you find yourself needing your IP address often, write it down somewhere you can find it. Your local IP address usually stays the same unless you restart your router or your computer goes offline for a while, so it's safe to keep a note of it. Some routers let you assign a "static" IP address to specific devices, which means it never changes — check your router's settings if you need a permanent address for a particular device.

If you're setting up a device that needs your computer's IP address, take a screenshot of the Command Prompt or Network Settings window before you move on. That way you have proof of what the address was if something goes wrong later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same as my WiFi password?

No. Your IP address is a number assigned to your device so it can communicate on the network. Your WiFi password is what you type to connect to the network in the first place. They're completely separate. You can change your WiFi password without changing your IP address, and vice versa.

Can someone use my IP address to hack me?

Your local IP address is only visible to other devices on your home network, so it's not a security risk by itself. Your public IP address is visible to websites you visit, but it's not enough to hack your computer — they'd need much more information. The bigger risk is if someone gets on your WiFi network without permission, which is why a strong WiFi password matters more than keeping your IP address secret.

Why does my IP address keep changing?

Your local IP address can change if your router restarts or if your computer goes offline and reconnects. Most home routers reassign addresses automatically. If you need an address that never changes, ask your router to assign a static IP to that device, or contact your internet provider about a static public IP if you need the external address to stay the same.

Do I need my IP address to use the internet normally?

No. Your computer and router handle IP addresses automatically — you never need to think about it for everyday browsing, email, or video calls. You only need to find your IP address when you're troubleshooting a problem or setting up a specific device.