What Your IP Address Is and Why You Might Need It

Your IP address is a set of numbers that identifies your device on the internet — like a mailing address for data. It looks like four numbers separated by dots, such as 192.168.1.5 (your local network address) or something like 203.45.67.89 (your public address that the wider internet sees). You might need to find it to troubleshoot a connection problem, set up a printer on your home network, or give it to technical support.

Most people have two IP addresses without realizing it. Your local IP address works only inside your home or office network. Your public IP address is what websites and services see when you connect to them. This guide shows you how to find both.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address appears in your device settings and is used only within your home network, while your public IP is visible to websites and the internet.
  • On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to see your local address instantly.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings, click Network, and select your connection to view the local IP.
  • To find your public IP, visit a website like whatismyipaddress.com or search "what is my IP" in any browser.
  • Your public IP changes periodically unless your internet provider assigns a static address, but your local IP usually stays the same.

Finding Your Local IP on Windows

The fastest way on Windows is through Command Prompt. Press the Windows key and type cmd, then press Enter. A black window opens. Type ipconfig and press Enter. You will see a list of information. Look for the line that says "IPv4 Address" — the number next to it is your local IP address.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can find it in Settings instead. Click the Start menu, go to Settings, then Network & Internet. Click on your connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Scroll down to "IP settings" and you will see "IPv4 address" listed there. Both methods show the same number.

Finding Your Local IP on Mac

On Mac, click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Settings. Click Network on the left side. Select the connection you are using (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Your local IP address appears on the right side of the window next to "IP Address." If you do not see it immediately, make sure the connection is selected and active.

Alternatively, you can use Terminal, which is Mac's version of Command Prompt. Open Terminal (search for it in Spotlight by pressing Command+Space), type ifconfig, and press Enter. Look for "inet" followed by a number — that is your local IP. The Terminal method shows more detail but the Settings method is simpler for most people.

Finding Your Local IP on iPhone, iPad, or Android

On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap Wi-Fi, and look for the network you are connected to. Tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i") next to the network name. Your IP address appears under "IP Address." This only works when you are connected to Wi-Fi; cellular connections have a different setup.

On Android, open Settings and go to Wi-Fi. Tap the network you are connected to (or the settings icon next to it, depending on your phone model). Your IP address shows under "IP address." Like iPhone, this displays your local address only when connected to Wi-Fi.

Finding Your Public IP Address

Your public IP is what the internet sees when you visit a website. The simplest way to find it is to open any web browser and search for "what is my IP." Google and other search engines will display your public IP address at the top of the results page. You can also visit websites like whatismyipaddress.com or ipchicken.com, which show your public address as soon as the page loads.

Your public IP address changes periodically — sometimes every few days, sometimes every few months — depending on your internet provider. If you need a permanent public IP for a specific reason (like hosting a server), you would need to contact your provider about a static IP, which usually costs extra. For most people, the changing address is not a problem.

What to Do If You Cannot Find Your IP Address

If Command Prompt or Terminal shows an error, make sure you typed the command correctly. On Windows, it is ipconfig (not ipconfig.exe or anything else). On Mac, it is ifconfig. Press Enter after typing. If nothing appears, your device may not be connected to a network — check that Wi-Fi or Ethernet is turned on.

If the Settings method shows no IP address, your device is not connected to the network. Disconnect and reconnect to Wi-Fi, or plug in an Ethernet cable and wait a few seconds. If you still see nothing after reconnecting, restart your device. If the problem continues, your router or network may have a problem — restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

Why Your Local and Public IP Addresses Are Different

Your local IP address is assigned by your router and only works on your home or office network. Devices on that network use local IPs to find each other — your printer, your phone, your computer. These addresses never leave your network.

Your public IP is assigned by your internet provider and is how the outside internet knows where to send data back to you. When you visit a website, that website sees your public IP, not your local one. This separation is intentional — it protects your local network from direct contact with the internet. Your router sits between them and translates between the two.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same as my MAC address?

No. Your MAC address is a different identifier used only on your local network to find devices. Your IP address is used across the internet. They serve different purposes and look different — MAC addresses are usually six pairs of letters and numbers (like 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E), while IP addresses are four numbers separated by dots.

Can someone find me using my public IP address?

Your public IP shows your internet provider's general location, not your exact address. A website can see it, but it does not reveal your home address or personal information. However, it is still worth keeping private — do not share it in public forums or with people you do not trust.

Why does my IP address keep changing?

Most internet providers assign temporary IP addresses that change periodically. This is normal and happens automatically. If you need the same public IP every time you connect, contact your provider about a static IP option, though this usually costs extra and is mainly used for businesses or servers.

What if I see multiple IP addresses in Command Prompt or Terminal?

You may have multiple network connections (Wi-Fi and Ethernet, for example) or virtual networks. Look for the one labeled with your active connection type. If you are connected to Wi-Fi, find the entry under your Wi-Fi adapter. If you are unsure which one is active, check your Settings to confirm which connection you are using.

Do I need my IP address to connect to the internet?

Your device gets an IP address automatically when it connects to a network or the internet. You do not need to do anything — it happens in the background. You only need to find and use your IP address if you are troubleshooting a problem or setting up a device on your network.