Where to Find Your IP Settings on Windows, Mac, and Phone

How to find your IP settings on any device

Your IP settings are stored in different places depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android. The fastest route is usually your network settings menu — the same place you connect to Wi-Fi. On Windows, that's Settings > Network & Internet. On Mac, it's System Settings > Wi-Fi or Network. On phones, it's Settings > Wi-Fi or Cellular. Each operating system shows your IP address, gateway, and DNS settings in slightly different layouts, but they all follow the same basic path: open settings, find the network section, and look for the connection you're using.

You'll see two types of IP addresses: the one your device uses on the local network (called a private IP, usually starting with 192.168 or 10.), and the one the outside internet sees (called a public IP). Your private IP is what you need most often — it's what you use to connect to your printer, security camera, or home server. Your public IP is what websites see when you visit them, and it changes periodically unless you pay for a static IP from your internet provider.

Key Takeaways

Your private IP address (the one for devices on your home network) is in your network settings menu, next to the Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection you're using.
Windows shows IP settings under Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi or Ethernet, then click your connection name.
Mac shows IP settings under System Settings > Wi-Fi or Network, then click Details or Advanced.
On iPhone and Android, go to Settings > Wi-Fi or Cellular, tap the network name, and scroll down to see the IP address.
Your public IP (what the internet sees) is different from your private IP and can be found by searching "what is my IP" in any web browser.

Finding IP settings on Windows

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then click the app. Go to Network & Internet on the left side. If you're connected by Wi-Fi, click Wi-Fi, then click the name of your network. If you're using an Ethernet cable, click Ethernet instead. Scroll down and you'll see "IP address", "Subnet mask", "Gateway", and "DNS servers" listed under "IP settings".

If you need more detail, right-click the network icon in the bottom-right corner of your taskbar and select "Network and Internet settings". From there, click "Advanced network options" at the bottom, then "More network adapter options". Right-click your active connection (either Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties. In the window that opens, click "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and then click Properties. This shows the same information in a different layout, and it's also where you would change your IP settings manually if you needed to.

Finding IP settings on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs). Click Wi-Fi on the left side if you're using Wi-Fi, or Network if you're using Ethernet. On the right side, you'll see your network name. Click Details or Advanced (the button location varies by macOS version). A new window opens showing "IP Address", "Subnet Mask", "Router", and "DNS Servers".

If you're using an older version of macOS, the path is slightly different: Apple menu > System Preferences > Network. Select your active connection on the left (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), and your IP address appears on the right side of the window. The information is the same regardless of which macOS version you have — only the menu structure changes.

Finding IP settings on iPhone and iPad

Open Settings and tap Wi-Fi. Find the network you're connected to and tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i" inside it) next to the network name. Scroll down and you'll see "IP Address", "Subnet Mask", "Router", and "DNS" listed under the IPv4 Address section. This is your private IP address on your home network.

If you're using cellular data instead of Wi-Fi, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Network. The layout is similar, though cellular networks show fewer details because your carrier controls most of those settings. Your cellular IP address changes frequently and is managed by your phone provider, so you typically don't need to adjust it.

Finding IP settings on Android

Open Settings and go to Wi-Fi. Tap the network you're currently connected to (not the toggle switch, but the network name itself). A menu appears showing your connection details. Scroll down to find "IP address", "Gateway", "Subnet mask", and "DNS" information. Different Android manufacturers (Samsung, Google, OnePlus) arrange these slightly differently, but they're always in the Wi-Fi settings under your active network.

If you can't find the details by tapping the network name, try long-pressing it instead. Some Android versions show a "Manage" or "Edit" option that opens the full settings. If you're using cellular data, go to Settings > Mobile Network or Cellular, but note that your carrier controls most of those settings and they rarely need to be changed manually.

Understanding what each IP setting means

IP Address is the unique number assigned to your device on the network. It looks like four numbers separated by periods (for example, 192.168.1.50). This is what other devices use to find and communicate with your device.

Subnet Mask tells your device which other addresses are on the same local network. The standard home subnet mask is 255.255.255.0, which means all devices with addresses starting with 192.168.1 can talk to each other directly. You almost never need to change this.

Gateway (also called Default Gateway) is the address of your router. This is where your device sends traffic that's headed for the internet or other networks. It's usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If you can't reach the internet, checking that your gateway is correct is a useful first step.

DNS Servers are the addresses your device uses to look up website names and turn them into IP addresses. Your router usually provides these automatically, but you can change them to use a different DNS service (like Google's 8.8.8.8 or Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1) if you want different privacy or filtering settings.

Finding your public IP address

Your public IP is different from your private IP — it's the address that websites and internet services see when you connect to them. To find it, open any web browser and search for "what is my IP". The first result will show your public IP address. You can also visit websites like whatismyipaddress.com or ipinfo.io, which display your public IP along with your approximate location and internet provider.

Your public IP changes periodically (usually every few days to a few weeks) unless you pay your internet provider for a static IP. Most home users don't need a static IP, but it's useful if you're running a server or need other devices to always reach you at the same address. If you need your public IP to stay the same, contact your internet provider about static IP options and pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I have two different IP addresses?

Your private IP is used only on your home network — it's how your devices find each other. Your public IP is what the internet sees when you connect to websites or services. They're different because your router translates between them. You need the private IP to connect to devices at home, and the public IP is what external services use to reach you.

Can I change my IP address?

You can change your private IP address through your network settings, but most people should leave it on automatic (DHCP). If you manually set an IP address and choose one that conflicts with another device, your network will stop working. Your public IP is controlled by your internet provider and changes automatically — you can't change it unless you pay for a static IP.

What if my IP settings show 0.0.0.0 or blank?

This usually means your device hasn't connected to the network yet or the connection failed. Restart your device and reconnect to your Wi-Fi network. If it still shows blank, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If the problem continues, your network adapter may need a driver update or repair.

Is my private IP address private and secure?

Your private IP is only visible to devices on your home network, so it's not a security risk. Your public IP is visible to websites and services you connect to, but it's not the same as your home address or personal identity — it just shows your internet provider's general location. If you want to hide your public IP, you can use a VPN service.

Do I need to write down my IP settings?

You only need to write them down if you're troubleshooting a network problem or setting up a device to always use the same address. For most daily use, your device handles IP settings automatically and you don't need to know them. If a technician asks for your IP address, you can always find it again using the steps above.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.