The quickest way to find your IP address

Your IP address is a set of numbers that identifies your device on a network — like a mailing address for your computer or phone. You have two types: a local IP address (used only within your home or office network) and a public IP address (visible to websites and services on the internet).

The fastest way to find your public IP address is to visit a website like whatismyipaddress.com or ipinfo.io in any web browser. The page will display your public IP immediately — usually a four-part number like 203.45.67.89. Finding your local IP address takes a few more steps and depends on whether you use Windows, Mac, or a mobile device.

Key Takeaways

  • Your public IP address shows up instantly on websites like whatismyipaddress.com, and this is what the outside internet sees when you connect.
  • Your local IP address is found in your network settings on Windows (ipconfig command), Mac (System Settings), or mobile devices (Wi-Fi settings).
  • Windows users can open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to see all network details in seconds.
  • Mac users can find their local IP in System Settings under Network, and iPhone or Android users can check their Wi-Fi settings.

Finding your public IP address in a browser

Your public IP address is what websites see when you visit them. To find it, open any web browser and go to whatismyipaddress.com. The page loads instantly and displays your public IP at the top in large text. Other sites that show the same information include ipinfo.io, myip.com, and iplocation.net.

All of these sites work the same way — they read your public IP directly from your connection and display it. The number you see is what your internet service provider assigned to your home or office network. If you use a VPN (virtual private network), the IP address shown will belong to the VPN service instead of your actual location.

Finding your local IP address on Windows

Your local IP address is the number your router assigns to your specific device. On Windows, the fastest way to find it is through Command Prompt. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and press Enter to open Command Prompt.

Type ipconfig and press Enter. A list of network information appears. Look for the section labeled Ethernet adapter (if you use a wired connection) or Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi (if you use Wi-Fi). Under that section, find the line that says IPv4 Address — the number next to it is your local IP address, usually something like 192.168.1.5 or 10.0.0.15.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can also find your local IP in Settings. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet if wired), then click your network name. Scroll down to find IPv4 address.

Finding your local IP address on Mac

On a Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions). Click Network in the sidebar. Select the network you are connected to — either Wi-Fi or Ethernet — and your local IP address appears on the right side of the window next to IP Address.

The number will look similar to Windows — typically starting with 192.168 or 10.0. If you want more detailed network information, you can also open Terminal, type ifconfig, and press Enter. This shows all network details in a format similar to Windows Command Prompt, though the output is longer and includes more technical information.

Finding your IP address on iPhone and Android

On an iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, then tap the network you are connected to. Your local IP address appears under IP Address. This is the only way to find your local IP on iPhone — there is no command-line option like Windows or Mac.

On Android, the steps vary slightly by manufacturer and Android version. Generally, go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi, then tap the network you are connected to. Look for IP address in the details. Some Android phones place this under Advanced or require you to tap an information icon next to the network name.

Both iPhone and Android show only your local IP address through these settings. To find your public IP on a mobile device, open any web browser and visit whatismyipaddress.com just as you would on a computer.

Why you might need your IP address

Your local IP address is useful when you need to connect to a specific device on your home network — like a printer, security camera, or network storage drive. You enter the local IP into your browser's address bar to access that device's settings or interface.

Your public IP address matters when you are troubleshooting internet connection problems with your service provider, checking whether your location is being blocked by a website, or verifying that a VPN is working correctly. Some online services also use your public IP to detect fraud or enforce geographic restrictions.

What to do if you cannot find your IP address

If the ipconfig or ifconfig command does not work on your computer, make sure you opened Command Prompt or Terminal correctly. On Windows, right-click the Command Prompt icon and select Run as administrator if the first attempt fails. On Mac, Terminal is found in Applications > Utilities.

If your device shows no IP address in network settings, it may not be connected to the network. Check that Wi-Fi is turned on, that you are connected to the correct network, and that the network itself is working. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. After the router restarts, reconnect your device and check the settings again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same as my MAC address?

No. Your IP address is a network address that changes depending on your network. Your MAC address is a hardware identifier that stays the same and is used only on local networks. They serve different purposes — IP addresses route data across the internet, while MAC addresses identify devices on your immediate network.

Can someone find my location from my IP address?

Your public IP address can be used to estimate your general location — usually your city or region, not your exact address. Your internet service provider knows the precise location tied to your IP, but websites and services typically see only an approximate area. Using a VPN masks your real public IP and shows a different location.

Why does my IP address keep changing?

Your public IP address may change when your router restarts or when your internet service provider reassigns it, which can happen weekly or monthly depending on your provider. Your local IP address usually stays the same unless you manually change it or your router runs out of addresses to assign. If you need a stable local IP, you can set a static IP in your router settings.

What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

IPv4 addresses use four numbers separated by periods (like 192.168.1.1) and are the most common format. IPv6 addresses use letters and numbers separated by colons (like 2001:0db8:85a3:0000) and provide many more possible addresses. Most devices and networks still use IPv4, but IPv6 is gradually becoming more common as the internet runs out of IPv4 addresses.

Do I need to hide my IP address?

Your public IP address is visible to every website you visit, but it does not directly expose personal information like your name or address — only your approximate location and internet provider. Whether you need to hide it depends on your privacy preferences. A VPN hides your real IP, but it also slows your connection slightly and may prevent access to some services that block VPN traffic.