Finding your IP address in three steps

Your IP address is a number your device uses to talk to other devices on your network and the internet. You may need to find it to troubleshoot a connection problem, set up a printer on your home network, or give it to someone helping you fix something remotely. The fastest way depends on what device you are using — Windows, Mac, phone, or router — but each method takes less than a minute.

The simplest approach is to search your device's network settings. Windows and Mac both have a built-in tool that shows your IP address without downloading anything. If you are on a phone or tablet, the process is similar. If you need your router's IP address instead — the number that identifies the router itself — that is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device.

Key Takeaways

  • Your device's IP address appears in network settings on Windows under "IPv4 Address" and on Mac under "Wi-Fi" or "Ethernet" in System Settings.
  • On an iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the network name, and look for "IP Address" in the details that appear.
  • On Android, open Settings > About Phone > Status, and scroll down to find "IP Address".
  • Your router's IP address is usually printed on a label on the device itself, often something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
  • Write down your IP address if you need to give it to someone helping you, because it changes when you restart your device or reconnect to Wi-Fi.

Finding your IP address on Windows

On a Windows computer, the fastest way is through the Command Prompt, a text-based tool built into Windows. Right-click the Start button in the bottom left corner and select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)". A dark window will open.

Type ipconfig and press Enter. A list of information will appear. Look for the section labeled "Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi" if you are on Wi-Fi, or "Ethernet adapter Ethernet" if you are plugged in with a cable. Next to "IPv4 Address" you will see a number that looks like 192.168.1.5 or 10.0.0.8 — that is your IP address. Write it down if you need it.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can also find it in Settings. Click the Start button, type "Settings", and open it. Go to "Network & internet" on the left, then click "Wi-Fi" or "Ethernet" depending on how you are connected. Scroll down and click "Advanced" or the network name itself, and you will see "IPv4 address" listed there.

Finding your IP address on Mac

On a Mac, open System Settings by clicking the Apple menu in the top left corner and selecting "System Settings". Click "Network" on the left side. You will see a list of connection types — click "Wi-Fi" if you are on wireless, or "Ethernet" if you are plugged in with a cable.

The window will show details about your connection. Look for "IP Address" — the number next to it is what you need. It will look something like 192.168.1.10 or 10.0.0.15. If you do not see it when ready, make sure the network is selected and the details are expanded.

Finding your IP address on iPhone and iPad

On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings and tap "Wi-Fi". Find the network you are connected to — it will have a checkmark next to it — and tap the small information icon (a circle with an "i" inside) next to the network name. A details screen will open showing information about that connection.

Scroll down on this screen until you see "IP Address". The number next to it is your device's IP address. It will be four groups of numbers separated by periods, like 192.168.1.20. If you need this number for troubleshooting, take a screenshot or write it down.

Finding your IP address on Android

On an Android phone or tablet, open Settings and scroll down to find "About phone" or "About device" — the exact name varies by manufacturer. Tap it, then look for "Status" or "Device status" in the list that appears.

Tap "Status" and scroll down through the information shown. You will see "IP address" listed with a number next to it. This is your device's current IP address. On some Android versions, you may need to go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi instead, then tap the network you are connected to and look for IP address in the details.

Finding your router's IP address

Your router — the device that broadcasts your Wi-Fi — also has its own IP address. This is different from your device's IP address. You need the router's address if you want to log in to change your Wi-Fi password, adjust network settings, or troubleshoot connection problems.

The easiest way to find it is to look at the router itself. Flip it over or look at the back, and you will usually see a sticker with information printed on it. Look for a line that says "Default Gateway" or just lists an IP address — it is usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Write this down.

If you cannot find a sticker, you can also find the router's address through your device's network settings. On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig again. Look for "Default Gateway" in the output — that number is your router's IP address. On Mac, go to System Settings > Network, select your connection, and look for "Router" in the details shown.

Why your IP address changes and when it matters

Your device gets a new IP address each time you restart it or disconnect and reconnect to Wi-Fi. This is normal and expected — your router assigns a fresh address from a pool of available numbers. If you write down your IP address to give to someone helping you, know that it may be different the next time you check.

This matters most when you are troubleshooting a specific problem right now. If you are setting up a printer or giving remote access to a technician, use the address you see at that moment. If you need to do the same thing tomorrow, you may need to find the address again. Some devices let you assign a "static" IP address that does not change, but that is a more advanced setting you would only use if you have a specific reason to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to know my IP address?

You usually need it for troubleshooting — a technician helping you remotely might ask for it, or you might need it to connect a printer or other device to your network. You may also need it to log into your router's settings to change your Wi-Fi password or adjust network features.

Is my IP address the same as my Wi-Fi password?

No. Your IP address is a number that identifies your device on the network. Your Wi-Fi password is what you type to connect to the network in the first place. They are completely separate things.

Can someone use my IP address to hack me?

An IP address alone is not enough to hack a device. It tells someone where to find your network, but not how to get into it — that requires your Wi-Fi password or other security credentials. Sharing your IP address with someone helping you troubleshoot is safe.

What if I see multiple IP addresses in my network settings?

You may see both an IPv4 address (four groups of numbers) and an IPv6 address (longer, with letters and numbers). Both are valid. Most home networks use IPv4, so that is usually the one you need. If someone asks for your IP address and does not specify which type, give them the IPv4 address.

Does my IP address tell people where I live?

Your IP address is assigned by your internet provider and is tied to your account, but it does not show your exact street address to someone who sees it. It shows your general area — usually your city or region. Your internet provider knows the exact address, but a random person on the internet cannot find it from the IP address alone.