Where to look for your IP address depends on what device you're using

Your IP address is a number assigned to your device so other computers on your network (and the internet) can find it. You may need to know it to troubleshoot a connection problem, set up a printer, or log into your router. The steps differ depending on whether you're using Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, or a router itself.

Finding it takes less than a minute once you know where to look. Most devices show it in network settings. Your router can also tell you what IP address it gave to each device connected to it.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows computers show their IP address in Settings under Network & Internet, or by typing ipconfig in Command Prompt.
  • Mac computers display the IP address in System Settings under Network, or by typing ifconfig in Terminal.
  • iPhones and Android phones show their IP address in Wi-Fi settings, under the network name you're connected to.
  • Your router's admin page lists the IP address of every device connected to it, accessible by typing your router's IP address into a web browser.
  • Your public IP address (the one the internet sees) is different from your private IP address (the one your home network uses).

Finding your IP address on Windows

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet, then select Wi-Fi or Ethernet depending on how your computer connects. Click the network name you're currently using. Scroll down to find IPv4 address — that's the number you're looking for. It usually starts with 192.168 or 10.

If you prefer the command line, right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal or Command Prompt. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the line labeled IPv4 Address under the network connection you're using.

Finding your IP address on Mac

Click the Apple menu and go to System Settings. Select Network from the sidebar. Click the connection type you're using (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). The IP Address field shows your number right there.

From Terminal, you can also type ifconfig and press Enter. Look for the line that says inet followed by a number — that's your IP address. Ignore lines that start with inet6, which is a different format.

Finding your IP address on iPhone or iPad

Open Settings and tap Wi-Fi. Find the network you're connected to and tap the information icon (the small circle with an i in it) next to the network name. Your IP Address appears in the list below the network details.

This only works for Wi-Fi connections. If you're using cellular data, your device has a different IP address assigned by your phone carrier, and it's not shown in Settings.

Finding your IP address on Android

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet or Connections (the name varies by phone maker). Tap Wi-Fi and select the network you're connected to. Tap Manage or the gear icon. Your IP Address appears in the network details.

Some Android phones hide this information one level deeper. If you don't see it on the first screen, look for an Advanced or More option and tap that.

Finding all your devices' IP addresses from your router

Your router keeps a list of every device connected to it and what IP address it gave each one. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You'll be asked to log in with a username and password (often admin and admin, or printed on a sticker on the router itself).

Once logged in, look for a section called Connected Devices, DHCP Clients, or Device List. This page shows the name of each device and its IP address. This is useful if you need to find the address of a device you don't have physical access to, or if you want to see everything on your network at once.

The difference between private and public IP addresses

The IP address you find in your device settings is your private IP address — it only works inside your home network. Your router translates it when you send data to the internet. The address that websites and internet services see is your public IP address, which your internet service provider assigns to your router.

To find your public IP address, open a web browser and search for "what is my IP" or visit a site like whatismyipaddress.com. The number shown there is what the outside internet sees. It changes periodically (sometimes daily, sometimes monthly) depending on your internet provider's settings. Your private IP addresses stay the same until you restart your router or change your network settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to know my IP address?

You might need it to set up a printer on your network, log into your router to change Wi-Fi settings, troubleshoot a connection problem with tech support, or give to someone who needs to send files to your computer over your home network. Most of the time you won't need it.

Will my IP address change?

Your private IP address (the one on your device) usually stays the same unless you restart your router or your device is offline for a long time. Your public IP address changes periodically — how often depends on your internet provider. Neither one is permanent.

Is it safe to share my IP address?

Your public IP address is already visible to every website you visit, so sharing it is not a security risk. Your private IP address should stay private, but knowing it won't harm you. Never share your router's login password, which is different from the IP address.

What if I can't log into my router?

Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router for the default username and password. If you changed it and forgot it, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, but this erases all your custom settings.

Can I set a device to always have the same IP address?

Yes. In your router's settings, look for DHCP Reservation or Static IP and assign a specific private IP address to a device. This keeps that device's address from changing, which is useful for printers or security cameras that need a consistent address.