Finding your IP address depends on what device you are using and whether you want the address your router assigned to that device or the address your internet provider assigned to your whole network

Your local IP address — the one your router gave your computer or phone — is what you need most often. It looks like 192.168.1.100 or 10.0.0.50. Your public IP address — the one your internet provider assigned — is what the outside world sees when you browse the web. It looks like 203.45.67.89. Both are useful to know, and both take less than a minute to find.

The fastest way to find your public IP is to open any web browser, go to a site like whatismyipaddress.com or ipchicken.com, and read the number on the page. That is your public IP. Finding your local IP takes a few more steps and depends on whether you are on Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android.

Key Takeaways

  • Your public IP address appears when ready on any "what is my IP" website and is the address your internet provider assigned to your home network.
  • Your local IP address is assigned by your router to each device and is what you need to access your router settings or connect devices on your home network.
  • On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to see your local IP in seconds.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings, click Network, and select your connection to see your local IP listed there.
  • On iPhone and Android, your local IP appears in Settings under Wi-Fi or Network, next to the network name you are connected to.

Finding your public IP address in seconds

Open any web browser — Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, it does not matter which one. Type whatismyipaddress.com into the address bar and press Enter. The page will display a large number at the top. That is your public IP address. Write it down if you need to keep it, though your internet provider may change it periodically.

If that site is slow or does not load, try ipchicken.com or straightforward search "what is my IP" in Google. Any of these will show you the same number. This is the address that websites, servers, and other people on the internet see when you connect to them.

Finding your local IP on Windows

Click the Windows Start button and type cmd into the search box. Click Command Prompt when it appears. A black window will open. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the section labeled "Ethernet adapter" or "Wireless LAN adapter" — whichever one you are using to connect to the internet. Next to "IPv4 Address" you will see a number like 192.168.1.100. That is your local IP address.

If you see multiple adapters listed, look for the one that has an IPv4 address and a Default Gateway (usually something like 192.168.1.1). That is the one your router assigned. Write down the IPv4 address if you need it for connecting to your router or another device on your network.

Finding your local IP on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Settings. Click Network in the left sidebar. You will see a list of connection types — Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or others. Click the one you are currently using to connect to the internet. On the right side of the window, you will see "IP Address" followed by a number like 192.168.1.105. That is your local IP address.

If you are connected to Wi-Fi, make sure Wi-Fi is highlighted in the left sidebar before you look for the IP address. If you are using an Ethernet cable, click Ethernet instead. The IP address will appear in the same location.

Finding your local IP on iPhone

Open Settings and tap Wi-Fi. Find the network name you are currently connected to and tap the information icon (a small circle with an i inside) next to it. Scroll down and look for "IP Address." The number shown there is your local IP address on that network.

This address changes if you connect to a different Wi-Fi network or if your router restarts. If you need to use this address to connect to another device or access your router, write it down before you disconnect from the network.

Finding your local IP on Android

Open Settings and tap Wi-Fi. Find the network you are connected to and tap and hold on it until a menu appears. Tap "Manage" or "View Details" — the exact wording depends on your phone model. Look for "IP Address" or "IPv4 Address" in the list. That number is your local IP address.

If you do not see an option to view details, try tapping the settings icon (a gear or three dots) next to the network name instead. Different Android phones organize this slightly differently, but the IP address is always in the Wi-Fi settings for the network you are connected to.

Why you might need each address

Your public IP is what you need if someone outside your home network needs to reach a device in your house — for example, if you are setting up remote access to a computer or troubleshooting a connection with your internet provider. Your internet provider can also use it to identify your account if you call them with a problem.

Your local IP is what you need to access your router settings, connect a new device to your network, or troubleshoot why a specific computer or phone is not connecting properly. It is also the address you use if you want to print to a network printer or access a file on another computer in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my IP address change?

Your public IP may change if your internet provider reassigns it, which can happen when your modem restarts or after a few months of inactivity. Your local IP usually stays the same unless you restart your router or your device loses and reconnects to Wi-Fi. If you need an IP address to stay constant, write it down or check your router settings for an option to assign a static local IP.

Is it safe to share my IP address?

Sharing your public IP with a trusted person or service is generally safe — websites and services you use already know it. Sharing your local IP is safe only within your own home network. Never share either address with someone you do not trust, as it can be used to attempt unauthorized access to your network.

What if I see multiple IP addresses on my device?

Devices sometimes have more than one network connection — for example, both Wi-Fi and Ethernet. You will see an IP address for each one. Use the address for the connection you are actually using. If you are on Wi-Fi, use the Wi-Fi IP address. If you are plugged into Ethernet, use the Ethernet IP address.

Can I change my IP address?

Your public IP is controlled by your internet provider and changes on its own schedule. Your local IP is assigned by your router and can be changed through your router settings, though there is usually no reason to do so. If you want a different public IP, you can restart your modem and wait a few minutes, though the provider may assign you the same one again.