Finding your IP address depends on which device you're using

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, or log into your router. The steps are different for Windows computers, Macs, phones, and tablets — but each one takes less than a minute once you know where to look.

This guide walks you through finding your IP address on the devices most people use at home. You do not need any special software or technical knowledge — just the ability to open a settings menu or run a command.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows computers show their IP address in Settings under Network, while Macs use System Settings and the Wi-Fi menu.
  • On phones and tablets, the IP address appears in Wi-Fi settings under the network you are currently connected to.
  • You can also find your IP address by searching "what is my IP" in any web browser, which shows your public IP instead of your local one.
  • Your local IP address (the one inside your home network) usually starts with 192.168 or 10.0, while your public IP is what the outside internet sees.
  • If you need to find another device's IP address on your network, you can log into your router and check the connected devices list.

Finding your IP address on Windows

On a Windows computer, the quickest way is through Settings. Click the Start button, then type "Settings" and open it. Go to Network and Internet, then select Wi-Fi or Ethernet depending on how you are connected. If you are on Wi-Fi, click the network name you are connected to. If you are on Ethernet, click Ethernet instead. Scroll down and look for "IPv4 address" — that is your local IP address.

If you prefer using the command line, right-click the Start button and select "Windows Terminal" or "Command Prompt". Type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for "IPv4 Address" under the connection type you are using. The number will look something like 192.168.1.105.

Finding your IP address on Mac

On a Mac, click the Apple menu and select System Settings. Click Network on the left side. If you are connected to Wi-Fi, click Wi-Fi and then click Details. Your IP address appears next to "IPv4 Address". If you are using Ethernet, click Ethernet instead and your IP address will be shown directly on that page.

You can also use the Terminal app if you prefer. Open Terminal (search for it in Spotlight), type ifconfig, and press Enter. Look for "inet" under your connection type — that is your IP address. The Terminal method shows more technical details, but the System Settings route is simpler for most people.

Finding your IP address on iPhone and iPad

On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings and tap Wi-Fi. Find the network you are currently connected to and tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i" in it) next to the network name. Your IP address appears under the "IPv4 Address" heading. This only works when you are connected to Wi-Fi — cellular connections use a different system that you cannot see this way.

If you do not see the information icon, make sure you are tapping the network name itself, not just the Wi-Fi toggle. The icon should appear to the right of the network name in the list.

Finding your IP address on Android

On Android, the steps vary slightly depending on your phone's manufacturer, but the general path is the same. Open Settings and search for "IP address" using the search bar at the top. On most phones, this takes you directly to the Wi-Fi settings page showing your IP address. If the search does not work, go to Settings, then Network and Internet, then Wi-Fi, then tap the network you are connected to. Your IP address appears under "IP address".

Some Android phones show this information on the main Wi-Fi page, while others require you to tap "Advanced" or "More options" after selecting your network. If you cannot find it, try searching for "Wi-Fi status" instead.

Understanding local IP addresses versus public IP addresses

The IP address you find in your device settings is your local IP address — the number other devices on your home network use to reach you. It usually starts with 192.168 or 10.0. This is different from your public IP address, which is what websites and services on the internet see when you connect to them.

To find your public IP address, open any web browser and search for "what is my IP" or "my IP address". The search results will show a number that looks different from your local IP. Your internet service provider assigns this number, and it changes periodically. You need your local IP for home network tasks like setting up a printer or accessing your router. You need your public IP only if a service asks for it or if you are troubleshooting an internet connection problem.

Finding another device's IP address on your network

If you need to find the IP address of a printer, security camera, or another device on your home network, log into your router. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — into the address bar. You will be asked for a username and password, which are often printed on the router itself or in the manual that came with it.

Once you are logged in, look for a page called "Connected Devices", "Device List", or "DHCP Clients". This page shows every device connected to your network along with its IP address. Find the device you are looking for and note its IP address. If you cannot find the page, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for instructions specific to your model.

What to do if you cannot find your IP address

If the steps above do not show an IP address, your device may not be connected to the network. Check that Wi-Fi is turned on and that you are connected to the correct network. On Windows, make sure you are looking at the right connection type — if you are plugged in with an Ethernet cable, check Ethernet settings instead of Wi-Fi. On Mac, verify that you are in the correct network settings page.

If you are still not seeing an IP address after checking the connection, restart your device and try again. If the problem continues, your router may not be assigning IP addresses correctly, which usually means restarting the router will fix it. Unplug the router for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait two minutes for it to fully restart before checking again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to know my IP address?

You may need it to set up a printer or security camera on your home network, to log into your router, or to troubleshoot a connection problem. Some services also ask for your IP address for security reasons. Most of the time you do not need it, but it is useful to know how to find it when you do.

Is my IP address the same on Wi-Fi and Ethernet?

No. If you connect to the same network using both Wi-Fi and Ethernet, your device gets a different local IP address for each connection. Your public IP address stays the same because it comes from your internet service provider, not from the individual connection type.

Can I change my IP address?

Your local IP address is assigned by your router and can be changed through the router's settings, but there is usually no reason to do so. Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and changes on its own periodically. You cannot manually change your public IP address.

What if two devices have the same IP address?

This is called an IP conflict and will cause connection problems for both devices. It usually happens if you manually set an IP address and accidentally use one already in use. Restart both devices and let your router assign them new addresses automatically, or check your router settings to see which device is causing the conflict.

Is it safe to share my IP address?

Sharing your local IP address is safe — it only works on your home network. Sharing your public IP address is generally safe too, since websites already know it when you visit them. However, do not share either one with someone you do not trust, as it could be used to target your network with attacks.