Finding a device's IP address on Windows, Mac, or Linux
The fastest way to find a machine's IP address depends on whether you're looking at the device itself or searching for it from another computer on your network. If you have physical access to the device, you can find its IP address in about 30 seconds through the network settings. If you're searching from a different machine, you'll need to check your router or use a command-line tool.
On Windows, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then Status. Scroll down and click "View your network properties" — your IPv4 address appears in the list. Alternatively, open Command Prompt, type ipconfig, and press Enter. Look for "IPv4 Address" under your active network connection.
On Mac, open System Settings, click Network on the left sidebar, select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), and your IP address displays in the right panel. From the command line, open Terminal and type ifconfig, then look for "inet" followed by your address.
On Linux, open a terminal and type ip addr show or ifconfig. Your IP address appears next to "inet" in the output. Different Linux distributions may display this slightly differently, but the command works on most systems.
Key Takeaways
- Windows machines 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.
- Linux systems reveal the IP address through the terminal command ip addr show or ifconfig.
- To find another device's IP address from your router, log into the router's admin page and check the connected devices list.
- Your router's admin page is usually reached by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser.
Finding another device's IP address through your router
If you need to find the IP address of a different machine on your network — say, a printer, security camera, or a family member's laptop — the easiest method is to check your router's device list. Log into your router by opening a web browser and typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. Most home routers use one of these addresses.
When prompted, enter your router's username and password. If you've never changed these, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it usually shows the default login. Once inside, look for a section called "Connected Devices," "Device List," "DHCP Clients," or "Attached Devices." The exact name varies by router brand, but it's typically found in a status or network settings area.
The device list shows every machine currently connected to your network, along with its IP address, device name, and sometimes the type of device. Find the machine you're looking for and note its IP address. This method works for any device on your network, whether it's a computer, phone, printer, or smart home device.
Using network scanning tools to locate devices
If your router's interface is difficult to navigate or you want a clearer view of all devices on your network, you can use a network scanning tool. These programs search your network and list every connected device with its IP address, device name, and sometimes additional details like the manufacturer.
On Windows, Advanced IP Scanner (free) and Angry IP Scanner (free) are popular choices. On Mac and Linux, Angry IP Scanner and Nmap work well. read the tool, install it, and run a scan of your network range. The tool will display all active devices and their IP addresses within seconds.
To use these tools effectively, you need to know your network's range. If your router uses 192.168.1.x addresses, you would scan 192.168.1.0/24. If you're unsure of your network range, check your own IP address first — the first three numbers tell you the range. For example, if your IP is 192.168.1.50, your network range is 192.168.1.0 to 192.168.1.255.
Finding IP addresses on mobile devices
Smartphones and tablets also have IP addresses on your network, and you may need to find them for troubleshooting or connecting to a device. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap Wi-Fi, select the network you're connected to, and your IP address appears under the network name.
On Android, the process varies slightly by manufacturer. Generally, open Settings, go to About Phone or About Tablet, then look for Network or Connection settings. Some Android devices show the IP address directly in Wi-Fi settings — tap the connected network and look for "IP address" in the details. If you can't find it in settings, use your router's device list instead, which will show all connected phones and tablets.
Understanding static versus dynamic IP addresses
When you find a device's IP address, it's usually a dynamic IP address, meaning it can change. Your router assigns these addresses automatically, and a device might get a different one the next time it connects. This is fine for most purposes, but if you need a device to always have the same address — like a printer or security camera — you can assign it a static IP.
To set a static IP, you typically go into your router's settings and look for "DHCP Reservation" or "Static IP Assignment." You select the device and tell the router to always give it the same address. This ensures that if you bookmark a printer's web interface or configure a camera's settings, the address won't change and break your setup.
Some devices also let you set a static IP directly in their own network settings, rather than through the router. Check the device's manual or settings menu to see if this option is available. Setting a static address is optional for most home devices, but it prevents the frustration of a device becoming unreachable because its address changed.
Troubleshooting when you can't find a device's IP address
If a device isn't showing up in your router's device list or network scan, the most common reason is that it's not actually connected to your network. Check that the device is turned on, within range of your Wi-Fi, and connected to the correct network. Some devices connect to a guest network by mistake, which would make them invisible to your main network scan.
If the device is definitely connected but still doesn't appear, try restarting the device and your router. Wait a minute after restarting the router before checking again — it takes a moment for devices to reconnect and appear in the list. If you're using a network scanning tool, make sure you're scanning the correct network range. Typing the wrong range will miss devices entirely.
Another possibility is that your router's firewall or security settings are blocking the scan. Try accessing the router's device list directly instead of using a third-party scanning tool. If even the router's list is empty or incomplete, restart the router and check again. Routers sometimes need a fresh start to display all connected devices accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between IPv4 and IPv6 addresses?
IPv4 addresses look like 192.168.1.50 — four numbers separated by dots. IPv6 addresses are longer and use letters and numbers, like 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334. Most home networks still use IPv4, but newer devices may show both. For home networking purposes, you'll almost always use the IPv4 address.
Can I find a device's IP address if it's not on my network?
No — you can only find IP addresses for devices connected to your own network. If you need to reach a device on someone else's network or on the internet, you would need different information, like a domain name or a public IP address, which is beyond what your home router can show you.
Is it safe to share a device's IP address with someone?
Sharing an IP address with someone on your network is generally safe — it's how devices communicate with each other. However, don't share your router's public IP address (the one your internet provider assigns) with strangers, as it can reveal your location. The addresses you find in your router's device list are private and safe to share with people who need to connect to a specific device.
Why does my device have a different IP address than yesterday?
Your router assigns IP addresses dynamically, meaning they can change each time a device reconnects. This is normal and usually not a problem. If you need a device to keep the same address, set up a DHCP reservation in your router settings so that device always receives the same IP.
Do I need to know the IP address of every device on my network?
No — most devices work fine without you ever knowing their IP address. You only need to find an IP address when you're troubleshooting a connection problem, accessing a device's settings through a web browser, or setting up a network printer or camera. For everyday use, devices find each other automatically.