Where to find your IP address depends on your device

Your IP address is a number assigned to your device on your home network. You may need it to troubleshoot connection problems, set up port forwarding, or log into your router. The steps to find it differ depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, or a web browser.

The fastest route is usually your router's admin page or your device's network settings. Both show your local IP address — the one your router gave your device — in under a minute. If you need your public IP address instead (the one your internet provider assigns to your whole network), a web search for "what is my IP" shows it when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address appears in your device's network settings or your router's admin page, and you can find it in two to three minutes.
  • Windows users open Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi or Ethernet, then select their connection to see the IP address listed as "IPv4 address".
  • Mac users go to System Settings > Network, select their connection, and find the IP address in the Details section.
  • On iPhone or Android, open Settings > WiFi or Network, tap the connected network name, and look for the IP address in the connection details.
  • Your public IP address (assigned by your internet provider) appears when you search "what is my IP" in any web browser.

Finding your IP address on Windows

On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings and go to Network & Internet. If you use WiFi, click WiFi in the left menu, then select your network name under "Known networks". If you use an ethernet cable, click Ethernet instead. Either way, scroll down to find "IPv4 address" — that is your local IP address.

Alternatively, right-click the WiFi or network icon in your taskbar (bottom right corner) and select "Open Network & Internet settings". This takes you to the same screen. Write down the full number if you need it for router setup or troubleshooting.

Finding your IP address on Mac

On Mac, open System Settings and click Network in the left sidebar. Select your active connection — either WiFi or Ethernet — and click Details. Your IP address appears in the TCP/IP tab under "IPv4 Address". This is the address your router assigned to your Mac.

If you prefer the command line, open Terminal (in Applications > Utilities) and type ifconfig, then press Enter. Look for "inet" followed by a number — that is your local IP address. The Terminal method shows more detail but the Settings route is faster for most people.

Finding your IP address on iPhone and Android

On iPhone, open Settings and tap WiFi. Select the network you are connected to — a blue checkmark shows which one is active. Tap the information icon (a small "i" in a circle) next to the network name. Your IP address appears under "IPv4 Address" in the connection details.

On Android, open Settings and go to Network & Internet or Connections (the exact name varies by phone maker). Tap WiFi, then select your connected network. Tap "Manage" or "Advanced" to see the IP address listed as "IP address". Some Android phones also show this information under Settings > About Phone > Status.

Finding your IP address through your router

Your router's admin page lists every device connected to it and shows each one's IP address. Open a web browser and type your router's address into the address bar — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's label or manual if neither works. Log in with your router's username and password (often "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the WiFi password).

Once logged in, look for a section called "Connected Devices", "DHCP Clients", or "Device List". This page shows every device on your network and its IP address. This method is useful if you need to find the IP address of another device, not just your current one.

Understanding local versus public IP addresses

The IP address in your device settings is your local IP address — it only works inside your home network. Your internet provider assigns a different public IP address to your whole network. Websites and online services see your public IP, not your local one.

To find your public IP, open any web browser and search for "what is my IP". The first result shows your public address. You rarely need this number for home network tasks, but it matters if you are troubleshooting internet-wide connection problems or setting up remote access to your home network.

What to do once you have your IP address

If you found your IP address to fix a connection problem, restart your device and your router — unplug the router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This often clears temporary network issues. If the problem persists, write down your IP address and your router's address (usually 192.168.1.1) before you contact your internet provider or router maker for support.

If you need your IP address for port forwarding or router settings, log into your router's admin page using the address above. The exact steps depend on your router model, but most have a "Port Forwarding" or "Advanced" section where you enter your device's local IP address. Keep this number handy while you work through those settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I have two different IP addresses?

Your local IP address (192.168.x.x or 10.0.x.x) is assigned by your router and only works on your home network. Your public IP address is assigned by your internet provider and is what the outside internet sees. Both are normal and necessary.

Does my IP address change?

Your local IP address usually stays the same unless you restart your device or router, or your router runs out of addresses. Your public IP address can change when your internet provider reassigns it, which may happen weekly or monthly depending on your provider.

Is my IP address the same as my MAC address?

No. Your IP address is a number your router assigns to identify your device on the network. Your MAC address is a hardware identifier built into your device. They serve different purposes and look completely different.

Can I change my IP address?

You can request a new public IP from your internet provider by restarting your modem, though they may assign you the same one. For your local IP, you can usually set a static address in your router's settings so it does not change, or let your router assign a new one by restarting.

What if I cannot find my IP address?

Make sure you are looking in the right place for your device type — Settings on Windows and Mac, or the WiFi settings on phones. If the address does not appear, restart your device and reconnect to your network, then check again. If you still see nothing, your device may not be connected.