Find your IP address by opening your network settings

Your computer already knows its own IP address. You do not need to read anything or contact your internet provider. The address lives in your network settings, and you can see it in under a minute using tools built into Windows, Mac, or Linux.

The steps differ slightly by operating system, but the idea is the same: open your network settings, find the connection you are using (Wi-Fi or ethernet), and look for the line that says "IPv4 Address" or just "IP Address". That number — usually four groups of digits separated by dots, like 192.168.1.5 — is your computer's address on your home network.

Knowing your own IP address matters when you are troubleshooting a slow connection, setting up a printer on your network, or giving a technician information about your setup. It also helps you understand what information your computer is broadcasting to devices around it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your computer's IP address is stored in your network settings and can be found without any special software or tools.
  • Windows users can find their IP address by opening Settings, going to Network & Internet, and checking the Wi-Fi or Ethernet section.
  • Mac users can open System Settings, click Network, select their active connection, and look for the IPv4 Address field.
  • Linux users can open a terminal and type hostname -I or ip addr to see all IP addresses on the system.
  • Your home network IP address (usually starting with 192.168 or 10.0) is different from your public IP address, which your internet provider assigns.

Finding your IP address on Windows 10 or 11

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then click the app when it appears. Once Settings opens, click Network & Internet on the left side of the window.

If you are connected by Wi-Fi, click Wi-Fi and then click the name of your network (the one with a checkmark next to it). Scroll down and you will see IPv4 Address — that is your computer's address. If you are using an ethernet cable instead, click Ethernet and follow the same steps.

You may also see an IPv6 Address on the same screen. Both are real addresses your computer uses; IPv6 is a newer format that will eventually replace IPv4, but most home networks still rely on IPv4.

Finding your IP address on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions). Click Network in the sidebar.

You will see a list of connections on the left. Click the one you are currently using — either Wi-Fi or Ethernet — and a checkmark will appear next to it. On the right side of the window, look for IPv4 Address. That is your computer's address on your home network.

Finding your IP address on Linux

Open a terminal window. The keyboard shortcut is usually Ctrl+Alt+T, though this varies by Linux distribution. Once the terminal is open, type one of these commands and press Enter:

hostname -I will show all IP addresses assigned to your computer. ip addr will show more detailed information, including both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses and which network interface each one is attached to. Both commands are safe to run and do not change anything on your system.

Why your home IP address is different from your public IP address

The address you just found — the one starting with 192.168 or 10.0 — is your private IP address. It only works inside your home network. Your router uses it to send data to your computer and nothing else.

Your public IP address is assigned by your internet provider and is what websites see when you visit them. It is different from your private address, and you cannot find it in your network settings. If you need to know your public IP address, you can visit a site like whatismyipaddress.com, but that information is separate from what you found in your settings.

Understanding the difference matters because it explains why you cannot use your home network IP address to access your computer from outside your home, and why your router needs to translate between the two addresses when you browse the web.

What to do once you have your IP address

Write down your IP address or take a screenshot if you think you will need it again. If you are setting up a printer, security camera, or other device on your home network, you may need to enter your computer's IP address so the device knows where to send information.

If a technician asks for your IP address while troubleshooting a connection problem, you now know exactly where to find it. You can also use your IP address to check whether your computer is getting a static address (one that stays the same) or a dynamic address (one that changes occasionally). If the address changes every time you restart your computer, your router is assigning it dynamically, which is normal for most home networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to share my IP address with someone?

Your private IP address (the one starting with 192.168) is only useful inside your home network, so sharing it with someone outside your home does not pose a security risk. Your public IP address is visible to every website you visit, so it is also not a secret. However, do not share either address with someone you do not trust, because combined with other information it could be used to target you.

Why does my IP address keep changing?

Most home routers assign IP addresses dynamically, meaning they change when you restart your computer or after a set period of time. This is normal and expected. If you need a permanent address — for example, to always reach a printer at the same number — you can set a static IP address in your router settings, though this requires more advanced configuration.

Can I change my IP address?

You can request a new private IP address by restarting your computer or router, which will usually trigger your router to assign a different one. You cannot change your public IP address directly, but you can request a new one from your internet provider, though they may charge a fee. For most people, the default dynamic assignment is fine.

What if I cannot find the IPv4 Address field?

Make sure you are looking at an active connection — one with a checkmark or "Connected" label next to it. If you are on Wi-Fi, click the Wi-Fi name itself, not just the Wi-Fi category. On Windows, scroll down in the network details window; the address may not be visible without scrolling. If you still cannot find it, your computer may not be connected to the network yet.