Finding your IP address in Windows, Mac, and Linux

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 connection problems, set up a printer, or configure your router. The steps differ depending on what operating system you use, but the process takes less than a minute on any device.

On Windows 10 or 11, open the Start menu and type "cmd" to open Command Prompt. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for "IPv4 Address" — that is your local IP address on your home network. It usually starts with 192.168 or 10.0. If you want your public IP address (the one the internet sees), search "what is my IP" in any web browser and the result appears at the top of the page.

On Mac, open System Preferences and click Network. Select your connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) from the left side. Your IP address appears in the window under "Status" — it is labeled as "IP Address". For the public IP, open a web browser and search "what is my IP address".

On Linux, open a terminal and type hostname -I to see your local IP address. For your public IP, use curl ifconfig.me or search "what is my IP" in a browser.

Finding the IP address of devices on your network

Sometimes you need to find the IP address of another device — a printer, security camera, or another computer on your Wi-Fi. The easiest way is to check your router's admin panel, where it lists every device connected to your network.

Log into your router by opening a web browser and typing your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — check the sticker on the back of your router). Enter your router's username and password. Look for a section called "Connected Devices," "Device List," or "DHCP Clients." This page shows the name of each device and its IP address.

If you know the device's name but not its IP, you can also use Command Prompt on Windows. Type ping [device name] — for example, ping printer — and the response shows that device's IP address. On Mac or Linux, use the same command in Terminal.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address appears in Command Prompt (Windows), Network settings (Mac), or Terminal (Linux) and usually starts with 192.168 or 10.0.
  • Your public IP address is what the internet sees and appears when you search "what is my IP" in any web browser.
  • To find another device's IP address, log into your router's admin panel and look for the connected devices list.
  • You can also find a device's IP address by typing ping [device name] in Command Prompt or Terminal if you know its name.

Why you might need to look up an IP address

Knowing how to find an IP address solves several common home network problems. If a printer stops responding, you can ping it by IP address to see if it is still connected. If you want to access a device remotely — like checking a security camera from work — you need its IP address. If your internet is slow and you suspect a device is using too much bandwidth, your router's device list shows which IP addresses are active.

You also need an IP address when setting up port forwarding on your router, which lets you reach a device from outside your home network. Port forwarding requires the local IP address of the device you want to access, so knowing how to find it quickly saves time during setup.

Static versus dynamic IP addresses

Every device gets an IP address from your router, but that address can change. A dynamic IP address is temporary — your router assigns a new one each time the device connects, usually lasting hours or days. A static IP address stays the same and does not change.

For most home devices, dynamic addresses work fine. But if you set up port forwarding or remote access to a printer or camera, a static address is more reliable because the IP does not change and break your setup. You can assign a static IP in your router's settings — look for "DHCP Reservation" or "Static IP" in the admin panel, select the device, and tell the router to always give it the same address.

Understanding public versus private IP addresses

Your private IP address (like 192.168.1.50) only works inside your home network. Devices outside your home cannot reach you using a private IP. Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and is what the rest of the internet uses to find your home network. When you visit a website, the website sees your public IP, not your private one.

Your public IP can change if your internet connection drops or if your service provider reassigns it. If you need a stable public IP for remote access or running a server, contact your internet service provider — some plans offer a static public IP for an extra fee. For most home users, a changing public IP causes no problems because your router handles the translation between private and public addresses automatically.

Troubleshooting when you cannot find your IP address

If the commands above do not show an IP address, your device is not connected to the network. Check that Wi-Fi is turned on or that your Ethernet cable is plugged in. If the connection looks active but no IP appears, restart your device and try again.

If you are trying to find another device's IP and it does not appear in your router's device list, that device may be offline or connected to a different network. Try restarting the device and reconnecting it to your Wi-Fi. If it still does not appear, check that you are logged into the correct router — some homes have multiple routers or mesh networks, and devices may be connected to a different one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 192.168 and 10.0 IP addresses?

Both are private IP ranges that routers use for home networks. Most home routers use 192.168.x.x by default, while some use 10.0.x.x. The difference does not matter for home use — both work the same way. Your router's manual or admin panel tells you which range it uses.

Can someone find my home address from my IP address?

Your public IP can be traced to your internet service provider and general location (usually your city or region), but not to your exact street address. Your private IP (192.168.x.x) is only visible inside your home network, so it reveals nothing to the outside world.

Why does my IP address keep changing?

Your router assigns dynamic IP addresses that expire and get reassigned. This is normal and happens automatically. If you need a device to keep the same IP, set up a DHCP reservation in your router's settings to assign it a static address.

How do I find my IP address on my phone or tablet?

On iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the network name, and scroll down to see your IP address. On Android, go to Settings > Network and Internet > Wi-Fi, tap the connected network, and look for "IP address" in the details.