Where to find your IP address depends on your operating system

Your computer's IP address is printed in different places depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux. On Windows, you'll find it through Settings or Command Prompt. On Mac, it's in System Settings under Network. On Linux, the terminal command ip addr or ifconfig shows it when ready. The address you're looking for is usually labeled as "IPv4 Address" and looks like four numbers separated by periods — for example, 192.168.1.5.

You may see more than one IP address on your screen. Your computer can have a local address (the one your router assigns, starting with 192.168 or 10.0) and possibly others if you have multiple network connections. For most home network purposes, you want the local address — the one that starts with 192.168 or 10.0.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can find their IP address by typing ipconfig in Command Prompt or by going to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Properties.
  • Mac users should open System Settings, click Network, select their active connection, and look for the IPv4 Address field.
  • Linux users can type ip addr or ifconfig in the terminal to see all network addresses when ready.
  • Your local IP address usually starts with 192.168 or 10.0 and is the one you need for connecting devices on your home network.
  • If you see multiple addresses, the one labeled "IPv4 Address" next to your active network connection is the one you're looking for.

Finding your IP address on Windows 10 and 11

The fastest way on Windows is to use Command Prompt. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and open Command Prompt. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the line that says "IPv4 Address" under your active network connection — that's your local IP address.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can find it through Settings. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet if you're wired). Click on your active connection name, then scroll down to "IP settings." You'll see "IPv4 address" listed there. This method takes a few more clicks but shows the same information.

Command Prompt is faster if you need to check your IP address repeatedly, especially if you're troubleshooting network problems. Settings is easier if you only need it once and prefer a graphical interface.

Finding your IP address on Mac

Open System Settings and click Network in the sidebar. Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) from the list on the left. On the right side of the window, you'll see "IPv4 Address" with your local IP address next to it. That's the address you need.

If you're connected to multiple networks or have both Wi-Fi and Ethernet plugged in, make sure you're looking at the connection you actually want. The active connection will be marked with a green dot or "Connected" label. Your computer may have different IP addresses on different networks, so check the right one.

Finding your IP address on Linux

Open a terminal window and type ip addr. Press Enter and you'll see all your network connections and their IP addresses listed. Look for the connection you're using (usually eth0 for Ethernet or wlan0 for Wi-Fi) and find the line that starts with "inet" — that's your IPv4 address.

If ip addr doesn't work on your system, try ifconfig instead. Both commands show the same information; different Linux distributions prefer different tools. The IPv4 address will be labeled as "inet" and is the one you need for your home network.

What to do once you have your IP address

Write down or screenshot your IP address if you need it for troubleshooting. You might need it to log into your router's settings, to set up port forwarding, or to tell a technician what your computer's address is on the network. Keep in mind that this local address can change if your router restarts or if your computer is offline for a while — it's not permanent the way a phone number is.

If you need an address that stays the same, you can set a static IP address in your router's settings. This tells your router to always give your computer the same local address. This is useful if you're running a home server or need consistent access to your computer from other devices on the network.

Why you might see multiple IP addresses

If you see several addresses on your screen, don't be confused — this is normal. Your computer may have an address for Wi-Fi, a different one for Ethernet if you're plugged in, and possibly others for virtual networks or special connections. You only need the one that matches the network you're actually using right now.

The easiest way to know which one is active: look for the connection that says "Connected" or has a green indicator next to it. That's the network your computer is currently on, and that's the IP address you should use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my IP address change if I restart my computer?

Usually not when ready. Your router remembers which address it gave you and will assign the same one again when you restart. However, if your computer is offline for several hours or days, your router may assign a different address when it reconnects. If you need the address to stay the same, set a static IP in your router settings.

Is my local IP address the same as my public IP address?

No. Your local IP address (192.168.x.x or 10.0.x.x) is only visible on your home network. Your public IP address is what the internet sees and is assigned by your internet provider. To find your public IP, search "what is my IP" in a web browser — that's the public one.

Can I change my IP address myself?

You can set a static local IP address through your router settings, which prevents it from changing. You cannot change your public IP address directly, but it will change automatically if you restart your modem or if your internet provider reassigns it. Contact your provider if you need a permanent public IP address.

What if I can't find the IPv4 address on my screen?

Make sure you're looking at the right network connection — the one marked as active or connected. If you're using a VPN or virtual network, you may see additional addresses. Scroll down or look carefully at all the fields; IPv4 address is usually near the top of the network details. If it's still missing, your connection may not be working properly.