Where to find your IP address on Mac

Your Mac's IP address appears in System Settings under Network. Open System Settings from the Apple menu, click Network on the left sidebar, then select the connection you use — Wi-Fi or Ethernet. The IP address labeled "IPv4 Address" is what you need. It looks like four numbers separated by dots, such as 192.168.1.105.

If you use Wi-Fi, make sure you click the Wi-Fi network name on the left before looking for the address. If you use a wired Ethernet connection, click Ethernet instead. The location of this information is the same in recent macOS versions, though the exact menu layout shifted slightly in macOS Ventura and later.

You may also see an IPv6 address on the same screen — a longer string of numbers and letters. Both are your Mac's addresses on the network. Most home networks and devices still use IPv4, so that is the one you will need most often.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Mac's IP address is in System Settings under Network, visible next to "IPv4 Address" once you select your connection type.
  • Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections have separate IP addresses, so you need to click the one you are actually using to see its address.
  • The address changes each time you restart your Mac or reconnect to the network, unless your router assigns a static IP.
  • You can also find your IP address by opening Terminal and typing ifconfig, then looking for the line that starts with "inet" under your connection.

Using System Settings (the easiest way)

Open System Settings by clicking the Apple menu in the top-left corner and selecting System Settings. On the left sidebar, click Network. You will see a list of connection types — Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or others depending on what your Mac has.

Click the connection you are currently using. A panel opens on the right showing details. Scroll down until you see "IPv4 Address" — the number next to it is your IP address. Write it down or take a screenshot if you need it later. Below the IPv4 address you may see "Subnet Mask" and "Router" — these are related settings you do not need to change.

If you do not see an IP address listed, your Mac is not connected to the network. Check that Wi-Fi is turned on, or that your Ethernet cable is plugged in. If it is plugged in but still shows no address, restart your Mac and try again.

Using Terminal (faster if you need it often)

Terminal is a text-based tool built into every Mac. Open it by pressing Command+Space, typing "Terminal", and pressing Enter. A black window opens.

Type ifconfig and press Enter. A list of network information appears. Look for the section labeled with your connection type — en0 for Wi-Fi or en1 for Ethernet, though this varies by Mac model. Under that section, find the line that starts with "inet" — the number after "inet" is your IPv4 address.

Terminal shows more detail than System Settings, including information you will rarely need. If you only want your IP address, System Settings is simpler. Terminal is useful if you are troubleshooting network problems or need to check your address repeatedly.

Why your IP address changes

Every time you restart your Mac or disconnect and reconnect to Wi-Fi, your router may assign you a different IP address. This is normal. Your router has a pool of addresses it hands out automatically — this is called DHCP, and it is how most home networks work.

If you need the same IP address every time — for example, to set up port forwarding or to reach your Mac from another device — you can ask your router to assign a static IP. This is done in your router's settings, not on your Mac. Look for "DHCP reservation" or "static IP" in your router's admin panel, then enter your Mac's current address and tell the router to always give it that address.

For most people, a changing IP address causes no problems. Devices on your home network find each other by name, not by address. You only need to know your IP address if you are setting up a specific service or troubleshooting a connection problem.

What to do if you see no IP address

If System Settings shows "Not Connected" or no IPv4 address appears, your Mac is not on the network. First, check that Wi-Fi is on — click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar at the top right and make sure it is not crossed out. If you use Ethernet, check that the cable is plugged into both your Mac and your router.

If Wi-Fi is on but you see no network name to join, your router may not be broadcasting its name. Click "Other Networks" at the bottom of the Wi-Fi menu and type your network name manually. If you do not know your network name or password, check the label on the back of your router.

If you are connected to the network but still see no IP address, restart your Mac. Hold the power button until "Shut Down" appears, click it, wait 10 seconds, then turn your Mac back on. Once it restarts, open System Settings and check Network again.

The difference between IPv4 and IPv6

Your Mac may show both an IPv4 address and an IPv6 address. IPv4 is the older standard and looks like four numbers: 192.168.1.105. IPv6 is newer and looks like a longer string of numbers and letters: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334.

Both are real addresses your Mac uses on the network. Most home devices and services still rely on IPv4, so that is the address you will use most often. IPv6 is becoming more common, but you do not need to do anything to use it — your router and Mac handle it automatically if both support it.

If you only see IPv6 and no IPv4 address, your network may not support IPv4. This is rare in home networks. If you need IPv4 for a specific device or service, contact your internet provider or check your router's settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my IP address manually?

You can set a static IP in System Settings by clicking Network, selecting your connection, then clicking Details. However, most people should let the router assign addresses automatically. Manually setting an IP can cause conflicts if another device gets the same address. If you need a permanent address, use your router's static IP or DHCP reservation feature instead.

Why do I need to know my IP address?

You need it to set up port forwarding, to reach your Mac from another device on the network, or to troubleshoot connection problems. For everyday use — browsing, email, video calls — you do not need to know it. Your Mac and router handle addressing automatically.

Is my IP address the same as my internet address?

No. Your Mac's IP address (192.168.1.105) is local to your home network only. Your internet address is assigned by your internet provider and is what websites see when you visit them. To find your internet address, search "what is my IP" in a web browser.

Does my IP address change every time I restart?

Usually, but not always. Your router may assign the same address if your Mac reconnects quickly. If you need the same address every time, set up a static IP or DHCP reservation in your router's settings. Most home networks do not require this.

What if two devices have the same IP address?

This causes a conflict and both devices may lose network access. It happens rarely because routers prevent it automatically. If it occurs, restart both devices. If the problem continues, restart your router by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.