Finding your IP address takes less than a minute on any device

Your IP address is a number your device uses to send and receive data on your network. You may need to find it to troubleshoot a connection problem, set up a printer, or give technical support someone a way to reach your device. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or a mobile device, but all of them are straightforward.

The fastest method on any device is to search for "what is my IP" in a web browser — a website will display your address when ready. If you need the address your device uses only on your home network (not the one the internet sees), you'll look in your device settings instead. Both numbers are useful for different reasons, and this guide covers how to find each one.

Key Takeaways

  • Typing "what is my IP" into any web browser shows your public IP address — the one your internet provider assigns to your home network.
  • Your device also has a private IP address it uses only within your home network, found in Windows Settings, Mac System Preferences, or phone network settings.
  • Windows users can open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to see both addresses at once.
  • Mac users can find their private IP in System Preferences under Network, or use Terminal and type ifconfig.
  • Mobile devices show their private IP in Wi-Fi settings, usually under "IP Address" or "Advanced" within the connected network details.

Finding your public IP address in a web browser

Your public IP address is the one your internet provider assigns to your home network. Websites and online services see this address when you connect to them. It's the fastest way to find an IP address because you don't need to open any settings.

Open any web browser — Chrome, Safari, Edge, or Firefox. In the search bar, type what is my IP and press Enter. Within seconds, a website will display a number like 203.0.113.45. That's your public IP address. You can also visit websites like whatismyipaddress.com or ipchicken.com directly if you prefer, and they'll show the same information.

This address changes periodically — sometimes weekly, sometimes monthly, depending on your internet provider. If you need to know your public IP for a specific reason, write it down or take a screenshot, because it may be different the next time you check.

Finding your private IP address on Windows

Your private IP address is the number your device uses only within your home network. This is the address you need if you're setting up a printer, accessing a security camera on your network, or troubleshooting a connection to a specific device at home.

The quickest way on Windows is to use Command Prompt. Press the Windows key and type cmd, then press Enter. A black window will open. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the section labeled Ethernet (if you're plugged in with a cable) or Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi (if you're on Wi-Fi). Next to IPv4 Address, you'll see a number like 192.168.1.105. That's your private IP address.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can find the same address in Settings. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then Wi-Fi or Ethernet depending on how you're connected. Click the network you're using, scroll down, and look for IPv4 Address.

Finding your private IP address on Mac

On a Mac, the easiest route is System Preferences. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, then System Preferences (or System Settings on newer Macs). Click Network. On the left side, select the network you're connected to — either Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Your private IP address appears on the right side next to IP Address.

If you're comfortable using Terminal, you can also type ifconfig to see all your network information at once. Open Terminal (search for it in Spotlight), type ifconfig, and press Enter. Look for the section that matches your connection type. Your private IP will be listed next to inet.

Finding your private IP address on iPhone or iPad

On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings and tap Wi-Fi. Find the network you're currently connected to and tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i" inside it). Your private IP address appears on the next screen next to IP Address.

If you don't see the IP address when ready, scroll down — it may be listed under IPv4 Address or within an Advanced section. The address will be a number like 192.168.1.50.

Finding your private IP address on Android

On Android, the location varies slightly by manufacturer, but the process is similar. Open Settings and look for Wi-Fi or Network & Internet. Tap the network you're connected to. Your private IP address should appear on the next screen, often labeled IP Address or IPv4 Address.

If you don't see it when ready, look for an Advanced option or a menu icon (three dots) on that screen. Some Android phones hide the IP address in a submenu. If you're still not finding it, try holding down on the network name — some devices show the address in a pop-up window.

When you need each type of IP address

Your public IP address is what you share if someone outside your home network needs to reach you — for example, if you're setting up remote access to your computer or troubleshooting an internet connection with your provider. Your internet provider uses this address to send data to your home.

Your private IP address is what you need for devices and services within your home. If you're connecting a printer to your network, accessing a security camera, or troubleshooting why a device won't connect, you'll use the private address. This address stays the same most of the time, though it can change if you restart your router or if your router's settings change.

If someone asks for your IP address and you're unsure which one they need, ask whether they're helping you with something on your home network or something involving the internet from outside your home. That will tell you which address to provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone find my home address from my IP address?

Your public IP address shows your internet provider's general service area, not your street address. Someone would need additional information from your provider to pinpoint your location, and providers don't share that without a legal request. Your private IP address is only visible to devices on your home network, so it poses no privacy risk to people outside your home.

Why does my IP address keep changing?

Your internet provider assigns your public IP address temporarily, and it changes periodically — sometimes weekly, sometimes monthly. This is normal. Your private IP address usually stays the same unless you restart your router or change your network settings. If you need a private IP to stay constant, you can assign a static IP in your router settings, though this is rarely necessary for home use.

What's the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

IPv4 addresses look like 192.168.1.1 and are the standard most home networks still use. IPv6 addresses are longer and look like 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334. Your device may have both, but you'll usually work with IPv4 for home network tasks. Most home routers and devices still use IPv4 primarily.

Is it safe to share my IP address?

Sharing your public IP address is generally safe — websites see it every time you visit them. Sharing your private IP address is safe only with people you trust on your home network. Never share either address with someone you don't know, especially if they contact you unexpectedly claiming to be from tech support.