Where to find your IP address depends on what device you're using

Your IP address is a number assigned to your device so it can send and receive data on your network. You'll need to know it if you're troubleshooting a connection problem, setting up a printer, or accessing your router's settings. The steps differ slightly between Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android, but the information is always in the same general place: your network settings.

The fastest way is usually to search your device's settings for "network" or "IP address" — most devices will show it within a few taps or clicks. If that doesn't work, the step-by-step instructions below will walk you through the exact menu to open.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Settings, select Network & Internet, then Wi-Fi or Ethernet to see your IP address listed under "IPv4 address".
  • On Mac, open System Settings, click Network, select your connection, and look for the IP address shown in the details pane.
  • On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap Wi-Fi, select your network name, and the IP address appears under the network details.
  • On Android, open Settings, go to About Phone, then Status or Network, where you'll find the IP address listed as "IP address".
  • Your IP address changes when you restart your router or move to a different network, so write it down if you need it for troubleshooting.

Finding your IP address on Windows

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Once Settings opens, click on "Network & Internet" in the left sidebar.

If you're connected by Wi-Fi, click "Wi-Fi" and then click on the name of your network. Scroll down to the "Properties" section and look for "IPv4 address" — that's your IP address. If you're connected by ethernet cable instead, click "Ethernet" and the IP address will appear in the same location.

Write down the number if you need it for router settings or troubleshooting. The address will look something like 192.168.1.105 or 10.0.0.50.

Finding your IP address on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings". In System Settings, click "Network" in the left sidebar.

You'll see a list of connection types on the right side. Click whichever one you're using — "Wi-Fi" if you're wireless, or "Ethernet" if you're plugged in with a cable. The IP address will appear in the details pane on the right, labeled as "IP Address". It will be a number like 192.168.1.110.

Finding your IP address on iPhone or iPad

Open the Settings app 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) next to the network name.

A details screen will open showing information about that network. Scroll down and you'll see "IP Address" listed with a number next to it. This is the address your iPhone or iPad is using on your home network.

Finding your IP address on Android

Open the Settings app and scroll down to find "About Phone" or "About Device" — the exact name varies by manufacturer. Tap it.

Look for an option called "Status" or "Network" and tap it. You should see "IP Address" listed with a number next to it. If you don't see it in Status, go back and look for "Network" or "Wi-Fi" settings instead, which will also show the IP address.

Different Android phones organize these menus differently, so if you can't find it in the first place you look, try searching Settings for "IP address" — most Android devices have a search function at the top of the Settings app.

What to do once you have your IP address

Once you've found your IP address, you can use it for several common tasks. If you're setting up a printer or smart home device on your network, you may need to type the IP address into a web browser to reach that device's settings page. If you're troubleshooting a connection problem, you can give the IP address to your internet provider's support team so they can look up what's happening on your account.

Keep in mind that your IP address can change. If your router restarts or you reconnect to the network, your device may be assigned a different number. If you need the address to stay the same — for example, to always reach a printer at the same location — you can set up a "static IP address" in your router's settings, though that's a more advanced step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same as my Wi-Fi password?

No. Your IP address is a number that identifies your device on the network. Your Wi-Fi password is what you type to connect to the network in the first place. They're completely separate pieces of information.

Why does my IP address start with 192.168 or 10.0?

Those are private IP addresses, which are used only inside your home network. They're assigned by your router and can't be seen from the internet. Your router has a different public IP address that your internet provider assigns — that's what websites see when you visit them.

Can I change my IP address?

You can restart your router, which will usually assign your device a new private IP address. You can also manually set a static IP address in your router's settings if you need one device to always have the same number. Your public IP address (the one your internet provider assigns) changes less often and is harder to control.

What if I can't find the IP address in my device settings?

Make sure you're looking in the right place for your device type — the instructions above show exactly where it appears. If you're still stuck, try searching your device's settings for "IP address" directly. If your device isn't connected to Wi-Fi or ethernet, it won't have an IP address to display.