Your IP address is the number your internet provider assigns to your home network

An IP address is a set of numbers that identifies your device or network on the internet — similar to a mailing address for data. Your internet service provider assigns one to your home router, and every device connected to that router shares it when talking to the outside world. Knowing your IP address helps you troubleshoot network problems, set up port forwarding for security cameras or game servers, and understand what information websites can see about your location.

You have two IP addresses that matter: your public IP address (what the internet sees) and your private IP address (what devices use inside your home network). This guide covers how to find both, on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices.

Key Takeaways

  • Your public IP address is assigned by your internet provider and is visible to websites you visit; you can find it in seconds using a search engine.
  • Your private IP address is used only inside your home network and typically starts with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16.
  • On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig; on Mac, go to System Settings and look under Network.
  • On phones and tablets, the private IP address is usually in Wi-Fi settings under "IP Address" or "DHCP".
  • Your public IP address changes when your modem restarts, but your private addresses usually stay the same unless you manually reset them.

Finding your public IP address in under one minute

Your public IP address is what websites and internet services see when you connect to them. The fastest way to find it is to open any search engine and type "what is my IP" — Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo all display it at the top of the results page in large text. No login or special software needed.

If you prefer not to use a search engine, you can visit a dedicated IP lookup site like whatismyipaddress.com or ipinfo.io. Both show your public IP address when ready, along with your approximate location (usually accurate to your city or region, not your street address). These sites work on any device — phone, tablet, or computer.

Write down or screenshot your public IP address if you need it for troubleshooting. It will change if your modem loses power or your internet provider reassigns it, which can happen weeks or months apart depending on your provider's settings.

Finding your private IP address on Windows

Your private IP address is the one your router assigns to your computer for use inside your home network. On Windows, the fastest method is to use Command Prompt. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and press Enter to open Command Prompt.

Type ipconfig and press Enter. A list of network information will appear. Look for the section labeled "Ethernet" (if you are connected by cable) or "Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi" (if you are on Wi-Fi). Next to "IPv4 Address", you will see a number that usually starts with 192.168 or 10.0 — that is your private IP address.

If you prefer a graphical method, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet if wired), click your network name, and scroll down to "IP address". The number shown there is your private IP address.

Finding your private IP address on Mac

On a Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions). Click Network in the sidebar. Select your active connection — either Wi-Fi or Ethernet depending on how you are connected.

Click the Details button (or Advanced on older systems). Look for the field labeled "IPv4 Address" — the number shown there is your private IP address. It typically starts with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16.

If you want to use the command line instead, open Terminal (find it in Applications > Utilities), type ifconfig, and press Enter. Scroll through the output to find "inet" followed by a number — that is your private IP address.

Finding your IP address on phones and tablets

On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the network you are connected to, and look for "IP Address" in the list. The number shown is your private IP address on that network.

On Android, open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi, tap the network name, and scroll down to find "IP Address" or "DHCP". Some Android versions label it differently, but it is always in the Wi-Fi settings for the network you are currently using.

To find your public IP address on a phone or tablet, open any web browser and search "what is my IP" just as you would on a computer. The result appears at the top of the search results.

Why your private IP address matters for home network security

Your private IP address is important when you are setting up security features on your home network. If you want to configure port forwarding for a security camera, game console, or home server, you need to know the private IP address of that specific device. Port forwarding tells your router to send certain incoming traffic to that device, and the router needs the private address to know where to send it.

Private IP addresses also matter when you are troubleshooting network problems. If a device is not connecting properly, knowing its private IP address lets you check whether the router assigned it one, and whether it is in the correct range for your network. Most home routers use addresses starting with 192.168 or 10.0, so an address outside that range usually signals a configuration problem.

Your private IP addresses are not visible to the outside internet — only your public IP address is. Websites and services cannot see the private addresses of devices inside your home, so knowing your private IP address does not create a privacy or security risk on its own.

What to do if your IP address keeps changing

Your public IP address may change when your modem restarts or loses power. If you need a stable public IP address for remote access or hosting, contact your internet provider to ask about a static IP address option. Some providers offer this as an add-on service for a monthly fee; others include it with certain plan levels. The cost and availability vary by provider and location.

Your private IP addresses usually stay the same unless you manually reset your router or change its settings. If a device keeps getting a different private IP address each time it connects, you can assign it a static private address through your router's settings. This is called DHCP reservation or static DHCP, and it tells the router to always give that device the same private address. The steps vary by router model, but the option is usually in the router's admin panel under "DHCP" or "Reserved IPs".

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it dangerous if someone knows my public IP address?

Knowing your public IP address alone does not let someone access your devices or network. It tells them your approximate location and internet provider, but your router's firewall blocks unsolicited incoming traffic by default. The real risk comes if you open ports through port forwarding without proper security, or if you run outdated software with known vulnerabilities. Your public IP address is visible to every website you visit, so treat it as semi-public information.

Can I hide my public IP address?

A VPN (virtual private network) masks your public IP address by routing your traffic through a VPN provider's server instead. Websites see the VPN provider's IP address rather than yours. However, a VPN does not make you anonymous — the VPN provider can see your traffic, and your internet provider can see that you are using a VPN. A VPN is useful for privacy on public Wi-Fi, but it is not a substitute for other security practices like strong passwords and keeping software updated.

Why do I have multiple IP addresses listed in ipconfig?

Most computers have more than one network adapter — typically one for Ethernet (wired) and one for Wi-Fi. Each adapter gets its own private IP address. You are only using the one for the connection you are currently on. If you are connected by Wi-Fi, ignore the Ethernet address. If you are wired, ignore the Wi-Fi address. Virtual adapters and VPN software may also show up in the list.

What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

IPv4 addresses are the traditional format (like 192.168.1.1) and are still the most common. IPv6 is a newer format with many more possible addresses (like 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334). Most home networks use IPv4, but newer devices and networks increasingly support both. If you see both listed in your settings, you are using a dual-stack network — your device can use either one depending on what the website or service supports.

Do I need to change my IP address for security reasons?

Changing your public IP address does not significantly improve security on its own. The more important steps are keeping your router firmware updated, using a strong Wi-Fi password, enabling your router's firewall, and not opening ports unless you have a specific reason. If you are concerned about privacy rather than security, a VPN is more effective than changing your IP address.