Your computer has two IP addresses, and which one you need depends on what you're trying to do

Every device on your home network has a local IP address — a number your router uses to send data to that specific computer. You also have a public IP address — the one the outside internet sees when you browse. For home network setup and troubleshooting, you almost always need the local one. It looks like 192.168.1.100 or 10.0.0.50.

The public IP is what websites see, and you can find it by searching "what is my IP" in any browser, but that's rarely what you need for security or network setup. When you're logging into your router to change Wi-Fi passwords or firewall settings, or setting up a printer or security camera, you're using your local IP address.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address is a number your router assigns to your computer, and it's what you need to access your router's settings or troubleshoot network problems.
  • On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to see your local IP address listed as "IPv4 Address".
  • On Mac, go to System Settings, click Network, select your connection, and look for "IP Address" in the details.
  • Your local IP address can change if your router restarts or your device reconnects, so write it down when you find it.
  • If you need to keep the same address for a device like a security camera or printer, you can set a static IP in your router's settings.

Finding your IP address on Windows

Open Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key, typing "cmd", and pressing Enter. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the line that says "IPv4 Address" — that's your local IP address. It will be four numbers separated by periods, like 192.168.1.105. Write it down if you need it for router setup or network troubleshooting.

If you see multiple network connections listed (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, VPN), find the one you're actually using. If you're connected by cable, look under "Ethernet adapter". If you're on Wi-Fi, look under "Wireless LAN adapter". The IPv4 Address under that section is the one you need.

Finding your IP address on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings". Click "Network" in the left sidebar. Select the connection you're using — either "Wi-Fi" or "Ethernet" depending on how you're connected. Click "Details" or look at the main panel, and you'll see "IP Address" listed. That's your local IP address.

If you don't see an IP Address field, your device may not be connected to the network yet. Make sure you're connected to your Wi-Fi network or plugged in with an Ethernet cable, then check again.

Finding your IP address on Linux

Open a terminal window. Type hostname -I and press Enter. Your local IP address will appear on the next line. If you're using a graphical desktop, you can also right-click the network icon in the system tray and select "Connection Information" to see your IP address there.

Different Linux distributions may have slightly different menu names or layouts, but the terminal command works the same way across all of them. If you're not sure which method to use, the terminal approach is the most reliable.

Why your IP address might change

Your router assigns local IP addresses automatically using something called DHCP. Every time your computer connects to the network or your router restarts, it may get a different address. This usually doesn't matter for everyday use, but it can be a problem if you're setting up port forwarding for a security camera, printer, or game server — those need a stable address to work reliably.

If you need the same address every time, you can set a static IP in your router's settings. Log into your router (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a browser), find the DHCP or IP settings section, and reserve an address for that device. The exact steps vary by router model, so check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for instructions.

What to do with your IP address once you have it

If you're setting up your home network, you'll use your local IP address to log into your router and change security settings like your Wi-Fi password or firewall rules. Type your IP address into a web browser's address bar (for example, 192.168.1.1) and you'll reach your router's login page. You'll need your router's admin username and password — these are usually printed on a sticker on the router itself or in the manual.

You might also need your local IP address to troubleshoot network problems, set up a printer or security camera on your network, or configure port forwarding. In all these cases, the local address is what matters — not your public IP address.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between my local IP and my public IP?

Your local IP is what your router uses to talk to your computer inside your home. Your public IP is what the outside internet sees when you browse websites. For home network setup, you need the local one. You can find your public IP by searching "what is my IP" in any browser.

Will my IP address stay the same?

Not necessarily. Your router can assign a different local IP address each time your computer connects or the router restarts. If you need the same address for a printer, camera, or game server, you can set a static IP in your router's settings so it never changes.

Can I change my IP address myself?

You can set a static IP in your router's settings so your device always gets the same address. You cannot change your public IP address directly, but it will change on its own if your router restarts or your internet service provider updates it.

Do I need my IP address to use the internet normally?

No. Your router handles IP addresses automatically. You only need to know your IP address if you're setting up network devices, troubleshooting problems, or logging into your router to change security settings.