What an IP address is and why you need to find yours

Your IP address is a set of numbers that identifies your device on your network — something like 192.168.1.5 on your home network, or a different number when you connect to the internet. Finding it matters because you'll need it to log into your router, troubleshoot connection problems, set up port forwarding for specific devices, or block a device that shouldn't be on your network.

You actually have two IP addresses: one for your home network (called a local or private IP) and one for the internet (called a public IP). The local one is what you use to talk to your router and other devices at home. The public one is what websites see when you visit them. This guide covers how to find both.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address appears in your router's settings and on your device's network settings — Windows, Mac, and phones all show it in different places.
  • Finding your local IP takes under a minute and requires no special tools, just opening your network settings or router login page.
  • Your public IP address is what the outside internet sees, and you can find it by visiting a website like whatismyipaddress.com or asking your router.
  • Write down or screenshot your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) so you can log back in if you forget it later.

Finding your local IP address on Windows

On a Windows computer, open the Start menu and type "cmd" to open Command Prompt. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the section labeled "Ethernet adapter" or "Wireless LAN adapter" depending on how you're connected. The line that says "IPv4 Address" is your local IP — it will look like 192.168.1.something or 10.0.0.something.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can also go to Settings, then Network & Internet, then Status. Scroll down and click "View your network properties." Your IPv4 address appears in that list.

Finding your local IP address on Mac and iPhone

On a Mac, open System Settings, click Network on the left side, then select your connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Your local IP address appears in the details section under "IPv4 Address."

On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, then Wi-Fi, then tap the network you're connected to. Your local IP appears under "IPv4 Address" in the details. On Android, go to Settings, then About Phone, then Status. Scroll down to find "IP Address."

Finding your router's IP address

Your router itself has an IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — and you need this to log in and change settings. The easiest way is to look at the sticker on the back or bottom of your router. It will say something like "Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1" or list the address directly.

If the sticker is worn off or missing, open Command Prompt on Windows and type ipconfig, then look for the line that says "Default Gateway." On Mac, go to System Settings, Network, then Advanced, then TCP/IP. The router address is listed as "Router."

Once you have the address, type it into your web browser's address bar (for example, 192.168.1.1) and press Enter. You'll be asked to log in — the default username and password are usually printed on that same sticker, or in your router's manual.

Finding your public IP address

Your public IP is what the internet sees when you visit a website. To find it, visit whatismyipaddress.com or ipchicken.com in any web browser. The page will display your public IP when ready — no login or special steps needed.

You can also find your public IP by logging into your router. Open your router's settings page (using the local IP address from the section above), then look for a section called "WAN," "Internet," or "Status." Your public IP will be listed there. This method is useful if you want to check your public IP without visiting an outside website.

Why your IP address changes and what that means

Your local IP address usually stays the same as long as you don't change your router settings or go without internet for a long time. Your public IP address, on the other hand, changes periodically — sometimes every few days, sometimes every few months — depending on your internet provider. This is normal and expected.

If you need a device to keep the same local IP address (for example, if you're setting up port forwarding to a specific computer), you can assign it a static IP in your router settings. Most routers call this "DHCP reservation" or "static DHCP." Look in your router's settings under "DHCP" or "Local Network," find the device you want to lock in, and set it to a fixed address. This keeps that device at the same local IP even if it disconnects and reconnects.

What to do once you have your IP address

Once you know your local IP, you can use it to log into your router and check which devices are connected. Go to your router's settings page, look for a section called "Connected Devices," "DHCP Clients," or "Device List," and you'll see every device on your network along with its local IP. This is how you spot a device you don't recognize and decide whether to block it.

You can also use your local IP to set up port forwarding if you want to run a service (like a home security camera or game server) that needs to be reachable from outside your home. In your router settings, find "Port Forwarding" and specify which local IP address should receive traffic on a particular port. Write down what you set up so you remember it later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it dangerous if someone knows my IP address?

Knowing your public IP alone is not very dangerous — it's similar to someone knowing your street address. They can see what city you're in and what internet provider you use, but they can't access your devices or files just from the IP. However, don't share it unnecessarily, and never give out your local IP address to strangers.

Why do I have multiple IP addresses listed?

If you see several addresses when you run ipconfig or check your settings, you likely have multiple network adapters — for example, both Wi-Fi and Ethernet, or a virtual network adapter. Look for the one labeled with your actual connection method (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). The others can be ignored.

Can I change my IP address?

Your public IP changes on its own over time. To force a change, unplug your modem for 10 minutes, then plug it back in — your internet provider will usually assign you a new public IP. Your local IP can be changed in your router settings, but there's usually no reason to unless you're troubleshooting a conflict.

What if I can't log into my router using the IP address?

Make sure you're typing the address correctly into your browser's address bar (not a search box), and that you're using the right username and password from the sticker. If you've changed the password and forgotten it, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 seconds — this erases all your settings, so only do this as a last resort.

Do I need to know my IP address for everyday internet use?

No. Your device handles IP addresses automatically in the background. You only need to find your IP if you're troubleshooting a problem, setting up your router, or trying to see what devices are on your network.