What an IP address is and why you need it

An IP address is a number that identifies your device on a network — like a mailing address for data. It looks like four numbers separated by periods: 192.168.1.5 or something similar. You need to find yours when you're troubleshooting network problems, setting up port forwarding, connecting to a printer on your home network, or checking which device is using bandwidth.

Your device actually has two IP addresses: a local IP address (the one inside your home network) and a public IP address (the one your internet provider assigns, visible to websites you visit). Most home network tasks require the local one.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address is found in your network settings and starts with 192.168 or 10.0 on most home networks.
  • Windows users open Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi or Ethernet, then select their connection to see the IP address listed.
  • Mac users go to System Settings > Network, select their connection, and find the IP address in the TCP/IP section.
  • On phones and tablets, the IP address appears in WiFi settings under the connected network's details.
  • Your public IP address can be found by searching "what is my IP" in any web browser.

Finding your IP address on Windows

On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings and go to Network & Internet. If you're using WiFi, click WiFi in the left menu, then select your network name under "Known networks." Scroll down to find "IPv4 address" — that's your local IP address. If you're using an ethernet cable instead, click Ethernet in the left menu and you'll see the IP address listed when ready.

An older method that still works: press the Windows key and R together, type cmd, and press Enter. In the black command window that opens, type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for "IPv4 Address" under your active connection — usually listed as "Ethernet adapter" or "Wireless LAN adapter." Both methods show the same address; use whichever feels more comfortable.

Finding your IP address on Mac

Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs) and click Network in the sidebar. Select the connection you're using — either WiFi or Ethernet. Your local IP address appears next to "IPv4 Address" in the TCP/IP section. It typically starts with 192.168 or 10.0.

If you prefer the terminal, open Applications > Utilities > Terminal, type ifconfig, and press Enter. Look for "inet" followed by your IP address under either "en0" (ethernet) or "en1" (WiFi). The terminal method is faster once you know the command, but the Settings route is easier if you rarely need it.

Finding your IP address on iPhone and iPad

Open Settings and tap WiFi. Find the network you're connected to and tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i") next to the network name. Your local IP address appears under "IPv4 Address." This only works when you're connected to WiFi — cellular connections don't show a local IP address because they're not part of your home network.

If you don't see the information icon, make sure you're tapping on the network name itself, not just the WiFi toggle. The icon appears to the right of each saved network in the list.

Finding your IP address on Android

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet or Connections (the exact name varies by manufacturer). Tap WiFi, then select the network you're connected to. Your local IP address appears under "IP address" or sometimes "Advanced." Like iPhones, this only shows when you're on WiFi.

Some Android phones also show this in Settings > About Phone > Status, though the location varies depending on your phone's manufacturer and Android version. If you can't find it in WiFi settings, try the About Phone route — one of these two locations will have it.

Finding your public IP address

Your public IP address is what websites see when you visit them. To find it, open any web browser and search for "what is my IP" or "my IP address." The first result will show your public IP — a four-number address that your internet provider assigned to your home connection.

This address changes periodically (usually when you restart your modem or after a few weeks of continuous use), and it's different from your local IP address. You need your public IP only when setting up remote access to your home network or when troubleshooting issues with your internet provider.

What to do once you have your IP address

Write down your local IP address or take a screenshot — you'll need it for tasks like accessing your router's settings, setting up port forwarding, or connecting to network printers. Most routers are accessed by typing your gateway IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into a web browser.

If you're setting up a device that needs a static IP address (one that doesn't change), you can usually reserve that address in your router's settings using the device's current local IP address. This prevents the address from being reassigned to a different device later, which is useful for printers, security cameras, or computers you access remotely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my IP address keep changing?

Your router assigns local IP addresses automatically using DHCP. Devices usually keep the same address, but if a device is offline for a while, the router may reassign that address to something else. If you need an address to stay the same, you can set a static IP or reserve the address in your router's settings.

Is it safe to share my IP address?

Your public IP address is visible to every website you visit — it's not a secret. Your local IP address is only visible inside your home network, so sharing it with someone outside your home doesn't expose anything. However, don't share either address with strangers online unless you have a specific reason.

Can I change my IP address?

Your local IP address is assigned by your router and can be changed in the router's settings, though there's rarely a reason to do so. Your public IP address is assigned by your internet provider and changes on its own periodically. You can force a change by unplugging your modem for a few minutes, though the new address is random and you can't choose it.

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

Make sure you're looking in the right place for your device type — Windows Settings is different from Mac System Settings. If the address still doesn't appear, check that you're actually connected to the network (look for a WiFi or ethernet icon). Restart your device if nothing appears after checking twice.