What an IP address is and why you need it

Your computer's IP address is a set of numbers that identifies your device on your home network — something like 192.168.1.5. When you set up a find home network, you often need this number to log into your router, assign static addresses to devices, or troubleshoot why something isn't connecting.

Every device on your network has its own IP address. Your phone has one, your printer has one, your laptop has one. Finding your computer's address takes less than a minute and requires no special tools — just a few clicks in the settings you already have.

The process differs slightly between Windows and Mac, but both are straightforward. You'll find the address in the same place your computer stores network information.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then Status, and look for "IPv4 address" in the details section.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, click Network, select your connection, and the IP address appears in the details pane.
  • Your IP address usually starts with 192.168 or 10.0 when you're on a home network, which is normal and expected.
  • If you see an address starting with 169.254, your computer isn't connected to the network properly and needs troubleshooting.
  • Write down your IP address or take a screenshot if you need it for router login or device setup.

Finding your IP address on Windows 10 or 11

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

Click Status (it's usually the first option). Scroll down until you see a section labeled Advanced network settings. Click that link. On the next screen, look for More network adapter options and click it.

You'll see a list of your network connections. Find the one you're currently using — if you're connected by ethernet cable, it says "Ethernet"; if you're on WiFi, it says "WiFi" or your network name. Double-click that connection. A window opens showing your connection details. Look for IPv4 address — that's your computer's IP address on your home network.

If you want a faster route: press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter. In the black command window that opens, type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for "IPv4 Address" in the results — that's your address.

Finding your IP address on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions). Click Network on the left sidebar.

You'll see your current connection listed — either WiFi or Ethernet depending on how you're connected. Click it. On the right side, you'll see connection details. Look for IP Address — that's the number you need.

If you're on an older Mac running an earlier version of macOS, the steps are nearly identical: go to System Preferences instead of System Settings, and the layout is the same.

What your IP address tells you

Home network IP addresses almost always start with 192.168 or 10.0. If yours does, that's correct — those ranges are reserved for private home and office networks. You'll never see these addresses on the public internet.

If your address starts with 169.254, your computer thinks it's connected but hasn't actually reached the network. This usually means the ethernet cable is loose, you're out of WiFi range, or your router isn't assigning addresses properly. Unplug and replug the ethernet cable, or move closer to the router and reconnect to WiFi.

The last number in your address (the part after the final dot) is unique to your device. So 192.168.1.5 and 192.168.1.6 are two different devices on the same network. Your router assigns these numbers automatically, and they can change if you restart your computer or router.

When you need to write it down

If you're logging into your router to change security settings or check which devices are connected, you usually don't need your computer's IP address — you need the router's address instead, which is often printed on the router itself or in its manual.

You do need your computer's IP address if you're setting up a static address (telling your router to always give this computer the same number), if you're troubleshooting a connection problem and a technician asks for it, or if you're setting up a printer or other device to print from this specific computer.

Take a screenshot or write the address down in a text file if you know you'll need it again soon. It's easier than looking it up twice.

Static vs. dynamic addresses

By default, your router assigns your computer a dynamic IP address — a number that can change. Most of the time you won't notice because the change happens in the background. If you restart your computer or router, you might get a different address the next time you connect.

A static IP address is one you set manually so it never changes. You'd do this if you're running a home server, setting up a printer that needs a permanent address, or troubleshooting a device that needs to always be at the same location on your network. To set a static address, you go into your router's settings and tell it to always give your computer the same number.

For most home networks, dynamic addresses work fine. You only need to set a static address if something on your network specifically requires it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone see my IP address and use it to hack me?

Your home network IP address (the one starting with 192.168 or 10.0) is only visible to devices already on your WiFi. Someone outside your network can't see it or use it to connect to your computer. Your public IP address — the one your internet provider assigns — is different and is visible online, but it's not enough by itself to hack you.

Why does my IP address keep changing?

Your router assigns dynamic addresses by default, so your computer gets a new number each time it reconnects to the network. This is normal. If you need the address to stay the same, set a static address in your router's settings, or contact your router's support to learn how.

Is my IP address the same as my WiFi password?

No. Your IP address is a number that identifies your device on the network. Your WiFi password is what you type to connect to the network in the first place. They're completely separate. You can share your IP address with a technician without giving away your WiFi password.

What if I can't find the IPv4 address in Settings?

Make sure you're looking at the right connection — if you're on WiFi, click the WiFi connection, not Ethernet. If you're using the command line method on Windows (ipconfig), make sure you're looking at the section for your active connection, not a disconnected one. If you still don't see it, your computer may not be connected to the network yet.

Do I need my IP address to change my WiFi password?

No. To change your WiFi password, you log into your router using your router's address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, printed on the router), not your computer's IP address. Your computer's IP address is only needed for specific troubleshooting or device setup tasks.