What an IP address is and why you need it

Your Internet Protocol address (IP address) is a set of numbers that identifies your device on your network — like a mailing address for data. When you set up a find home network, you often need to find this address to log into your router, check which devices are connected, or troubleshoot a connection problem.

Every device that connects to your network has its own IP address. Your router also has one. Knowing how to find these addresses is a practical skill when something stops working or when you want to see what is actually on your network.

There are two types of IP addresses you might encounter: the address your device uses inside your home network (called a local or private IP address), and the address your internet provider assigns to your whole household (called a public IP address). For home network setup, you almost always need the local one.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address is a set of four numbers separated by periods, usually starting with 192.168 or 10.0 on home networks.
  • On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to see your device's IP address when ready.
  • On Mac or Linux, open Terminal and type ifconfig or ip addr to find the same information.
  • On phones and tablets, the IP address is usually in Settings under Wi-Fi or Network, next to the network name you are connected to.
  • Your router's IP address is almost always 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, and you can find it on a sticker on the router itself.

Finding your IP address on Windows

The fastest way on Windows is to use Command Prompt. Press the Windows key and type cmd, then press Enter. A black window will open.

Type ipconfig and press Enter. You will see a list of information. Look for the section labeled with your network name or "Ethernet" if you are plugged in with a cable. Find the line that says "IPv4 Address" — the number next to it is your local IP address. It will look something like 192.168.1.105.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can also find it through Settings. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then Wi-Fi (or Ethernet if you are wired). Click on the network you are connected to, then scroll down to find "IPv4 address".

Finding your IP address on Mac

On Mac, open Terminal. You can find it by pressing Command and Space together, typing terminal, and pressing Enter.

Type ifconfig and press Enter. You will see several blocks of text. Look for the section that starts with "en0" or "en1" (these refer to your network connection). Find the line that starts with "inet" — the number after it is your local IP address.

Alternatively, go to System Settings, click Network on the left side, select your Wi-Fi network, and your IP address will be listed under "IPv4 Address".

Finding your IP address on phones and tablets

On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings and tap Wi-Fi. Find the network you are currently connected to and tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i" in it) next to the network name. Your IP address will be listed as "IP Address".

On Android, open Settings and go to Wi-Fi or Network. Tap the network you are connected to. Some Android versions show the IP address directly; others require you to tap "Advanced" or "Details" to see it. Look for a field labeled "IP address".

Finding your router's IP address

Your router's IP address is the gateway you use to log in and change settings. In most home networks, it is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. The easiest way to find the exact address is to look at the back or bottom of the router itself — there is usually a sticker with the default IP address printed on it, along with the default username and password.

If you cannot find the sticker, you can also discover your router's address through your device. On Windows, open Command Prompt, type ipconfig, and look for the line labeled "Default Gateway" — that number is your router's IP address. On Mac, open Terminal, type ifconfig, and look for the line that says "gateway".

What to do once you have found your IP address

Once you know your device's IP address, you can use it to log into your router by typing the router's IP address into a web browser. This is where you change your Wi-Fi password, see which devices are connected, or adjust security settings.

You might also need your device's IP address to set up port forwarding, assign a static IP to a device that needs a consistent address, or troubleshoot why a device keeps disconnecting. Knowing where to find this information makes those tasks much faster.

Write down or take a screenshot of your router's IP address and default login information from that sticker. You will need it if you ever need to reset your router or change your network settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my IP address keep changing?

Your router assigns local IP addresses automatically using a system called DHCP. Devices usually keep the same address for a while, but it can change if a device disconnects for a long time or if your router restarts. If you need a device to always have the same address, you can assign it a static IP through your router settings.

Is my public IP address the same as my local IP address?

No. Your local IP address (192.168.x.x) only works inside your home network. Your public IP address is assigned by your internet provider and is what websites see when you visit them. To find your public IP, search "what is my IP" in any browser.

Can I change my IP address?

Your local IP address is assigned by your router and can be changed through the router's settings if you need to. Your public IP address is assigned by your internet provider and changes periodically on its own, though you can request a new one by restarting your modem.

What if I cannot find my router's IP address on the sticker?

Try 192.168.1.1 first — this is the default for most home routers. If that does not work, try 192.168.0.1. If neither works, check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website. You can also call your internet provider; they can tell you the router model and its default address.

Do I need to memorize my IP address?

No. You only need to know how to find it when you need it. Most of the time, your devices handle IP addresses automatically in the background. Write down your router's address and keep it somewhere safe, but your device's local address changes too often to memorize.