Your IP address is a number that identifies your device on your home network

An IP address is a set of numbers separated by periods — something like 192.168.1.5 — that acts as your device's home address on your network. Your router assigns this number to each device that connects to it. You need to know your device's IP address if you want to change router settings, troubleshoot connection problems, or set up port forwarding for gaming or video calls.

Every device on your network gets its own IP address. Your phone, laptop, tablet, and smart TV each have one. These addresses are private — they only work inside your home network, not on the internet itself. Finding yours takes less than a minute and requires no special tools.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IP address is a number your router assigns to identify your device on your home network, and you can find it in your device's network settings.
  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, and look for "IPv4 Address" in your connection details.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, click Network, select your connection, and find the IP address listed under TCP/IP.
  • On iPhone or Android, go to Settings, find Wi-Fi or Network settings, tap your connected network, and look for the IP address field.
  • Your IP address changes when you restart your router or when your device reconnects to the network, so write it down if you need it for a specific task.

Finding your IP address on Windows 10 and 11

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the app when it appears. Once Settings opens, click Network & Internet on the left side. You'll see your current connection listed — either "Wi-Fi" or "Ethernet" depending on how you're connected.

Click on your active connection. A panel will open showing your connection details. Scroll down until you see IPv4 Address. The number next to it is your device's IP address on your home network. It will look something like 192.168.1.42 or 10.0.0.15. Write this down if you need it for router settings or troubleshooting.

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). In the sidebar, click Network. You'll see your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection listed with a green dot next to it.

Click your active connection. A details panel opens on the right. Look for the section labeled TCP/IP. Your IP address appears next to "IPv4 Address." On some Mac versions, you may need to click "Advanced" to see this information. The address will be a series of four numbers separated by periods.

Finding your IP address on iPhone and iPad

Open the Settings app and tap Wi-Fi. Find the network you're currently connected to — it will have a checkmark next to it. Tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i") next to your network name.

A details screen appears. Scroll down to find IP Address. The number shown there is your device's address on your home network. This is the same address your router uses to send data to your phone or tablet.

Finding your IP address on Android phones and tablets

Open Settings and tap Network & Internet or Connections (the exact name varies by phone maker). Tap Wi-Fi, then tap the network you're connected to. Some phones show the IP address directly on this screen. If you don't see it, look for an option called Advanced or Network Details.

On some Android versions, you may need to go to Settings > About Phone > Status to find your IP address. The location varies depending on your phone's manufacturer and Android version. If you're unsure, search your phone's Settings app for "IP address" — most phones have a search function that will take you directly to the right screen.

What to do once you have your IP address

Once you know your device's IP address, you can use it to access your router's settings page. Open a web browser on that device and type your router's IP address into the address bar — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's manual or the sticker on the back to be sure. This lets you change your Wi-Fi password, update security settings, or see which devices are connected to your network.

You may also need your device's IP address if you're setting up port forwarding for online gaming, video conferencing, or running a home server. Port forwarding tells your router to send certain types of traffic directly to a specific device. Your IP address identifies which device receives that traffic.

Why your IP address changes and when to write it down

Your router assigns IP addresses automatically using a system called DHCP. Most home routers reassign addresses when a device reconnects or when the router restarts. This means your device's IP address may be different tomorrow than it is today.

If you need a device to keep the same IP address — for example, to set up port forwarding or remote access — you can ask your router to assign a static IP to that device. This is done in your router's settings, usually under a section called "DHCP" or "Reserved Addresses." If you're setting up port forwarding or accessing your router remotely, write down your IP address and check it again after restarting your router to make sure it hasn't changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same as my internet address?

No. Your device's IP address (like 192.168.1.5) is private and only works inside your home network. Your internet address — the one websites see — is assigned by your internet provider and is different. You can find your internet address by searching "what is my IP" in any web browser.

Can someone use my IP address to hack me?

Your private IP address (the one inside your home network) cannot be used to hack you from outside your home — it's not visible on the internet. Your internet-facing IP address is public, but it alone doesn't give someone access to your devices. A strong router password and keeping your router's firmware updated are more important for security.

What if I can't find the IP address on my device?

Make sure you're looking in the right place for your device type — the steps differ between Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android. If you're still stuck, restart your device and try again. If your device shows no IP address at all, it may not be connected to your network. Check that Wi-Fi is turned on and that you're connected to the correct network name.

Do I need to remember my IP address?

Only if you're doing something specific like setting up port forwarding or accessing your router's settings. For everyday use, you don't need to know it. Write it down only when you're actively working on a network task, then you can look it up again later if you need it.