Your IP address is in your network settings, and the fastest way to find it depends on your operating system

Every device on your home network has an IP address — a number that identifies it so other devices can find and talk to it. You need to know your computer's IP address when you're setting up a router, troubleshooting a connection problem, or assigning a static address to keep a device in the same spot on your network. The address is always there; you just need to know where to look.

The steps differ slightly between Windows, Mac, and Linux, but the information lives in the same place: your network settings. You can find it in under a minute using either a graphical menu or a command-line tool.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can find their IP address by opening Settings, going to Network & Internet, and selecting the active connection to see the details.
  • Mac users can open System Settings, click Network, select the active connection, and look for the IP address field in the details pane.
  • Linux users can open the terminal and type ip addr or hostname -I to see all IP addresses on the system.
  • The command line method works on all three operating systems and shows your address in seconds without navigating menus.
  • Your IP address on your home network is different from your public IP address, which is what websites see when you connect through your router.

Finding your IP address in Windows 10 and 11

Open the Settings app and go to Network & Internet. On the left side, you'll see options for WiFi or Ethernet depending on how you're connected. Click the one you're using right now.

If you're on WiFi, click the name of your network. If you're on Ethernet, the page will show your connection details when ready. Look for the field labeled IPv4 address — that's the number you need. It will look something like 192.168.1.105 or 10.0.0.50.

If you want to see more details (like your subnet mask or gateway), scroll down on the same page and you'll find them all listed under "IP settings."

Finding your IP address on Mac

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

You'll see a list of connections on the left — WiFi, Ethernet, or others. Click the one you're currently using. On the right side, you'll see a button labeled Details or information will appear directly. Look for the field that says IPv4 Address. That's your address on your home network.

If you don't see the Details button, the address may already be visible on the main connection page. Scroll down if needed.

Finding your IP address in Linux

Open a terminal window. The fastest way is to type one of two commands:

Type ip addr and press Enter. You'll see output for each network connection on your computer. Look for the line that starts with inet followed by a number — that's your IPv4 address. It will be in a section labeled with your connection name, like eth0 for Ethernet or wlan0 for WiFi.

Alternatively, type hostname -I and press Enter. This shows just the IP addresses without extra information, which is faster if you only need the number.

Using the command line on any operating system

If you prefer the command line on Windows or Mac, you can get your IP address without opening Settings at all.

On Windows: Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and type ipconfig. Press Enter. Look for the section that matches your connection type (Ethernet or WiFi). Find the line labeled IPv4 Address — that's your address.

On Mac: Open Terminal and type ifconfig. Press Enter. Look for the section labeled with your connection name. Find the line that starts with inet followed by a number — that's your IPv4 address.

The command line method is often faster once you know the command, and it works the same way every time regardless of operating system updates.

Understanding what you're looking at

Your local IP address (the one you just found) is only used inside your home network. It's how your router talks to your computer, and how your computer talks to other devices like printers or phones on the same WiFi. These addresses always start with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16 — they're reserved for private networks.

This is different from your public IP address, which is what websites see when you visit them. Your router handles the translation between the two. If you need your public IP address instead, you can find it by searching "what is my IP" in any search engine, or by visiting a site like whatismyipaddress.com.

When you're setting up your home network or assigning a static address to a device, you'll use the local IP address — the one you just found in your settings.

Why you might need to know your IP address

You need your computer's IP address when you're logging into your router to change WiFi settings or security options. You also need it if you want to assign a static IP address to your computer so it always gets the same number instead of a new one each time it connects. Some people also need it for remote access software or when setting up a home server.

If you're troubleshooting a network problem, your IT support person or router manufacturer may ask for your IP address to help diagnose the issue. Knowing where to find it quickly saves time on the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same every time I turn on my computer?

Usually not. Your router assigns IP addresses automatically using DHCP, which means your computer might get a different address each time it connects. If you need the same address every time, you can set a static IP address in your router settings or in your computer's network settings. Your router's manual or support page will show you how.

Why do I see multiple IP addresses when I look at my network settings?

You might have multiple network connections active — for example, both WiFi and Ethernet plugged in at the same time, or a virtual network adapter. Each one gets its own address. Use the one that matches the connection you're actually using right now.

Can someone see my local IP address from outside my home network?

No. Your local IP address only works inside your home network. People on the internet see your public IP address instead, which your router assigns. Your local address is safe to share with anyone helping you troubleshoot your home network.

What if I can't find the IPv4 address field in my settings?

Make sure you're looking at an active connection — one that's currently connected to the internet. If you're on WiFi, click the network name itself. If you're on Ethernet, the address should appear on the main connection page. If it still doesn't show, try the command line method instead, which works more reliably across different system versions.