What an IP address is and why you might need to see yours
Your IP address is a set of numbers that identifies your device on the internet, similar to how a street address identifies your house. Every time your computer, phone, or tablet connects to the internet, it gets assigned an IP address so websites and services know where to send information back to you.
You might need to see your IP address to troubleshoot internet problems, set up a home network, connect to a printer or security camera, or provide it to technical support. The method to find it depends on what device you're using and whether you want your public IP address (the one the outside internet sees) or your local IP address (the one your home network uses).
Key Takeaways
- Your public IP address is visible to websites and can be found when ready by visiting a site like whatismyipaddress.com.
- Your local IP address is used only within your home network and is found in your device settings or network preferences.
- On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig; on Mac, go to System Preferences and check Network settings.
- On iPhone or Android, go to Settings, then Wi-Fi or Network settings, and tap the connected network to see your local IP.
- Your public IP address changes when you restart your router or reconnect to the internet; your local IP usually stays the same.
Finding your public IP address
Your public IP address is the one your internet service provider assigns to your home network. It is what websites see when you visit them. The fastest way to find it is to visit a website that displays it for you.
Open any web browser and go to whatismyipaddress.com, myip.com, or ipchicken.com. The page will show your public IP address when ready — usually four numbers separated by periods, like 203.0.113.42. You do not need to enter any information or sign in. These sites work on any device: computer, phone, or tablet.
If you want to verify the result, you can visit a second site to confirm the number is the same. Your public IP address should be identical across all these sites because it is the same address your internet service provider has assigned to your home connection.
Finding your local IP address on Windows
Your local IP address is the one your home router assigns to your specific device. It is used only within your home network and typically starts with 192.168 or 10.0. To find it on a Windows computer, you will use the Command Prompt.
Press the Windows key and type cmd, then press Enter to open Command Prompt. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the section labeled "Ethernet adapter" or "Wireless LAN adapter" depending on whether you are connected by cable or Wi-Fi. Next to "IPv4 Address" you will see your local IP address.
If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can also find it through Settings. Go to Settings, select Network & Internet, then Wi-Fi or Ethernet depending on your connection type. Click on your connected network and scroll down to find "IPv4 address".
Finding your local IP address on Mac
On a Mac, your local IP address is found in System Preferences or System Settings depending on your macOS version. Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Preferences (older versions) or System Settings (newer versions).
Look for Network in the left sidebar and click it. Select the connection you are using — either Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Your local IP address will appear on the right side of the window, usually labeled as "IP Address" or "IPv4 Address".
Finding your IP address on iPhone and Android
On an iPhone, go to Settings and tap Wi-Fi. Find the network you are connected to and tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i") next to the network name. Your local IP address appears under "IP Address".
On Android, the process varies slightly by manufacturer, but the general path is Settings, then Wi-Fi or Network. Tap the network you are connected to and hold it until a menu appears. Select "Manage network settings" or a similar option. Your local IP address will be listed, often under "IP address" or "Advanced options".
The difference between public and local IP addresses
Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and is visible to the entire internet. Websites, apps, and online services see this address when you connect to them. Your internet service provider can trace this address back to your home, which is why it is sometimes called your "external" IP address.
Your local IP address is assigned by your home router and is used only within your home network. Devices on your Wi-Fi network use this address to communicate with each other — your phone, computer, printer, and smart speakers all have their own local IP addresses. Websites and services outside your home cannot see these local addresses.
When you restart your router or disconnect and reconnect to the internet, your public IP address may change. Your local IP address usually stays the same unless you manually change it or your router is configured to reassign addresses regularly.
Why your IP address changes and what that means
Most internet service providers assign IP addresses dynamically, meaning they change over time. Your public IP address might shift when you restart your router, after a power outage, or straightforward after a set period of time — sometimes days or weeks. This is normal and expected.
If you need a stable public IP address for something like hosting a server or remote access, you can contact your internet service provider to request a static IP address, though this usually costs extra per month. For most home users, a changing IP address causes no problems.
Your local IP address is more stable because your router controls it. If you want to may support a device always has the same local IP address — useful for connecting to a printer or security camera — you can set a static local IP in your router settings, though this requires logging into your router's admin panel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my IP address the same on all my devices?
No. Your public IP address is the same for all devices on your home network because they all connect through the same router. However, each device has its own local IP address assigned by your router. A website sees only your public IP, not your local one.
Can someone find my home address from my IP address?
Your IP address reveals your general location — usually your city or region — but not your street address. Your internet service provider has records linking your IP to your home, but they do not share that information publicly. Websites and apps cannot determine your exact home location from your IP alone.
Why do I need my local IP address?
You need your local IP address to connect to devices on your home network that do not have a web interface, such as printers, security cameras, or network storage. You enter the local IP address into your browser to access the device's settings. You also need it if technical support asks you to check your network configuration.
What if the IP address I find does not match what a website shows?
If you find your local IP address but a website shows a different number, that is correct — the website is showing your public IP address, which is different. Make sure you are looking at the right address for what you need. If you need your public IP, use a website. If you need your local IP, check your device settings.
Can I hide my IP address?
Yes, by using a VPN (virtual private network) service, which masks your public IP address and shows websites a different one instead. However, this is a separate tool and not something you control through your device settings. Your local IP address cannot be hidden because it is used only within your home network.