What these three things are and why you might need them

Your IP address is a number assigned to your device by your internet provider — it looks like 192.168.1.5 or 203.45.67.89. Your username is the name you created to log into a specific app or website. Your password is the secret code that goes with it. These three pieces of information serve different purposes, and the way you find each one depends on what you're trying to do.

You might need your IP address to troubleshoot a connection problem, set up a home network device, or contact your internet provider about service. You might need your username and password to log back into an account after forgetting them, or to share access with someone else. This guide walks you through finding each one on the devices and platforms you actually use.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IP address is shown in your device settings or network status page, and the method differs between Windows, Mac, and mobile devices.
  • Your username is usually visible in account settings or the profile menu of the app or website where you created it.
  • Your password cannot be recovered from your device — if you forget it, you must use the "forgot password" link on the login page of that specific service.
  • Never share your password with anyone, and never type it into a website unless you are certain the address in your browser matches the real service.
  • If you store passwords in your browser or a password manager, you can view them in settings, but this should only be done on a device you trust.

Finding your IP address on Windows

On a Windows computer, the fastest way is to open the Command Prompt and type a single command. Click the Start button, type cmd, and press Enter. A black window will open. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the line that says "IPv4 Address" — the number next to it is your IP address.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can find it in Settings instead. Open Settings, click Network & Internet, then Status. Scroll down and click "View your network properties." Your IPv4 address will be listed there. Both methods show the same number; use whichever feels more comfortable.

Finding your IP address on Mac and Linux

On a Mac, open System Preferences and click Network. Select the connection you use (usually Wi-Fi), and your IP address appears in the window. It will be labeled as "IP Address" and look like 192.168.x.x or 10.0.x.x.

On Linux, open a terminal window and type hostname -I, then press Enter. Your IP address will display on the next line. If that does not work, try ifconfig instead and look for the "inet" line under your active connection.

Finding your IP address on phones and tablets

On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap Wi-Fi, and tap the information icon (i) next to the network you are connected to. Your IP address appears under "IP Address." On Android, open Settings, tap About Phone (or About Tablet), then tap Status or Network. Your IP address will be listed as "IP Address."

If you cannot find it in those locations, try opening Settings, tapping Network & Internet, then Wi-Fi, and long-pressing the network name. A menu will appear with connection details including your IP address.

Finding your username on apps and websites

Your username is usually visible in the account or profile section of the service where you created it. Open the app or website, look for a menu icon (often three horizontal lines, a gear, or your profile picture), and tap or click it. Look for options labeled "Account," "Profile," "Settings," or "My Account." Your username is often displayed at the top of this section or next to your profile picture.

If you cannot find it there, check the email address associated with the account — many services now use your email as your username, or they show both side by side. If you created the account years ago and cannot remember the username, you can still log in using the email address you registered with, and then view your username in the account settings.

What to do if you forgot your password

You cannot retrieve a forgotten password from your device or from the service itself — passwords are stored encrypted, which means even the company that runs the service cannot see them. Instead, you must reset it using the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. Click that link, enter the email address or username associated with the account, and the service will send you a link to create a new password.

Check your email inbox and spam folder for the reset link. Click it and follow the instructions to create a new password. Make sure your new password is something you can remember, or write it down in a find location like a password manager. If you do not receive the reset email within a few minutes, check that you entered the correct email address and try again.

Viewing passwords you have already saved

If you saved a password in your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge), you can view it in the browser's settings. In Chrome, click the three-dot menu, go to Settings, then Passwords. Find the account you want, click the eye icon next to the password, and it will display. Firefox and Safari have similar options in their settings menus under Passwords or Logins.

If you use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass, open the manager, find the account, and view the password there. Only do this on a device you trust and own. Never view or share passwords on a shared computer or in front of others. If someone else needs access to an account, change the password to something temporary, give it to them, and ask them to change it to something only they know.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same as my password?

No. Your IP address is a number your internet provider assigns to your device so data can reach it — it is not secret and changes periodically. Your password is a secret code you create to protect your account. They are completely separate things.

Can I change my IP address?

Your IP address is assigned by your internet provider and changes automatically over time. If you need to change it when ready, restart your modem and router. If you want to hide your IP address from websites, you can use a VPN (virtual private network), but this is different from changing it.

What should I do if I think someone knows my password?

Change it when ready using the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. Create a new password that is at least 12 characters long and includes numbers, uppercase letters, and symbols. If the account is connected to payment information or email, check for unauthorized activity and consider enabling two-factor authentication if the service offers it.

Why does my IP address look different on different websites?

It should not. If you see different IP addresses on different websites, one of them may be showing your VPN's IP address instead of your real one, or you may have switched networks between checks. Your actual IP address remains the same while you are on the same network.

Can I find someone else's IP address or password?

You cannot find someone else's password — it is encrypted and only they can reset it. You can sometimes see someone else's IP address if they are on your home network (your router's settings page shows connected devices), but accessing someone else's accounts or passwords without permission is illegal.