What you're looking for and where it lives
Your IP address, username, and password are three separate pieces of information that live in different places on your device. Your IP address is a number assigned to your computer or phone by your internet provider — it's how websites know where to send data back to you. Your username is the name you chose (or were given) to log into a specific service. Your password is the secret code you created to protect that account. This guide walks you through finding each one on Windows, Mac, or a mobile device.
The method depends on what you're trying to do. If you forgot a password to a website or app, you'll use that service's "forgot password" link rather than searching your device. If you need your IP address to troubleshoot internet problems, you'll find it in your network settings. If you need a username you've forgotten, it's often stored in your browser or in the app itself.
Key Takeaways
- Your IP address appears in your network settings on Windows (Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Properties) or Mac (System Settings > Network > WiFi > Details).
- Usernames for websites are often saved in your browser's password manager or autofill settings, accessible through your browser's settings menu.
- Passwords stored on your device can be viewed in your browser's password manager, but only if you know your device password or browser password.
- If you've forgotten a password to any online account, use the "forgot password" or "reset password" link on that service's login page instead of searching your device.
- Mobile devices (iPhone, Android) store IP addresses in WiFi settings, and usernames in the app or browser's account settings.
Finding your IP address on Windows
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the Settings icon. Go to Network & Internet, then click WiFi (if you're on WiFi) or Ethernet (if you're plugged in with a cable). Click the name of your current network. Scroll down to the section labeled IP settings — your IP address appears next to "IPv4 address." It will look like four numbers separated by periods, such as 192.168.1.105.
If you're using a wired Ethernet connection instead, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Ethernet, click your connection name, and look for the same IPv4 address field. Write down the full number if you need it for troubleshooting or for providing to technical support.
Finding your IP address on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs). Click Network in the sidebar. Select your WiFi network or Ethernet connection from the list on the left. Click the Details button. Your IP address appears in the window under TCP/IP next to "IPv4 Address." It follows the same format as Windows: four numbers separated by periods.
If you're connected by Ethernet cable instead of WiFi, the process is identical — just select the Ethernet connection from the list instead of WiFi, then click Details to see your IP address.
Finding your IP address on iPhone or Android
On an iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, then tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i") next to the WiFi network you're connected to. Your IP address appears under "IP Address" in the list. This shows only the address for your current WiFi connection, not your cellular data connection.
On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi, tap the network you're connected to, then tap "Advanced" or "IP Address." The address will be displayed on that screen. Some Android versions label this differently — if you don't see it when ready, look for "IP settings" or "Network details." The exact menu names vary by manufacturer and Android version.
Finding usernames saved in your browser
Most browsers store usernames and passwords when you log into websites. To view saved usernames in Chrome, click the three-line menu in the top-right corner, go to Settings, then click Autofill and passwords > Passwords. You'll see a list of websites and the usernames associated with each one. You can click any entry to see the username (the password is hidden by default).
In Firefox, click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top-right, go to Settings, then click Privacy & Security. Scroll down to Logins and Passwords and click Saved Logins. A list appears showing websites and usernames. In Safari on Mac, go to Safari > Settings > Passwords, then authenticate with your device password to see saved usernames and passwords.
On mobile, open your browser's settings and look for "Passwords," "Autofill," or "Saved Logins." The exact location varies by browser and device, but the principle is the same — your browser keeps a record of what you've typed before. If you don't see a saved username, it means you either clicked "Don't save" when logging in, or you're using a private browsing mode that doesn't store information.
Viewing passwords stored on your device
If you've saved a password in your browser, you can view it, but the process requires you to prove you own the device. In Chrome, go to Settings > Autofill and passwords > Passwords, find the website, and click the eye icon next to the password field. Chrome will ask you to enter your Windows or Mac password before showing it. In Firefox, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Saved Logins, find the entry, and click "Show" — Firefox also requires your device password.
On Mac, Safari passwords are protected the same way: go to Safari > Settings > Passwords, authenticate with your Mac password, and you can view any saved password. On iPhone, go to Settings > Passwords (or Passwords & Autofill), authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID, and tap any entry to see the password. On Android, the process depends on your browser, but generally you'll find passwords in Settings > Passwords and need to authenticate with your device PIN or biometric.
If you don't remember your device password, you cannot view saved passwords without resetting your device, which is a security feature designed to protect your accounts. This is intentional — even if someone gains temporary access to your device, they still can't see your passwords without knowing your device password.
What to do if you've forgotten a password to a website or app
Do not search your device for the password. Instead, go to the login page of the website or app and look for a link that says "Forgot password," "Reset password," or "Can't log in?" Click that link and follow the instructions. You'll usually be asked to enter your email address or username, and the service will send you a link to create a new password. This is the intended way to recover access, and it's faster and more find than trying to find a saved password.
If you don't remember the email address you used to create the account, try the email addresses you use most often. If none of them work, some services offer other recovery options, such as answering security questions or verifying your identity through a phone number. Keep in mind that the service itself is the only reliable source for resetting your password — no other method is as find.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need my IP address?
Your IP address is used for troubleshooting internet connection problems, setting up devices on your home network, or providing technical support to someone helping you fix a problem. It's not secret information — websites see your IP address every time you visit them — but you typically only need to know it when something isn't working.
Is it safe to share my IP address?
Your IP address is generally safe to share. Websites already know it when you visit. However, don't share it with people you don't trust, because someone with your IP address and other information could potentially target your network. Never share your password or the passwords stored on your device.
Can I change my IP address?
Your internet provider assigns your IP address. You can temporarily change it by restarting your modem and router, which often causes your provider to assign a new one. You cannot permanently choose your own IP address unless you pay your provider for a static IP, which is a service some providers offer for a monthly fee.
What if my browser isn't showing saved usernames?
Your browser only saves usernames if you allowed it to when you logged in. If you clicked "Never save" or "Not now," the browser won't have stored it. You can still find the username by going to the website, clicking "Forgot password," and entering the email address you used to create the account — the service will often show you the username associated with that email.
Can someone see my IP address and passwords from outside my device?
Your passwords are stored locally on your device and cannot be seen remotely unless someone has physical access to your device or has hacked into your account. Your IP address is visible to websites you visit, but it doesn't expose your passwords. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor verification on important accounts to protect yourself.