What your IP address is and why you might need it

Your IP address is a set of numbers that identifies your device on the internet — like a mailing address for your computer or phone. It looks like four numbers separated by periods, such as 192.168.1.5 (for devices on your home network) or something like 203.45.67.89 (for your connection to the wider internet).

You might need to find your IP address to troubleshoot a connection problem, set up a printer or security camera on your home network, give technical support to someone helping you, or configure certain software. Most of the time your device handles this automatically, but sometimes you need to know the number itself.

There are two types: your local IP address (the one your device uses inside your home network) and your public IP address (the one the outside internet sees). The method you use depends on which one you need and what device you're using.

Key Takeaways

  • Your public IP address — the one websites see — can be found instantly by visiting a site like whatismyipaddress.com or by searching "what is my IP" in any search engine.
  • Your local IP address — used only within your home network — is found in your device settings, and the exact steps differ between Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android.
  • On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to see your local IP address listed as "IPv4 Address".
  • On Mac, go to System Settings, click Network, select your connection, and look for "IP Address" in the details pane.
  • On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap Wi-Fi, select your network, and the IP address appears under the network name.

Finding your public IP address

Your public IP address is what the rest of the internet sees when you connect. 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, or simply search "what is my IP" in Google, Bing, or any other search engine. The result appears at the top of the page within seconds.

You can also use ipinfo.io, myip.com, or iplocation.net — they all show the same information. These sites are safe and do not store your information or require you to sign in. Your public IP address changes when you restart your modem or router, or when your internet provider assigns you a new one (which can happen automatically).

Finding your local IP address on Windows

Your local IP address is the one your device uses to talk to other devices in your home — your printer, router, or security camera. On Windows, the quickest method is to use Command Prompt. Press the Windows key and type cmd, then press Enter to open Command Prompt.

Type ipconfig and press Enter. A list of information appears. Look for the section labeled with your network connection name (usually "Ethernet" if you're plugged in with a cable, or "Wireless LAN adapter" if you're on Wi-Fi). Find the line that says IPv4 Address — the number next to it is your local IP address, usually starting with 192.168 or 10.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can also find it through Settings. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), and look for "IP address" in the details shown.

Finding your local IP address on Mac

On Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions). Click Network in the sidebar. Select the connection you're using — either Wi-Fi or Ethernet — from the list on the left.

On the right side of the window, you will see a details pane. Look for the line labeled IP Address. The number shown there is your local IP address. If you do not see it immediately, make sure your connection is active (you should see "Connected" next to the network name).

Finding your IP address on iPhone or iPad

Open the Settings app and tap Wi-Fi. Find the network you are currently connected to and tap the information icon (the small circle with an "i" inside it) next to the network name. The IP Address field appears in the list of details shown.

This shows only your local IP address on your home network. If you need your public IP address on an iPhone or iPad, open Safari or any web browser and visit whatismyipaddress.com, just as you would on a computer.

Finding your IP address on Android

On Android, the steps vary slightly depending on your phone's manufacturer and version of Android, but the general path is the same. Open Settings and look for a section called About Phone, System, or Network (the exact name depends on your device). Tap it and look for IP Address or Wi-Fi IP Address.

On some Android phones, you can also go to Settings, tap Wi-Fi, select the network you are connected to, and the IP address will be shown in the network details. If you cannot find it in settings, open any web browser and visit whatismyipaddress.com to see your public IP address instead.

When you might need each type of IP address

You need your local IP address when you are setting up a device that only your home network can see — a printer, security camera, router, or network-attached storage device. You also need it if you are troubleshooting a connection problem with a specific device at home, or if someone is helping you remotely and needs to know how your computer identifies itself on your network.

You need your public IP address when you are setting up remote access to your home computer from outside your network, reporting a problem to your internet provider, or if a website or service is blocking or throttling your connection and you need to know what address they are seeing. Most of the time, you do not need either one — your device handles everything automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to share my IP address?

Your public IP address is already visible to every website you visit, so sharing it is generally safe. Your local IP address is only useful to someone already on your home network, so it is also safe to share. However, do not share either one with someone you do not trust, as it could be used to attempt unauthorized access to your devices.

Why does my IP address keep changing?

Most internet providers assign you a new public IP address periodically or when you restart your modem. Your local IP address can also change if you restart your device or if your router reassigns addresses. If you need a stable local IP address for a printer or camera, you can usually set a "static" or "reserved" IP address in your router settings.

What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

IPv4 addresses use four numbers (like 192.168.1.5), while IPv6 addresses use a longer format with letters and numbers (like 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334). Most home networks still use IPv4, but IPv6 is becoming more common. Both serve the same purpose — identifying your device on a network.

Can I hide my public IP address?

Yes, by using a VPN (virtual private network) service, which routes your internet traffic through another server and shows that server's IP address instead of yours. However, a VPN is a separate service you must sign up for and install. For most everyday use, hiding your IP address is not necessary.