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, similar to how a mailing address identifies your home. It looks like four numbers separated by periods — for example, 192.168.1.5 — and every device connected to the internet has one. You might need to find yours to troubleshoot a connection problem, set up a printer or router, join a video call, or give technical support to someone helping you fix something.

There are two types of IP addresses you might encounter. Your private IP address is what your device uses inside your home or office network. Your public IP address is what websites and services see when you connect to the internet — it's assigned by your internet service provider and is the same for all devices in your home unless you use a VPN.

Key Takeaways

  • Your private IP address appears in your device settings and is different from your public IP address, which is what the outside internet sees.
  • On Windows, you can find your private IP by opening Command Prompt and typing ipconfig, then looking for the line labeled "IPv4 Address".
  • On Mac, go to System Settings, click Network, select your connection, and look for the IP address listed there.
  • To find your public IP address, visit a website like whatismyipaddress.com or search "what is my IP" in any search engine.
  • Your IP address changes when you restart your router or move to a different network, so you may need to check it again if you're troubleshooting a problem later.

Finding your private IP address on Windows

The fastest way on Windows is to use Command Prompt. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and open Command Prompt. Type ipconfig and press Enter. A list of information will appear. Look for the line that says "IPv4 Address" — the number next to it is your private IP address.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can also find it in Settings. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), and look for the IP address listed under your active connection. This method takes a few more clicks but shows the same information.

Finding your private IP address on Mac

On Mac, open System Settings and click Network in the sidebar. Select the connection you're using — either Wi-Fi or Ethernet — and your IP address will appear on the right side of the window next to "IP Address". This is your private IP address on your local network.

If you're using an older version of macOS, the steps are similar but the menu may be labeled System Preferences instead of System Settings. The location of the Network settings remains the same, and the IP address will display in the same position once you select your active connection.

Finding your private IP address on iPhone or iPad

Open Settings and tap Wi-Fi. Find the network you're connected to and tap the information icon (the small circle with an "i" next to the network name). Your IP address will appear on the next screen labeled "IP Address".

This method only works when you're connected to Wi-Fi — cellular connections use a different system and don't display an IP address in the same way. If you need your IP address while using cellular data, you'll need to switch to Wi-Fi or use the public IP method described later in this guide.

Finding your private IP address on Android

Open Settings and look for a section called Network, Connections, or Wi-Fi (the exact name varies by manufacturer). Tap the network you're connected to, and your IP address should appear on the details screen. Some Android devices require you to tap "Advanced" or "More" to see the full information.

If you don't see the IP address immediately, check under a section labeled "IP Settings" or "DHCP" — different Android manufacturers place this information in different locations. Once you find it, the IP address will be listed alongside other network details like your gateway and DNS server.

Finding your public IP address

Your public IP address is what the internet sees when you connect. The simplest way to find it is to open any web browser and search for "what is my IP" or visit a site like whatismyipaddress.com. The site will display your public IP address immediately — no login or installation needed.

Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and is shared by all devices in your home. It changes periodically when you restart your router or when your provider reassigns it, which can happen anywhere from daily to monthly depending on your service plan.

When and why your IP address changes

Your private IP address usually stays the same as long as you stay on the same network and don't restart your device or router. However, if you move to a different Wi-Fi network or restart your router, your private IP may change. Your public IP address changes less frequently but can shift if you restart your modem or if your internet service provider reassigns it.

If you're troubleshooting a problem and need to check your IP address again later, remember that it may have changed since the last time you looked. This is normal and expected — you simply check it again using the same method. If a technician asks you to provide your IP address, always check it at that moment rather than relying on a number from earlier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same as my MAC address?

No. Your MAC address is a different identifier that works only on your local network, while your IP address works across the internet. They serve different purposes and look completely different — MAC addresses use letters and numbers separated by colons, while IP addresses use four numbers separated by periods.

Can someone find my location from my IP address?

Your public IP address can reveal your general location — usually your city or region — but not your exact address or home. Your private IP address is only visible to devices on your own network, so it reveals nothing to the outside internet.

Why do I need my IP address for a printer or router?

Some printers and routers require you to enter their IP address into a web browser to access their settings or control panel. Knowing your device's IP address lets you connect to it directly rather than searching for it on your network.

What if I can't find my IP address using these steps?

Make sure you're connected to the network you're checking. If you're looking for your private IP address, you must be on Wi-Fi or plugged in with Ethernet. If you're still having trouble, restart your device and try again — sometimes the network settings need to refresh.