What you need to know about finding a site's IP address

A website's IP address is the numerical identifier that points your browser to the server where the site lives. Instead of typing numbers, you type a domain name like example.com, and your computer translates that name into an IP address behind the scenes. You can see that IP address yourself using free tools built into your operating system or available online — no special software or account required.

The most common reasons to look up a site's IP are to troubleshoot connection problems, check whether two domains point to the same server, or understand where a website is hosted geographically. The process takes less than a minute and works the same way whether you're on Windows, Mac, or Linux.

Key Takeaways

  • The quickest method on Windows is opening Command Prompt and typing nslookup example.com, replacing example.com with the actual domain.
  • On Mac or Linux, open Terminal and type dig example.com or nslookup example.com to see the IP address in the results.
  • Online tools like MXToolbox, WHOIS lookup sites, and DNS checkers show IP addresses without opening a terminal, and they also display related information like the hosting provider.
  • An IP address alone does not tell you much — the same IP can host hundreds of websites, and knowing it does not reveal the site's owner or purpose.

Using Command Prompt on Windows

Open Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key, typing cmd, and pressing Enter. A black window will appear with a blinking cursor.

Type nslookup example.com (replacing example.com with the actual domain you want to check) and press Enter. Within a second or two, the tool will display the IP address under a line that says "Address:". The number will look like four groups of digits separated by periods, such as 93.184.216.34.

If you see a message saying the server could not be found, either the domain name is misspelled or your internet connection is not working. Check the spelling and try again.

Using Terminal on Mac or Linux

Open Terminal by pressing Command+Space, typing terminal, and pressing Enter on Mac. On Linux, open Terminal from your applications menu or press Ctrl+Alt+T.

Type dig example.com (replacing example.com with the domain you want) and press Enter. Look for the section labeled "ANSWER SECTION" — the IP address appears in the rightmost column of that section, usually on the first line.

Alternatively, type nslookup example.com and press Enter. The IP address will appear next to "Address:" just as it does on Windows. Both commands work on Mac and Linux, so use whichever one you prefer.

Using online IP lookup tools

If you do not want to open a terminal or command prompt, websites like MXToolbox, WHOIS lookup services, and DNS checkers let you type a domain name into a web form and see the IP address instantly. Search for "IP lookup" or "DNS lookup" and choose any result — they all work similarly.

Type the domain name into the search box and click the button to look it up. The IP address will appear on the results page, often alongside other useful information like the hosting provider's name, the country where the server is located, and whether the domain is registered.

These tools are especially useful if you want to see additional details beyond just the IP address, or if you prefer not to use the command line. They are free and do not require you to create an account.

What the IP address tells you (and what it does not)

An IP address shows you the server where a website is hosted and can reveal the general geographic location of that server. It also lets you check whether two different domain names point to the same server — if they have the same IP address, they do.

However, an IP address alone does not tell you who owns the website, what the site is used for, or whether it is safe to visit. Many websites share the same IP address because they are hosted on the same server, so seeing an IP does not identify the site's owner. If you need to know who registered a domain, you would look up the domain's WHOIS record instead, which is a separate process.

Troubleshooting when the lookup fails

If the command returns an error or times out, first check that you spelled the domain name correctly. Common mistakes include including "www." at the start (type just example.com, not www.example.com) or adding extra spaces.

If the spelling is correct but the lookup still fails, your internet connection may be down, or your computer may not be able to reach the DNS servers it uses to translate domain names into IP addresses. Try visiting the website in your browser — if that works, your connection is fine and the lookup tool may just be having a temporary issue. Wait a moment and try the lookup again.

If the website itself does not load in your browser, restart your router and try again. If the problem persists, contact your internet provider to check whether your connection is working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find the IP address of a website that is blocked or not loading?

Yes. The lookup tools work independently of whether the website itself is reachable. You can find the IP address even if the site is down, blocked by your network, or not responding. The IP address is stored in DNS records, which are separate from the website's server.

What is the difference between nslookup and dig?

Both tools do the same job — they translate a domain name into an IP address. nslookup works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. dig is more detailed and works on Mac and Linux. For finding an IP address, either one works fine; dig shows more technical information if you need it.

Does finding a site's IP address tell me if it is safe to visit?

No. An IP address is just a location on the internet. It does not indicate whether a website contains malware, phishing attempts, or other threats. To check a site's safety, use your browser's built-in security features or a separate security tool designed to scan websites for threats.

Can I find the IP address of a website on my phone?

Yes, using an online lookup tool. Search for "IP lookup" in your phone's browser, type the domain name into the form, and the tool will show you the IP address. You cannot easily use Command Prompt or Terminal on a phone, so online tools are the fastest option on mobile devices.

Why do some domains have multiple IP addresses?

Large websites often use multiple servers to handle traffic, and a single domain name can point to several IP addresses. When you look up the domain, you may see one IP address listed, but the site may rotate between several behind the scenes. This is normal and helps websites stay fast and reliable.