Your IP address is a number that identifies your computer on your network

Every device connected to the internet or a local network has an IP address — a unique number that lets other devices find and communicate with it. Your PC has two types: a local IP address (used only on your home or office network) and a public IP address (how the internet sees you). Most of the time, you need the local one. Finding it takes less than a minute and requires no special tools.

The steps differ slightly between Windows and Mac, but both are straightforward. You do not need administrator access, and the address will not change unless you restart your router or your network settings shift.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address appears in Windows Settings under Network or in Mac System Settings under Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on how you connect.
  • On Windows, you can also open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to see your IP address when ready.
  • On Mac, open Terminal and type ifconfig to find your local IP address in the output.
  • Your public IP address (the one the internet sees) is different from your local one and can be found by searching "what is my IP" in any browser.
  • If you need your IP address for a printer, smart home device, or remote access, you almost always need the local address, not the public one.

Finding your IP address in Windows 10 or 11

The easiest route in Windows is through Settings. Click the Start button, type Settings, and open it. Then go to Network & Internet on the left side. If you are connected by Wi-Fi, click Wi-Fi and then the name of your network. If you are plugged in with an Ethernet cable, click Ethernet instead. Your local IP address will appear under "IPv4 address" — it usually looks like 192.168.1.100 or 10.0.0.50.

If you prefer the command line, open Command Prompt by clicking Start, typing cmd, and pressing Enter. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the line that says "IPv4 Address" under your active connection. This method is faster once you know it, and the information is identical to what Settings shows.

Finding your IP address on Mac

On Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions). Click Wi-Fi on the left if you are wireless, or Network and then Ethernet if you are wired. Your local IP address appears next to "IP Address" — again, usually something like 192.168.1.100.

From Terminal, the process is equally quick. Open Terminal (find it in Applications > Utilities), type ifconfig, and press Enter. Scroll through the output and look for "inet" followed by a number. If you are on Wi-Fi, look under the section labeled "en0" or "en1". If you are wired, look under "en0" or "en5". The number next to "inet" is your local IP address.

The difference between local and public IP addresses

Your local IP address only works inside your home or office network. It is what your printer, smart TV, or security camera uses to talk to your PC. This is the address you need when setting up a device on your own network or accessing your computer from another device in the same house.

Your public IP address is what websites and internet services see when you connect to them. It is assigned by your internet service provider and changes periodically. To find it, open any browser and search "what is my IP" — the first result will show it. You rarely need this address unless you are troubleshooting internet connectivity or setting up remote access from outside your home.

Why you might need your IP address

The most common reason is to connect a new device to your network. If you are setting up a printer, security camera, or smart home device, you may need to type your PC's IP address into a web browser to reach its control panel. For example, typing 192.168.1.100 into your browser might open your printer's settings page.

You might also need it for remote access — if you want to control your PC from another computer or phone while away from home. Some remote software asks you to enter your local IP address first. Network troubleshooting is another reason: if your internet is slow or unstable, your internet service provider or a technician might ask for your IP address to diagnose the problem.

What to do if your IP address keeps changing

Local IP addresses usually stay the same for weeks or months, but they can shift if you restart your router or if your network settings change. If you need an address that does not move, you can reserve it — a process called setting a static IP or a DHCP reservation. This tells your router to always give your PC the same address.

In Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced Network Settings > More Network Adapter Options. Right-click your connection, select Properties, click Internet Protocol Version 4, and choose "Use the following IP address." Write down your current address and gateway (from ipconfig), then enter them manually. On Mac, go to System Settings > Network, click your connection, then Advanced, and set a static IP under TCP/IP. If this feels complicated, you can also log into your router's admin panel and create a DHCP reservation there — most routers have this option in their settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my local IP address the same as my public IP address?

No. Your local IP address (like 192.168.1.100) only works on your home network. Your public IP address is what the internet sees and is completely different. You need the local one for devices in your house and the public one for internet services.

Will my IP address change if I restart my computer?

Usually not. Restarting your PC does not change its IP address. Restarting your router might, because the router reassigns addresses when it powers back on. If you need a permanent address, set a static IP or DHCP reservation in your router.

Can I find someone else's IP address on my network?

Yes, but you need access to your router's admin panel. Log in (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), look for a "Connected Devices" or "DHCP Clients" section, and you will see all devices and their addresses. You cannot see devices outside your network without special tools.

What if I cannot find my IP address in Settings?

Make sure you are looking at the right connection — Wi-Fi and Ethernet have separate settings. If you are connected but still do not see an address, try restarting your router and reconnecting. If the problem persists, your network adapter may need a driver update or repair.

Do I need my IP address to use the internet normally?

No. Your computer gets an IP address automatically and uses it behind the scenes. You only need to know it if you are setting up a device, troubleshooting a problem, or accessing your PC remotely.