Finding Your IP Address on Windows, Mac, and Linux

Your IP address is a set of numbers that identifies your computer on a network — like a mailing address for data. Every device connected to the internet or a local network has one. You may need it to troubleshoot connection problems, set up a printer, access your router, or share files with another computer.

The steps differ slightly depending on your operating system. Windows, Mac, and Linux all store this information in the same place — your network settings — but the path to reach it is different on each one.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can find their IP address by opening Command Prompt and typing ipconfig, then looking for the line labeled "IPv4 Address".
  • Mac users can open System Preferences, select Network, click their active connection, and read the IP address shown in the window.
  • Linux users can open a terminal and type hostname -I or ip addr to see all IP addresses on the system.
  • Your IP address may change if you restart your router or if your internet provider reassigns it, so write it down only when you need it for a specific task.
  • The address you see on your computer is usually a local IP (used only on your home or office network), not the address the outside internet sees.

Finding Your IP Address on Windows

Open the Start menu and type Command Prompt into the search box. Click the Command Prompt app to open a black window with white text. Type the word ipconfig and press Enter.

A list of information will appear. Look for the section labeled with your network connection name — usually "Ethernet" if you are plugged in with a cable, or "Wireless LAN adapter" if you are using Wi-Fi. Under that section, find the line that says IPv4 Address. The number next to it (something like 192.168.1.5) is your local IP address.

If you see multiple sections, look for the one that shows "Media State: Media connected" — that is the active connection. You can close Command Prompt once you have written down the address.

Finding Your IP Address on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Preferences (or System Settings on newer versions). Look for and click Network.

On the left side, you will see a list of connection types. Click the one with a green dot next to it — that is your active connection. The IP address appears in the main window on the right, labeled as IPv4 Address. It will be a number like 192.168.1.10 or 10.0.0.5.

If you do not see the IP address when ready, make sure the connection is selected and the window is fully open. You can close System Preferences once you have the number.

Finding Your IP Address on Linux

Open a terminal window (usually by right-clicking on the desktop or using a keyboard shortcut like Ctrl+Alt+T). Type hostname -I and press Enter. Your IP address will appear on the next line.

If you want more detail, type ip addr instead. This shows all network interfaces on your computer. Look for the section labeled "inet" — the number next to it is your IP address. Ignore any address that starts with 127.0.0.1, as that is your computer talking to itself.

Understanding Local vs. Public IP Addresses

The address you find on your computer is your local IP address — it only works on your home or office network. It is used to identify your computer to your router and other devices nearby. These addresses always start with 10, 172, or 192.

Your public IP address is different. It is assigned by your internet provider and is what websites and online services see when you connect. You cannot find your public IP address on your computer the same way — you would need to visit a website like whatismyipaddress.com to see it. Most people need their local IP address for home troubleshooting, not their public one.

Why Your IP Address Might Change

Your local IP address is usually assigned by your router using a system called DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). This means your computer may get a different address each time you restart, though it often gets the same one if you restart quickly.

If you need the same address every time — for example, to set up port forwarding or to always reach a printer at the same number — you can set a static IP address in your router settings. This tells the router to always give your computer the same address. The steps vary by router model, so check your router's manual or support page for instructions.

What to Do If You Cannot Find Your IP Address

If the steps above do not show an address, your computer may not be connected to the network. Check that your Wi-Fi is turned on or that your ethernet cable is plugged in. Wait a few seconds and try again — sometimes the connection takes a moment to establish.

If you are still seeing no address after reconnecting, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait two minutes for it to fully restart, then try the steps above again. If the problem continues, your network hardware may need repair or replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

IPv4 addresses use four numbers separated by dots (like 192.168.1.1), while IPv6 addresses use letters and numbers separated by colons (like 2001:0db8::1). IPv6 is newer and allows for many more addresses, but most home networks still use IPv4. Both may appear on your computer if your network supports both.

Can I change my IP address myself?

You can set a static local IP address through your router settings, which prevents it from changing. You cannot change your public IP address directly, but it may change if you restart your modem or contact your internet provider. Changing your local address requires access to your router's admin panel, usually found by typing your router's IP address into a web browser.

Why do I need my IP address?

You may need it to troubleshoot network problems, set up a printer or other device on your network, access your router's settings, or allow another computer to connect to yours. If someone asks for your IP address for a specific task, they are almost always asking for your local address, not your public one.

Is my IP address private information?

Your local IP address is only visible to devices on your own network, so it is not a privacy concern. Your public IP address is visible to websites you visit, but it only identifies your internet connection, not you personally. Your internet provider can link it to your account, but websites cannot.