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

Your computer has an IP address — a unique number that lets other devices and websites know where to send information back to you. It looks like four numbers separated by dots, such as 192.168.1.5 (on your home network) or something like 203.45.67.89 (on the internet). Finding it takes less than a minute and requires no special tools — just a few clicks or typed commands depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux.

You might need your IP address to troubleshoot a connection problem, set up a printer on your home network, or give it to technical support. The steps differ slightly by operating system, but the process is straightforward on all of them.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can find their IP address by opening Settings, going to Network & Internet, and selecting your connection type to view the details.
  • Mac users can open System Settings, click Network, select their connection, and look for the IP address field on the right side.
  • Linux users can open a terminal and type ip addr or hostname -I to see their IP address when ready.
  • Your local IP address (starting with 192.168 or 10.) is different from your public IP address, which is what websites see when you browse.
  • If you need your public IP address instead, you can search "what is my IP" in any web browser to find it in seconds.

Finding your IP address in Windows 10 and 11

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Click Network & Internet on the left side of the window.

If you are connected by ethernet cable, click Ethernet. If you are using Wi-Fi, click Wi-Fi. You will see your connection name listed. Click on it, and a panel will open showing your connection details. Scroll down until you see IPv4 address — that is your local IP address. It will be four numbers separated by dots, like 192.168.1.105.

If you want more detailed information, you can also right-click the network icon in your system tray (bottom right corner) and select Open Network & Internet settings, which takes you to the same place.

Finding your IP address on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions). Click Network in the left sidebar.

You will see a list of connection types on the left — Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on how you are connected. Click the one you are using. On the right side of the window, you will see your connection details. Look for the line that says IP Address — that is the number you need. It will look similar to 192.168.1.50 or 10.0.0.25.

If you do not see the IP address field, make sure the connection is actually active. A greyed-out connection will not show an IP address until you connect to it.

Finding your IP address in Linux

Open a terminal window. The keyboard shortcut is usually Ctrl+Alt+T, though this varies by desktop environment. Once the terminal is open, type the following command and press Enter:

ip addr

Your terminal will display a list of all network connections on your computer. Look for the connection you are using — usually eth0 for ethernet or wlan0 for Wi-Fi. Next to inet, you will see your IP address. It will be four numbers separated by dots.

If that command does not work on your system, try this alternative instead:

hostname -I

This will print your IP address directly without extra information. Both commands show your local IP address on your home or office network.

Understanding local IP addresses versus public IP addresses

The IP address you find using the steps above is your local IP address — the one your computer uses on your home or office network. It usually starts with 192.168, 10., or 172.16. This address is only visible to devices on the same network as you, like your printer, router, or other computers in your house.

Your public IP address is different. It is the address that websites and internet services see when you browse online. Your router assigns this address to you, and it changes periodically depending on your internet provider. If you need your public IP address, open any web browser and search for "what is my IP" — the first result will show it to you when ready. You do not need to dig into your settings.

For most home troubleshooting, you need your local IP address. For checking what the outside world sees, you need your public IP address. Knowing the difference saves time when you are following technical support instructions.

When you might need your IP address

You need your local IP address when you are setting up a device on your home network, such as a printer, security camera, or smart speaker. You also need it if you are troubleshooting a connection problem and technical support asks for it. Some router settings also require you to know your computer's IP address so you can access them from that specific machine.

You need your public IP address much less often. Some online services ask for it if you are having connection issues, or you might need it to whitelist your connection on a security-restricted network. In most cases, you will not need either address unless someone specifically asks for it.

What to do if your IP address keeps changing

Your local IP address can change if your router restarts or if your computer has not been connected for a while. This is normal and usually not a problem. If you need your computer to have the same IP address every time, you can set up a static IP address in your router settings. This tells your router to always give your computer the same number.

The steps to do this vary by router model, but the general process is: log into your router's admin panel (usually by typing your router's IP address into a web browser), find the DHCP or IP settings, and look for an option to reserve an IP address for your computer's device name or MAC address. Your router's manual or support page will have the exact steps for your model. If this sounds complicated, you do not need to do it unless you have a specific reason — most home setups work fine with changing IP addresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same as my MAC address?

No. Your MAC address is a different identifier that only works on your local network. Your IP address is what lets you communicate across networks and the internet. Both are useful for different purposes, but they are not the same thing.

Can someone find me using my IP address?

Your public IP address can be traced to your internet provider and general location, but not to your exact home address. Your local IP address is only visible to devices on your own network. If you are concerned about privacy online, use a VPN service, which masks your public IP address.

Why does my IP address look different in different places?

You have multiple IP addresses. Your local IP address is what your home network uses. Your public IP address is what the internet sees. They are both correct — they just explore to different networks. When you search "what is my IP" online, you see your public one.

What if I cannot find the IP address field in my settings?

Make sure you are actually connected to the network. A disconnected or disabled connection will not show an IP address. If you are connected and still do not see it, try restarting your computer or reconnecting to the network. If the problem continues, restart your router as well.

Do I need to write down my IP address?

You do not need to memorize it or write it down unless you are setting up a device that needs it. You can always find it again using the same steps. If you need it for technical support, you can look it up while you are on the call or chat.