The fastest way: System Settings

Open System Settings (the gear icon in your dock or Applications folder). Click Wi-Fi in the left sidebar, then click the network you're connected to. Your IP address appears next to "IP Address" — it looks like four numbers separated by dots, such as 192.168.1.105.

If you're using Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi, click Network in the left sidebar, select Ethernet, and your IP address will be listed there.

This method takes 10 seconds and works on any recent macOS version. Write down the number if you need it for a printer, router, or network troubleshooting.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IP address appears in System Settings under Wi-Fi or Network, next to "IP Address".
  • The Terminal command ifconfig shows your IP address and other network details in one line.
  • Your router's admin page lists every device on your network and its IP address.
  • A private IP address (starting with 192.168 or 10.) is what your home network uses; your public IP is what the internet sees.

Using Terminal for a single line of information

Open Terminal (search for it in Spotlight or find it in Applications > Utilities). Type this command and press Enter:

ifconfig | grep "inet " | grep -v 127.0.0.1

Terminal will show your IP address on the line that starts with "inet". If you're on Wi-Fi, you'll see one address; if you're on Ethernet, you'll see a different one. This method is faster if you already have Terminal open or if you're troubleshooting network problems and need to check your address repeatedly.

The command filters out the loopback address (127.0.0.1), which is your computer talking to itself and not useful for network purposes.

Checking your router's device list

Your router keeps a list of every device connected to it, along with each device's IP address. Open a web browser and type your router's address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — into the address bar. Log in with your router's username and password (often printed on the router itself or in your setup paperwork).

Look for a section called Connected Devices, DHCP Clients, or Device List. Find your Mac by name and its IP address will be listed next to it. This method is useful if you want to see all devices on your network at once or if you're trying to identify which IP belongs to which computer.

Understanding private and public IP addresses

The address you see in System Settings (like 192.168.1.105) is your private IP address — it's only used inside your home or office network. Your router assigns it to you and it changes if you restart your Mac or your router.

Your public IP address is what websites and internet services see when you connect. It's assigned by your internet service provider and is the same for all devices on your network. If you need your public IP for remote access, port forwarding, or troubleshooting, search "what is my IP" in any web browser and it will display on the results page.

Why you might need your IP address

You'll need your private IP address to connect a printer to your network, access your Mac remotely from another computer, set up port forwarding on your router, or troubleshoot network problems with your internet service provider. If your Mac isn't connecting to the internet, your IT support person may ask for your IP address to diagnose the issue.

If your IP address keeps changing, your router is using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), which is normal. If you need the same address every time you restart, you can set a static IP in System Settings under Network > Advanced > TCP/IP, though this is rarely necessary for everyday use.

When your IP address doesn't appear

If System Settings shows "Not Connected" or no IP address appears, your Mac isn't connected to the network. Check that Wi-Fi is turned on (look for the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar at the top right). If Wi-Fi is on but you see no networks, move closer to your router or restart both your Mac and router.

If you're connected but Terminal shows no address, try unplugging your router for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If the problem persists, restart your Mac. If you still see no IP address after these steps, contact your internet service provider — the issue may be with your router or connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same every time I restart my Mac?

Usually not. Your router assigns a new private IP address each time you connect, though it often assigns the same one if you restart quickly. If you need the same address every time, you can set a static IP in System Settings, but most people don't need to do this.

Can someone hack me if they know my IP address?

Knowing your IP address alone doesn't let someone access your Mac. They would also need to know your password, find an open port on your router, or exploit a specific software vulnerability. Your Mac's firewall is on by default and blocks most incoming connections.

Why do I see multiple IP addresses in Terminal?

You may have both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connected at the same time, or you may be running virtual machines or network tools that create additional addresses. The one you need is usually the one next to your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) in System Settings.

What's the difference between 192.168 and 10.0 addresses?

Both are private IP ranges used inside networks. Your router decides which range to use. Most home routers use 192.168, while some businesses use 10.0. Either one works the same way — the difference is just which range your router chose.