Where to find your IP address depends on your operating system

Your computer has an IP address — a string of numbers that identifies it on your network. You may need it to troubleshoot connection problems, set up a printer, access files remotely, or configure network devices. The steps to find it differ between Windows, Mac, and Linux, but all take less than a minute.

An IP address looks like 192.168.1.5 (called IPv4) or a longer string like 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334 (called IPv6). Most home networks use IPv4. Your computer may have both at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • In Windows 10 and 11, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then Status to see your IPv4 address when ready.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, click Network, select your connection, and your IP address appears in the Details section.
  • Linux users can open a terminal and type hostname -I to display the IP address when ready.
  • You can also find your IP address by opening Command Prompt (Windows), Terminal (Mac or Linux) and typing ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (Mac/Linux).
  • Your public IP address — the one the internet sees — is different from your local IP address and can be found by searching "what is my IP" in any browser.

Finding your IP address in Windows 10 and 11

The fastest way in Windows is through Settings. Click the Start button, type Settings, and open it. Then select Network & Internet from the left menu. Click Status, scroll down, and you will see IPv4 address listed with your computer's local IP address.

If you prefer the command line, open Command Prompt by pressing Windows key + R, typing cmd, and pressing Enter. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the line labeled IPv4 Address under your active network connection — usually Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

Both methods show your local IP address, which is the one you use to connect to devices on your home or office network. This is the address you need for most troubleshooting and device setup tasks.

Finding your IP address on Mac

Open System Settings by clicking the Apple menu and selecting System Settings. Click Network in the sidebar. Select the connection you are using — either Wi-Fi or Ethernet — and click Details. Your IPv4 address appears in the window that opens, usually labeled as IP Address.

Alternatively, open Terminal (found in Applications > Utilities) and type ifconfig, then press Enter. Scroll through the output and find inet followed by your IP address. If you are on Wi-Fi, look under the section labeled en0 or en1. If you are on Ethernet, look under en0 or en5.

The Settings method is simpler for most users, but the Terminal method works the same way every time and is useful if Settings is not responding.

Finding your IP address in Linux

Open a terminal window — the method varies by desktop environment, but usually you can right-click the desktop and select Open Terminal, or press Ctrl + Alt + T. Type hostname -I and press Enter. Your IP address appears on the next line.

If that does not work, type ifconfig and press Enter. Look for the section labeled inet under your active connection (usually eth0 for Ethernet or wlan0 for Wi-Fi). The IP address appears next to inet.

Some Linux systems do not have ifconfig installed by default. If you see a "command not found" error, try ip addr show instead. Look for the line that starts with inet under your active connection.

Understanding local IP versus public IP

The address you find using the methods above is your local IP address — the one your router assigns to your computer on your home or office network. It usually starts with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16. This is the address you use to connect to printers, file servers, smart home devices, and other machines on the same network.

Your public IP address is different. It is the address the internet sees when you browse the web or send email. To find it, open any browser and search for what is my IP. The first result will show your public IP address. This address changes periodically unless your internet provider assigns you a static IP (which usually costs extra).

For most tasks — setting up a printer, accessing a network drive, or troubleshooting a connection — you need your local IP address, not your public one.

What to do if you cannot find your IP address

If the methods above do not show an IP address, your computer may not be connected to the network. Check that your Wi-Fi is turned on or your Ethernet cable is plugged in. If you are connected but still see no address, restart your computer and try again.

On Windows, if you see an address starting with 169.254, your computer is not reaching the router. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting two minutes for it to fully start. Then restart your computer.

If you are on a network you do not control — at work or school — ask your IT department for your IP address. They may have assigned you a static address or may need to troubleshoot the connection themselves.

Why you might need your IP address

You need your local IP address to set up a network printer, access shared files on another computer, or configure a router. Some games and applications also ask for your IP address to connect to other players or devices on your network.

You need your public IP address if you are troubleshooting an internet connection issue with your provider, setting up remote access to your computer, or reporting abuse to a website. Your public IP can also be used to determine your approximate location, which is why some websites ask for it.

In most cases, you will not need either address unless something is not working or you are setting up a new device. If you are unsure which one you need, the person or device asking for it will usually specify "local IP" or "public IP".

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my IP address?

Your local IP address is assigned by your router and can be changed through the router's settings, but there is usually no reason to. Your public IP address is assigned by your internet provider and changes on its own periodically. You cannot change it unless you pay for a static IP address.

Is my IP address the same as my MAC address?

No. Your IP address is a number that identifies your computer on a network. Your MAC address is a different identifier built into your network card. Both are used for networking, but they serve different purposes. You will not need your MAC address for most tasks.

Why do I see multiple IP addresses when I run ipconfig or ifconfig?

Your computer may have multiple network connections — Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and virtual connections for programs like VirtualBox or Docker. Each connection gets its own IP address. Use the address for the connection you are actually using (usually the one marked as "active" or "up").

What if my IP address starts with 127 or 169?

An address starting with 127 (like 127.0.0.1) is your computer talking to itself — not a real network address. An address starting with 169 means your computer is not reaching the router. Restart your router and computer, then check again.

Do I need to write down my IP address?

You only need to write it down if you are setting up a device that requires it — like a printer or remote access software. For most tasks, you can look it up again whenever you need it using the steps above.