Finding Your IP Address on Windows

The fastest way to find your IP address on Windows is to open the Command Prompt and run a single command. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and press Enter. When the black Command Prompt window opens, type ipconfig and press Enter.

Look for the line labeled IPv4 Address. This is your local IP address — the one your computer uses on your home or office network. It usually starts with 192.168 or 10.0. If you see multiple network adapters listed (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, etc.), find the one that shows "Default Gateway" with a number in it; that is the network you are currently connected to.

If you want to find your public IP address instead — the one the internet sees when you browse — stay in Command Prompt and type curl ifconfig.me (Windows 10 and newer) or visit a site like whatismyipaddress.com in your browser. Your public IP is assigned by your internet service provider and changes periodically.

Finding Your IP Address on Mac

On Mac, open System Preferences (or System Settings on newer versions) and click Network. Your local IP address appears when ready in the window under the name of your active connection — Wi-Fi or Ethernet. It will be labeled as "IP Address" and typically starts with 192.168.

Alternatively, open Terminal (find it in Applications > Utilities) and type ifconfig, then press Enter. Scroll through the output and look for inet followed by a number; that is your local IP. For your public IP, type curl ifconfig.me in Terminal.

Finding Your IP Address on Linux

Open a terminal window and type hostname -I, then press Enter. Your local IP address will display when ready. This command works on most Linux distributions including Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian.

If that command does not work, try ip addr show instead. Look for lines starting with "inet" — the number after "inet" is your local IP. For your public IP, type curl ifconfig.me in the terminal.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address (the one on your home network) appears in Command Prompt on Windows when you type ipconfig, in System Preferences on Mac, or in Terminal on Linux with hostname -I.
  • Local IP addresses usually start with 192.168 or 10.0 and are different from your public IP address.
  • Your public IP address (the one the internet sees) can be found by typing curl ifconfig.me in Command Prompt or Terminal, or by visiting whatismyipaddress.com in your browser.
  • If you have multiple network connections, find the one with a Default Gateway listed next to it — that is the network you are actively using.

Why You Might Need Your IP Address

You need your local IP address when you are setting up a printer on your network, connecting to a computer remotely, or troubleshooting network problems. Your public IP address is useful if you are reporting a problem to your internet service provider or checking whether your location is being masked by a VPN.

Some routers and network devices also require you to type your computer's local IP into a web browser to access their settings. For example, typing 192.168.1.1 into your browser often opens your router's control panel, though the exact address depends on your router model.

Static vs. Dynamic IP Addresses

Most home computers have a dynamic IP address, which means your local IP can change when you restart your computer or reconnect to the network. This is normal and usually does not cause problems. However, if you are setting up a printer or remote access and want the IP to stay the same, you can assign a static IP address through your router settings.

Your public IP address also changes periodically — sometimes weekly or monthly — depending on your internet service provider. If you need a permanent public IP for remote work or hosting, you can contact your provider about a static public IP, though this typically costs extra.

Troubleshooting When Your IP Address Looks Wrong

If your local IP address starts with 169.254, your computer is not properly connected to the network. Restart your computer and reconnect to Wi-Fi, or check that your Ethernet cable is plugged in. If the problem continues, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

If you see no IP address at all, your network adapter may not be working. On Windows, open Device Manager (right-click the Start button and select it), find Network Adapters, and check for any devices with a yellow warning icon. On Mac or Linux, try disconnecting and reconnecting to your network.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between my local IP and my public IP?

Your local IP is assigned by your router and is only visible to devices on your home or office network. Your public IP is assigned by your internet service provider and is what websites see when you visit them. Websites cannot see your local IP unless you specifically share it.

Can someone find me using my IP address?

Your public IP can be traced to your general location (usually your city or region), but not to your exact address. Your local IP is only visible to people on your same network. If you are concerned about privacy, a VPN masks your public IP by routing your traffic through another server.

Why does my IP address keep changing?

Most internet service providers assign dynamic public IP addresses that change periodically — sometimes daily, sometimes monthly. This is normal. If you need a permanent IP, contact your provider about a static IP option. Your local IP may also change if you restart your router or computer.

Do I need to memorize my IP address?

No. You can look it up whenever you need it using the commands in this guide. Most people only need to check their IP address occasionally for troubleshooting or network setup, so there is no reason to memorize it.

Is it safe to share my IP address?

Sharing your public IP is generally safe — websites already know it when you visit them. Sharing your local IP is only safe with people on your network. Never share either IP if someone asks for it unsolicited, as it could be part of a scam.