What an IP Address Is and Why You Might Need It

Your computer's IP address is a set of numbers that identifies your device on a network — either your home network or the internet. It looks like four numbers separated by periods, such as 192.168.1.5 (for a local network) or something like 203.45.67.89 (for the internet). You may need to find it to troubleshoot connection problems, set up a printer or router, access your computer remotely, or give technical support to someone helping you.

Every device connected to a network has an IP address. Your computer actually has two: a local IP address that identifies it within your home or office network, and a public IP address that identifies you to the wider internet. Most of the time, you will be looking for the local one.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address is found in your network settings and typically starts with 192.168 or 10.
  • Windows users can find it by opening Command Prompt and typing ipconfig, then looking for "IPv4 Address".
  • Mac users can find it in System Settings under Network, or by opening Terminal and typing ifconfig.
  • Your public IP address (the one the internet sees) can be found by searching "what is my IP" in any web browser.
  • If you are setting up a device on your home network, you almost always need the local IP address, not the public one.

Finding Your Local IP Address on Windows

The fastest way on Windows is to use Command Prompt. Click the Start button, type cmd into the search box, and press Enter. A black window will open.

Type ipconfig and press Enter. You will see a list of information. Look for the section labeled "Ethernet adapter" or "Wireless LAN adapter" — whichever one you are using to connect to the internet. Next to "IPv4 Address" you will see a number like 192.168.1.5 or 10.0.0.3. That is your local IP address. Write it down or take a screenshot.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can also find it through Settings. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then select your connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Click on the connection name, scroll down, and look for "IPv4 address" in the DNS settings section.

Finding Your Local IP Address on Mac

On a Mac, the easiest route is through System Settings. Click the Apple menu in the top left, select System Settings, then click Network in the sidebar. Select your active connection (usually Wi-Fi), and you will see "IP Address" displayed on the right side of the window. That number is your local IP address.

If you want to use Terminal instead, click the Spotlight icon (magnifying glass) in the top right, type terminal, and press Enter. In the Terminal window, type ifconfig and press Enter. Look for the section labeled "en0" (for Ethernet) or "en1" (for Wi-Fi). Next to "inet" you will see your local IP address.

Finding Your Public IP Address

Your public IP address is what websites and internet services see when you connect to them. To find it, open any web browser and search for "what is my IP" or "my IP address". The first result will show your public IP — a number like 203.45.67.89. You can also visit websites like whatismyipaddress.com or similar services.

Your public IP address changes periodically depending on your internet provider and how often you restart your modem. Your local IP address, by contrast, stays the same as long as your computer stays on the same network. For most home tasks — like connecting a printer or accessing a device remotely — you need the local address, not the public one.

Understanding the Difference Between Local and Public IP Addresses

Think of your local IP address as your home address within your neighborhood (your home network), and your public IP address as your mailing address that the post office (the internet) uses to find your house. Devices inside your home network use the local address to find and talk to each other. Devices outside your network use the public address to reach you.

If you are setting up a printer, connecting a smart home device, or accessing your computer from another device in the same house, you need the local IP address. If you are trying to understand why a website is blocking you or you need to report your location to a service, you need the public one. When in doubt, start with the local address — that is what most home setup instructions ask for.

What to Do If You Cannot Find Your IP Address

If Command Prompt or Terminal shows no results, or if the numbers look wrong (not starting with 192.168, 10, or 172), 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 the command again.

If you are still stuck, restart your computer and your router (unplug the router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in). Then run the command again. If your computer shows an IP address starting with 169.254, it means your device is not properly connected to the network — check your Wi-Fi password or Ethernet connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my IP address keep changing?

Your public IP address changes because your internet provider assigns it dynamically — it is not permanent. Your local IP address should stay the same as long as your computer stays on the same network. If your local address changes, your router may have been restarted or your computer may have been assigned a new one by your router's DHCP settings.

Is it safe to share my IP address?

Your public IP address is already visible to every website you visit, so sharing it is not a security risk by itself. Your local IP address is only visible to devices on your home network, so it is also safe to share. Never share passwords or personal information, but the IP address alone does not expose your computer to danger.

What if I need to keep the same local IP address?

You can assign a static local IP address through your router settings or your computer's network settings. On Windows, go to Network Settings, find your connection, click Edit, and toggle "IP settings" to Manual, then enter a fixed address. On Mac, go to System Settings, Network, and click Details, then TCP/IP, and set "Configure IPv4" to Manual.

Can I find someone else's IP address?

You can see the IP address of a device on your own network using Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac) with commands like arp -a or arp -l. You cannot see the IP address of someone on a different network without their permission or special tools. Attempting to do so without consent may violate laws in your area.