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 dots, such as 192.168.1.5 (for a local network) or something like 203.0.113.42 (for the internet). You need this number when you're troubleshooting connection problems, setting up a printer or security camera on your home network, accessing your computer remotely, or helping a tech support person diagnose an issue.

Every device connected to a network has an IP address. Your computer actually has two: a local IP address (the one your router assigns to it at home) and a public IP address (the one the internet sees when you browse). Most of the time, you'll need the local one. Finding either one takes less than a minute and requires no special tools.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address is found in your network settings on Windows, Mac, or Linux, and takes about 30 seconds to locate.
  • Windows users can open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to see the address listed as "IPv4 Address".
  • Mac users can open System Settings, go to Network, select your connection, and read the IP address shown there.
  • Your public IP address (what the internet sees) can be found by visiting a website like whatismyipaddress.com in any browser.
  • If you need to use your computer's IP address regularly, you can set a static local IP in your router so it doesn't change.

Finding your local IP address on Windows

On Windows, the fastest way is through Command Prompt. Press the Windows key and type cmd, then open Command Prompt. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the line that says "IPv4 Address" — that's your local IP address. It will be four numbers separated by dots, usually starting with 192.168.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can also find it in Settings. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), and scroll down. Your IP address will be listed under "IP address". Both methods show the same number; use whichever feels more comfortable to you.

Finding your local IP address on Mac

On Mac, open System Settings and click Network on the left side. Select the connection you're using (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Your IP address appears on the right side of the window, listed as "IP Address". This is the quickest route and requires no typing.

Alternatively, you can open Terminal (found in Applications > Utilities) and type ifconfig, then press Enter. Look for the line that starts with "inet" under your active connection — that's your local IP address. The Terminal method shows more network details if you need them, but the Settings method is simpler for just finding the address itself.

Finding your local IP address on Linux

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

If you need more detailed information about your network setup, you can type ifconfig or ip addr instead, which will show additional details like your gateway and DNS servers. All three commands show your local IP address; the difference is how much extra information you see.

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 visit a site like whatismyipaddress.com, myip.com, or ipchicken.com. The site will display your public IP address within seconds — no installation or login needed.

Your public IP address changes periodically (usually when your internet service provider reassigns it or when you restart your modem), whereas your local IP address stays the same until you change your router settings or restart your computer. If you're checking your public IP to troubleshoot an internet issue, write it down before you restart anything, since restarting your modem may change it.

Understanding the difference between local and public IP addresses

Your local IP address is assigned by your router and is only visible to devices on your home network. It's what you use when you're connecting a printer, setting up a smart home device, or accessing another computer in your house. These addresses always start with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16. Think of it as your computer's address within your home.

Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and is visible to every website and service you visit on the internet. It's what identifies your home network to the outside world. If you need to access your computer from outside your home, you'll typically use the public IP address combined with port forwarding settings on your router — but that's a more advanced setup that requires changes to your router configuration.

When you might need to write down or remember your IP address

You'll need your local IP address when setting up devices on your home network, such as a printer, security camera, or network storage drive. You may also need it if a tech support person asks for it while troubleshooting your connection, or if you're trying to access your computer from another device on the same network. In these cases, you can look it up fresh each time — you don't need to memorize it.

You'll need your public IP address less often, but it's useful if you're setting up remote access to your computer, running a server, or troubleshooting issues with your internet connection. If your public IP address changes frequently and you need it to stay the same, contact your internet service provider — some plans offer a static public IP for an additional fee, though this is uncommon for home internet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my IP address change?

Your local IP address usually stays the same unless you restart your router or change your network settings. Your public IP address changes periodically — sometimes weekly, sometimes monthly — depending on your internet service provider. If you need either one to stay constant, you can request a static IP from your provider or configure your router to assign a fixed local address to your device.

Is it safe to share my IP address?

Sharing your local IP address is safe — it's only useful to people on your home network. Sharing your public IP address is generally low-risk, but avoid posting it publicly online. Your public IP alone doesn't expose your personal data, but combined with other information it could help someone target you. When a tech support person asks for your IP, it's fine to provide it.

What if I can't find my IP address using these steps?

Make sure you're connected to the network first — check that Wi-Fi or Ethernet is active. If you're using Command Prompt or Terminal and the commands don't work, try running them as administrator (Windows) or with sudo (Mac/Linux). If you're still stuck, restart your computer and try again, or contact your internet service provider for help.

Can I change my IP address?

Your local IP address can be changed through your router settings, though this is rarely necessary. Your public IP address cannot be changed directly, but restarting your modem may cause your provider to assign you a new one. If you need a permanent public IP, contact your internet service provider about static IP options.