What an IP address is and why you might need it

An IP address is a unique number assigned to your computer on a network. It looks like four numbers separated by dots — for example, 192.168.1.5 — and it works like a mailing address for your device. When you send data across the internet or a home network, your computer uses this address so other devices know where to send information back.

You might need to find your IP address to troubleshoot a network problem, set up a printer or security camera on your home network, connect to a remote computer, or provide it to technical support. There are two types: your local IP address (the one on your home or office network) and your public IP address (the one the wider internet sees). Most of the time, you need the local one.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address appears in your network settings and usually starts with 192.168 or 10.
  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, and look under "IP settings" or use the Command Prompt command ipconfig.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, click Network, select your connection, and the IP address appears under "Status".
  • Your public IP address (what websites see) is different from your local one and can be found by searching "what is my IP" in any web browser.
  • If you cannot find your IP address in settings, restart your device or reconnect to your network, then try again.

Finding your local IP address on Windows

The quickest way on Windows is to use the Command Prompt. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and open Command Prompt. Type ipconfig and press Enter. A list of network information appears. Look for "IPv4 Address" — that is your local IP address. It usually starts with 192.168 or 10.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can find it in Settings instead. Open Settings, click "Network & Internet," then select "Wi-Fi" or "Ethernet" depending on how you are connected. Click the network name you are using, and scroll down to "IP settings." Your IPv4 address is listed there.

Finding your local IP address on Mac

On a Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions) and click "Network" in the sidebar. Select the network connection you are using — usually "Wi-Fi" or "Ethernet." Click the "Details" or "Advanced" button if needed. Your IP address appears next to "IPv4 Address" or straightforward "IP Address."

Alternatively, you can use Terminal. Open Terminal (found in Applications > Utilities), type ifconfig, and press Enter. Look for "inet" followed by a number — that is your local IP address. Ignore lines that show 127.0.0.1, which is a special address your computer uses only to talk to itself.

Finding your local IP address on Linux

On Linux, open a terminal and type hostname -I or ip addr and press Enter. The output shows your local IP address. If you are using a graphical desktop, you can also right-click the network icon in the system tray, select "Connection Information," and find your IP address there.

The exact steps vary depending on which Linux distribution and desktop environment you use. If you are unsure which command to run, try hostname -I first — it works on most modern Linux systems and shows only the IP address without extra information.

Finding your public IP address

Your public IP address is what the internet sees when you visit a website. It is different from your local IP address and is assigned by your internet service provider. To find it, open any web browser and search for "what is my IP" or "my IP address." Several websites appear at the top of the results, and they all display your public IP when ready.

You can also visit sites like whatismyipaddress.com or ipinfo.io directly. These pages show your public IP address, your approximate location based on that address, and sometimes your internet service provider name. This information is public — websites you visit can see it — but it does not reveal your home address or personal details.

What to do if you cannot find your IP address

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

If you are on a corporate or school network, your IP address might be hidden or managed differently. Ask your IT department or network administrator for help. If you are using a VPN (a tool that masks your internet activity), your public IP address will show the VPN's address instead of your real one.

Why your IP address might change

Your local IP address can change if you restart your router, if your device reconnects to the network, or if your router's settings are configured to assign new addresses regularly. Most home routers do this automatically. If you need your IP address to stay the same — for example, to set up port forwarding for a game or remote access — you can assign a static IP address in your router's settings. Your router's manual or support page explains how to do this.

Your public IP address changes less often but can shift if you restart your modem, if your internet service provider reassigns addresses, or if you switch networks entirely. If you need a stable public IP for work or remote access, contact your internet service provider to ask about a static public IP option, though this usually costs extra.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same as my MAC address?

No. Your MAC address is a different identifier used only on your local network, while your IP address is used across networks and the internet. Both appear in your network settings, but they serve different purposes. You need your IP address to connect to the internet; your MAC address is mainly used by your router to recognize your device on the home network.

Can someone find my home address from my IP address?

Your public IP address can be traced to your internet service provider and approximate geographic location, but it does not reveal your street address or home. Your ISP has that information, but they do not share it publicly. Your local IP address (192.168.x.x) is private and only visible to devices on your own network.

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

Your device may have multiple network connections — for example, both Wi-Fi and Ethernet, or a virtual network adapter. Each connection gets its own IP address. Use the one that matches the network you are actually using. If you are on Wi-Fi, look for the address under the Wi-Fi adapter; if you are wired, look under Ethernet.

What if my IP address starts with 169.169?

An address starting with 169.169 means your device could not reach your router or DHCP server (the device that assigns IP addresses). Restart your router and reconnect your device. If the problem continues, your router may need a restart or a settings check. Restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.