What an IP address is and why you need it

Your computer's IP address is a unique number that identifies it on a network — the same way a street address identifies your house. Every device connected to the internet or a local network has one. You may need to find yours to troubleshoot a connection problem, set up a printer or security camera on your home network, access your computer remotely, or give technical support to someone helping you.

There are two types. Your local IP address (or private IP) is what your computer uses on your home or office network. Your public IP address is what the internet sees when you browse — it's assigned by your internet service provider and is the same for all devices in your home.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to see your local IP address when ready.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings, click Network, select your connection, and look for the IP address field.
  • Your public IP address appears when you search "what is my IP" in any web browser.
  • Local IP addresses usually start with 192.168 or 10.0 and are only visible within your home or office network.
  • If you need your IP address for a specific task — like connecting a device or troubleshooting — write it down before you close the window.

Finding your local IP address on Windows

The fastest way is through Command Prompt. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and press Enter. A black window opens. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the line labeled "IPv4 Address" — that is your local IP address. It usually looks like 192.168.1.100 or 10.0.0.50.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can find it through Settings instead. Open Settings, click Network & Internet, then select your connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Scroll down to "Properties" and look for "IPv4 address" in the list.

Write down the address if you need it for a device setup or troubleshooting step. Close the window when you are done.

Finding your local IP address on Mac

Open System Settings and click Network in the sidebar. Select the connection you are using — Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Your local IP address appears in the details panel on the right side, labeled "IP Address." It follows the same pattern as Windows addresses: usually 192.168.x.x or 10.0.x.x.

If you do not see the Network option in System Settings, your Mac version may use a different layout. In older versions, open System Preferences, click Network, select your connection, and the IP address appears in the main window.

Finding your public IP address

Your public IP address is what websites see when you visit them. To find it, open any web browser and search for "what is my IP." The first result will show your public address — a four-part number like 203.45.67.89. You can also visit websites like whatismyipaddress.com or ipinfo.io, which display it when ready.

Your public IP address changes periodically (usually when you restart your modem or router, or on a schedule set by your internet provider). If you need it for a specific reason — like setting up remote access or port forwarding — check it right before you use it, because it may be different the next time you look.

When you need your local IP versus your public IP

Use your local IP address when you are setting up or connecting to devices on your home network: printers, security cameras, smart home devices, or another computer in the same house. You also use it when troubleshooting network problems or accessing your router's settings.

Use your public IP address when you need to access your computer from outside your home network, or when a service asks for your IP address for security or account purposes. Most of the time, you do not need your public IP — websites already know it when you visit.

Troubleshooting if you cannot find your IP address

If the steps above do not show an IP address, your computer may not be connected to the network. Check that your Wi-Fi is on or your Ethernet cable is plugged in. Wait a few seconds and try again — sometimes a connection takes a moment to establish.

If you are still seeing no address, restart your computer and your router. Unplug the router, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Once the lights stop blinking, try the steps again. If the problem continues, contact your internet provider or the person who manages your network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same every time I check it?

Your local IP address usually stays the same unless you restart your router or your computer gets disconnected and reconnects. Your public IP address changes less often — usually only when you restart your modem or on a schedule your internet provider sets. If you need a permanent address for a specific task, ask your internet provider about a static IP.

Can someone use my IP address to hack me?

Your public IP address is visible to every website you visit, but it alone does not let someone access your computer. Your router and firewall protect you. Your local IP address is only visible within your home network, so it is not a security risk. If you are concerned about privacy online, that is a separate issue from your IP address.

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

Your computer may have more than one network connection — Wi-Fi and Ethernet, for example, or a virtual network. Look for the one labeled with the connection type you are actually using. If you are connected by Wi-Fi, find the Wi-Fi adapter. If you are plugged in by cable, find the Ethernet adapter.

What if I need my IP address for a printer or camera setup?

Follow the steps above to find your local IP address, then write it down before you start the setup. The device or its manual will tell you where to enter it. If the setup asks for a "gateway" or "router address," that is usually your local IP with the last number changed to 1 — for example, 192.168.1.1 instead of 192.168.1.100.