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 (your local network address) or something like 203.45.67.89 (your public internet address). You need this number when you're troubleshooting a connection problem, setting up a printer or smart home device, or giving technical support to someone helping you fix something.

Every device connected to a network has an IP address. Your computer actually has two: a private IP address that only devices on your home network can see, and a public IP address that the wider internet sees. Most of the time, you're looking for the private one.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to see your private IP address when ready.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings, click Network, select your connection, and look for the IP address listed there.
  • Your private IP address starts with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16 and only works on your home network.
  • To find your public IP address (what the internet sees), search "what is my IP" in any web browser.
  • If you're setting up a device on your home network, you need the private IP address, not the public one.

Finding your IP address on Windows

The fastest way on Windows is through Command Prompt. Press the Windows key and type cmd, then press Enter. A black window will open.

Type ipconfig and press Enter. You'll see a list of information. Look for the section labeled with your connection type — usually "Ethernet adapter" if you're plugged in with a cable, or "Wireless LAN adapter" if you're on Wi-Fi. Next to "IPv4 Address" you'll see your private IP address. Write it down if you need it.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can also go through Settings. Open Settings, click Network & Internet, then select your connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Scroll down and you'll see "IP address" listed there.

Finding your IP address on Mac

On Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions). Click Network in the left sidebar.

Select the connection you're using — Wi-Fi if you're wireless, Ethernet if you're plugged in. On the right side, you'll see "IP Address" displayed directly. That's your private IP address.

If you don't see the Network option in System Settings, try the Apple menu at the top left, then System Settings, then Network. The exact path varies slightly between macOS versions, but the information is always in the same place.

Understanding private versus public IP addresses

Your private IP address is what devices inside your home network use to talk to each other. It always starts with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16. This is the number you need when you're setting up a printer, connecting a smart speaker, or accessing a device on your own network. It doesn't work outside your home — the internet can't see it.

Your public IP address is what the internet sees when you browse websites or send data out. Your router assigns this to you, and it changes periodically (usually every few days to a few months, depending on your internet provider). You need this number only if someone outside your home network is helping you troubleshoot, or if you're setting up remote access to your computer.

To find your public IP address, open any web browser and search "what is my IP." The first result will show you the number that the outside world sees. You can also visit websites like whatismyipaddress.com, though the search method is simpler.

What to do once you have your IP address

If you're setting up a device on your home network — a printer, a smart home device, a security camera — use your private IP address. Enter it into the device's setup screen or app, and it will connect to your computer or network.

If someone is helping you troubleshoot a problem and asks for your IP address, ask them which one they need. Usually they want the private address if they're helping you with something on your home network, or the public address if they're diagnosing an internet connection problem.

Write down your private IP address and keep it somewhere accessible if you set up devices regularly. It doesn't change often (usually only when you restart your router or computer), so you can reuse it.

Troubleshooting if you can't find your IP address

If you run ipconfig on Windows and see "No IP address" or a number starting with 169.254, your computer isn't connected to the network properly. Restart your router (unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in) and try again. If the problem persists, restart your computer.

On Mac, if the IP address field is empty, check that you're actually connected to Wi-Fi or that your Ethernet cable is plugged in. The connection icon in the top right corner should show a filled Wi-Fi symbol or a connected Ethernet icon. If it doesn't, click it and select your network.

If you're still not seeing an address after restarting both your computer and router, your network may not be assigning addresses correctly. This is rare, but if it happens, restart your router again and wait a full minute before checking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same as my MAC address?

No. Your MAC address is a different number that identifies your device on a local network only. Your IP address is what lets you connect to the internet and other networks. They serve different purposes and look different — MAC addresses have colons or hyphens between the numbers.

Will my IP address change?

Your private IP address usually stays the same unless you restart your router or your computer is offline for a long time. Your public IP address changes periodically — sometimes weekly, sometimes monthly — depending on your internet provider. You don't control either one; your router and internet provider assign them automatically.

Can someone hack me if they know my IP address?

Knowing your public IP address alone doesn't let someone hack you. They would also need to find an open port and a vulnerability in your software. Your router's firewall blocks most incoming connections by default. Sharing your private IP address with someone on your home network is safe — that's how devices connect to each other.

What if I need my IP address for a game or app?

Most games and apps that need an IP address will tell you which one. If it's something you're setting up on your home network (like a local server or shared folder), use your private IP address. If it's an online service asking for your IP, they're usually asking for your public one, which they can see automatically — you don't need to find it yourself.