Your IP address is a number that identifies your computer on a network

Your computer has an IP address — a set of numbers separated by periods, like 192.168.1.5 — that works like a mailing address for data sent to and from your machine. Every device connected to the internet or a local network has one. You may need to find it to troubleshoot connection problems, set up a printer or security camera on your home network, or give it to technical support.

The steps to find it depend on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux, and whether you want your local IP address (the one on your home or office network) or your public IP address (the one the wider internet sees). Both are quick to locate.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address identifies your computer within your home or office network and usually starts with 192.168 or 10.
  • Your public IP address is what websites and internet services see, and you can find it by visiting a website like whatismyipaddress.com.
  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, and select your connection to see your local IP address.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, click Network, select your connection, and look for the IP address field.
  • You do not need special software or tools — both addresses are built into your operating system and visible in a few clicks.

Finding your local IP address on Windows

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then pressing Enter. Click Network & Internet in the left sidebar. Select the network connection you are using — either Wi-Fi or Ethernet depending on whether you are connected by cable or wirelessly.

If you chose Wi-Fi, click the name of the network you are connected to. Scroll down and look for IPv4 address — that is your local IP address. If you chose Ethernet, the IP address appears on the main Ethernet page under the connection details.

Alternatively, you can use the Command Prompt. Press the Windows key, type "cmd," and press Enter. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the line labeled IPv4 Address under your active connection — that is your local IP address.

Finding your local IP address on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Click Network in the sidebar. Select the connection you are using — Wi-Fi or Ethernet. The IP address appears on the right side of the window next to IP Address.

If you prefer the Terminal, click the Spotlight icon (magnifying glass) in the top-right corner, type "Terminal," and press Enter. Type ifconfig and press Enter. Look for the section labeled with your connection type and find the line starting with inet — the numbers after it are your local IP address.

Finding your local IP address on Linux

Open a terminal window. Type hostname -I and press Enter. Your local IP address will appear on the screen. Alternatively, type ip addr show and press Enter — your IP address appears next to inet in the output.

If you are using a graphical desktop environment, you can also right-click the network icon in the system tray and select connection details or settings to view your IP address.

Finding your public IP address

Your public IP address is what the internet sees when you visit a website or use an online service. To find it, open any web browser and visit whatismyipaddress.com, myip.com, or ipchicken.com. Your public IP address will display on the page within seconds — you do not need to enter any information.

You can also search "what is my IP" in Google and the answer will appear at the top of the results. Your public IP address changes periodically depending on your internet service provider, so if you need it again in a few weeks, it may be different.

When you need each type of address

Use your local IP address when you are setting up devices on your home network — connecting a printer, security camera, smart speaker, or other gadget that needs to communicate with your computer or router. You also need it if technical support asks for your computer's IP address and specifies they mean the local one.

Use your public IP address if a website or online service asks for your IP, or if you are troubleshooting internet connectivity with your internet service provider. Some people also note their public IP for security purposes, though it changes regularly and is not a reliable identifier over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my IP address start with 192.168 or 10?

Those ranges are reserved for local networks and are not routable on the public internet. Every home and office network uses addresses from these ranges, so your computer's local IP address will always start with one of them. Your router assigns these addresses automatically.

Will my IP address change if I restart my computer?

Your local IP address usually stays the same unless you restart your router or your computer is offline for a long time. Your public IP address may change when you restart your modem or router, or on a schedule set by your internet service provider — typically every few days or weeks.

Is it safe to share my IP address?

Sharing your public IP address is generally safe — websites already see it when you visit them. Sharing your local IP address is safe within your own home network. Do not share either with strangers online, as someone with both your IP and other information could attempt to target your network.

What if I cannot find my IP address using these steps?

Make sure you are looking in the correct section — Settings on Windows, System Settings on Mac, or Terminal on Linux. If the IP address field is blank or missing, your computer may not be connected to a network. Check that your Wi-Fi is turned on or your Ethernet cable is plugged in, then try again.