Your IP address is a set of numbers that identifies your computer on a network

Your computer has two IP addresses you might need: a local IP address (used on your home or office network) and a public IP address (how the internet sees you). The local one is what you'll use most often—to connect a printer, access files on another computer, or troubleshoot network problems. The public one is assigned by your internet service provider and changes periodically.

Finding either one takes less than a minute and requires no special tools. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux, but the information is always in the same place: your network settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address appears in Windows under Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi or Ethernet, or in Mac under System Settings > Network.
  • On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig; on Mac, open Terminal and type ifconfig; on Linux, open Terminal and type ip addr.
  • Your public IP address (the one the internet sees) is visible at websites like whatismyipaddress.com or by searching "what is my IP" in any browser.
  • If you need your IP address for a printer or network device, use the local address, not the public one.

Finding your local IP address on Windows

The easiest way is through Settings. Click the Windows Start button, then go to Settings > Network & Internet. If you're connected by WiFi, click WiFi on the left side; if you're using an ethernet cable, click Ethernet. Under "IP settings" you'll see your local IP address listed as "IPv4 address." It will look something like 192.168.1.100.

If you prefer the command line, open Command Prompt (search for "cmd" in the Start menu), then type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the line labeled "IPv4 Address" under your active connection. This method shows more detail and is useful if you're troubleshooting network problems.

Finding your local IP address on Mac

Open System Settings (the gear icon in the dock or the Apple menu), then click Network on the left side. Select your active connection—WiFi or Ethernet—and you'll see your local IP address listed as "IP Address." It will look similar to the Windows format, like 192.168.1.105.

From the command line, open Terminal (search for "Terminal" in Spotlight), type ifconfig, and press Enter. Look for the section labeled with your connection type (en0 for WiFi, en1 for Ethernet) and find the line starting with "inet" followed by your local IP address.

Finding your local IP address on Linux

Open a Terminal window and type ip addr, then press Enter. You'll see a list of all network interfaces. Look for the one labeled "inet" under your active connection (usually eth0 for ethernet or wlan0 for WiFi). The IP address appears right after "inet" and before the forward slash.

Some older Linux systems use ifconfig instead. If ip addr doesn't work, try that command—the output format is similar, and you're looking for the same "inet" line.

Finding your public IP address

Your public IP address is what websites see when you connect to them. To find it, open any web browser and search for "what is my IP" or visit a site like whatismyipaddress.com. The page will display your public IP address when ready—usually a four-part number like 203.45.67.89.

You don't need this address for home network tasks like connecting a printer or accessing shared files. It's useful mainly if you're setting up remote access to your computer or troubleshooting internet connectivity with your service provider.

Why you might need your IP address

The most common reason is connecting a network device. If you're setting up a printer, scanner, or network storage, you often need to enter your computer's local IP address in the device's settings. Some routers also let you reserve a specific IP address for a device so it doesn't change.

You might also need it for troubleshooting. If your internet is slow or unstable, your service provider may ask for your public IP address. If a device on your home network isn't connecting, you may need to check whether your computer's local IP address has changed.

What to do if your IP address keeps changing

Local IP addresses usually stay the same, but they can change if your router restarts or if your computer is offline for a long time. If you need a device to always find your computer at the same address, you can set a static IP address or use your router's DHCP reservation feature. Both keep your computer's local IP from changing.

In Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced Network Settings > More Options > Edit, then set the IP assignment to Manual and enter a static address. On Mac, go to System Settings > Network, click Details, then TCP/IP, and change Configure IPv4 to Manual. On Linux, edit your network configuration file (usually in /etc/netplan/ or /etc/network/interfaces). If this feels unfamiliar, your router's admin panel usually has a simpler DHCP reservation option that does the same thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my public IP address the same as my local IP address?

No. Your local IP address (like 192.168.1.100) is only visible inside your home or office network. Your public IP address (like 203.45.67.89) is what the internet sees and is assigned by your service provider. Devices outside your network cannot reach you using your local address.

Can someone find my computer using my IP address?

Your public IP address is visible to websites you visit, but it doesn't directly expose your files or personal data. Your router's firewall blocks most connection attempts. However, if you open ports or run a web server, someone could potentially reach your computer. Your local IP address is only visible to devices on your own network.

Why does my IP address look different each time I check?

Your public IP address can change when your router restarts or after a few days of normal use—this is normal. Your local IP address should stay the same unless your router restarts or your computer has been offline. If it keeps changing and you need it to stay put, use your router's DHCP reservation feature or set a static address on your computer.

Do I need my IP address to use the internet normally?

No. Your computer and router handle IP addresses automatically. You only need to know your IP address if you're setting up a network device, troubleshooting a connection problem, or configuring remote access to your computer.