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

Your IP address is a unique identifier assigned to your computer whenever it connects to the internet or a local network. It looks like four numbers separated by periods — for example, 192.168.1.5 — and serves the same purpose as a mailing address: it tells other computers and servers where to send information back to you.

You may need to find your IP address to troubleshoot a network problem, set up a printer or security camera on your home network, or provide it to technical support. The method depends on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux, and whether you want your local IP address (the one used inside your home or office network) or your public IP address (the one the internet sees).

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address appears in Windows by opening Command Prompt and typing ipconfig, or on Mac by going to System Settings > Network and looking at the IP address field.
  • Your public IP address — the one your internet service provider assigns — can be found by searching "what is my IP" in any web browser.
  • Local IP addresses usually start with 192.168 or 10.0 and are used only within your home or office network.
  • Public IP addresses change periodically unless you pay your internet provider for a static IP, and they are what websites and online services see when you connect.

Finding your local IP address in Windows

The fastest way to find your local IP address in Windows is through Command Prompt. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and press Enter. A black window will open. Type ipconfig and press Enter.

Look for the section labeled "Ethernet adapter" or "Wireless LAN adapter" depending on whether you are connected by cable or Wi-Fi. Next to "IPv4 Address" you will see a number like 192.168.1.100. That is your local IP address. You can also see your default gateway (usually your router) and other network details in the same window.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can also find it through Settings. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your connection type (Ethernet or Wi-Fi), and scroll down to see the IP address listed under "Properties."

Finding your local IP address on Mac

On Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions) and click Network on the left sidebar. Select the network you are connected to — either Ethernet or Wi-Fi — and your local IP address will appear in the main panel next to "IP Address."

If you want more detail, click the Advanced button and you will see additional network information including your subnet mask and router address. The IP address shown here is what your computer uses to communicate with other devices on your home or office network.

Finding your local IP address in Linux

In Linux, open a terminal window and type hostname -I and press Enter. Your local IP address will appear on the next line. This command works on most Linux distributions including Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian.

If that command does not work, try ip addr show instead. This will display more detailed information about all network interfaces on your computer. Look for the line that starts with "inet" under your active connection — the number after "inet" is your local IP address.

Finding your public IP address

Your public IP address is different from your local one. It is assigned by your internet service provider and is what websites see when you visit them. To find it, open any web browser and search for "what is my IP" or "my IP address." The first result will show your public IP address prominently.

You can also visit websites like whatismyipaddress.com or ipinfo.io, which will display your public IP address along with other information like your approximate location and internet service provider. These sites work on any device — computer, phone, or tablet — as long as it is connected to the internet.

Your public IP address changes periodically, usually when you restart your modem or router, or after a set period determined by your internet provider. If you need the same public IP address all the time — for example, to run a server — you can contact your internet provider about purchasing a static IP address, though this typically costs extra per month.

The difference between local and public IP addresses

Your local IP address is used only within your home or office network. Devices on your network use it to find and communicate with your computer. It typically starts with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16. These ranges are reserved for private networks and are not routable on the public internet.

Your public IP address is what the outside world sees. When you visit a website, that website logs your public IP address, not your local one. Your router translates between the two — it receives data meant for your public IP address and forwards it to the correct device on your local network using its local IP address.

If you are setting up a device on your home network — like a printer, security camera, or game console — you need the local IP address. If you are troubleshooting an issue with a website or online service, or if you need to tell someone how to reach a server you are running, you need the public IP address.

Why you might need your IP address

Common reasons to find your IP address include setting up a network printer, configuring a security camera or smart home device, accessing your computer remotely, or troubleshooting a connection problem with technical support. Some online games and applications also ask for your IP address to establish a direct connection.

If you are having trouble connecting to the internet or a specific service, providing your IP address to technical support can help them diagnose the problem. Similarly, if you are setting up port forwarding on your router to allow external access to a device or service on your network, you will need to know your local IP address to configure it correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same every time I connect to the internet?

Your local IP address usually stays the same as long as you remain on the same network and do not restart your router. Your public IP address changes periodically — sometimes weekly, sometimes monthly — depending on your internet provider. Most home internet plans use dynamic IP addresses that change automatically.

Can someone find my location from my IP address?

Your public IP address can reveal your approximate location — usually your city or region — but not your exact street address or home. Your internet service provider has more precise information, but they do not share it publicly. Your local IP address is not visible to the internet and reveals nothing about your location.

What should I do if I cannot find my IP address?

Make sure you are connected to the network first. If you are using Command Prompt on Windows and ipconfig does not work, try typing the full path: C:\Windows\System32\ipconfig. On Mac or Linux, restart your terminal and try again. If you still cannot find it, restart your computer and your router.

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

No. Your computer and router handle IP addresses automatically in the background. You only need to find your IP address if you are setting up a specific device, troubleshooting a problem, or configuring network settings. For everyday browsing and email, you never need to think about it.