Your computer has two IP addresses you might need to find

Your computer has an IP address — a set of numbers that identifies it on a network so other devices can find and talk to it. You likely have two: a local IP address (used only inside your home or office network) and a public IP address (the one your internet service provider assigns, visible to websites you visit). Which one you need depends on what you're trying to do — troubleshoot a printer on your home network, or check what address websites see when you connect.

Finding either one takes less than a minute and requires no special software. The steps differ slightly between Windows, Mac, and Linux, but the concept is the same: you're asking your operating system to show you the network information it already knows.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address (usually starting with 192.168 or 10.) is what devices on your home network use to find your computer.
  • Your public IP address is what websites and internet services see; you can find it when ready by visiting a website like whatismyipaddress.com.
  • On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to see your local IP address.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings > Network to find your local IP address in one click.
  • If you need your IP address for a specific task — connecting to a printer, setting up remote access, or troubleshooting — knowing which type you need first saves time.

Finding your local IP address on Windows

Open the Start menu and type "Command Prompt" into the search box. Click the Command Prompt app when it appears. A black window will open with a blinking cursor.

Type ipconfig and press Enter. Your computer will display a list of network adapters. Look for the section labeled "Ethernet adapter" (if you're plugged in with a cable) or "Wireless LAN adapter" (if you're using Wi-Fi). Next to "IPv4 Address" you'll see a number that looks like 192.168.1.100 or 10.0.0.50. That's your local IP address.

If you see multiple adapters listed, you're looking for the one that shows an IPv4 address — not the ones that say "Media disconnected." Write down the address or take a screenshot if you need it later.

Finding your local IP address on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older versions). Click "Network" in the left sidebar.

You'll see a list of network connections. Click the one you're currently using — either "Wi-Fi" or "Ethernet" depending on how you're connected. On the right side of the window, you'll see your IP address listed next to "IP Address." It will look like 192.168.1.100 or similar. That's your local IP address.

Finding your local IP address on Linux

Open a terminal window. Type hostname -I and press Enter. Your terminal will display your local IP address when ready.

If that doesn't work, try ifconfig or ip addr show instead. Look for the section labeled "inet" under your active network adapter — the number next to it is your local IP address.

Finding your public IP address

Your public IP address is the one your internet service provider assigns to your home or office connection. Websites see this address when you visit them. To find it, open any web browser and visit whatismyipaddress.com or myip.com. The page will display your public IP address within seconds — no login or software needed.

You can also search "what is my IP" in Google and the answer will appear at the top of the results. All three methods show the same information: the address that identifies your entire network to the outside internet.

When you need your local IP address versus your public one

Use your local IP address when you're working with devices on your own network. This includes connecting to a printer, accessing a network drive, setting up a smart home device, or troubleshooting why a device isn't showing up on your network. Your local IP address never changes unless you manually reconfigure your router or your computer's network settings.

Use your public IP address when you're setting up remote access to your computer from outside your home, reporting a problem to your internet service provider, or checking what address a website sees. Your public IP address can change periodically — sometimes daily — depending on your internet service provider's settings.

If someone asks for "your IP address" and they're on your home network with you, they want your local one. If they're asking over the internet or email, they want your public one.

What to do if you can't find your IP address

If the steps above don't show an IP address, your computer may not be connected to the network. Check that your Wi-Fi is turned on (look for the Wi-Fi icon in your system tray on Windows or menu bar on Mac) or that your ethernet cable is plugged in firmly on both ends.

If you're connected but still see no IP address, restart your computer and try again. If the problem persists, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting two minutes for it to fully restart. Then repeat the steps to find your IP address.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your local IP address usually stays the same unless you restart your router or your computer loses and regains its connection. Your public IP address changes more often — sometimes daily — because your internet service provider reassigns it. This is normal and expected. If you need a stable public IP address for remote access, contact your internet service provider about a static IP option.

Is it safe to share my IP address?

Your public IP address is already visible to every website you visit, so sharing it with a trusted person or service is generally safe. Your local IP address should stay private because it could let someone on your network access your computer directly. Never share either address with someone you don't trust.

Can I change my IP address?

You can change your local IP address by adjusting your network settings, though this is rarely necessary. Your public IP address changes on its own over time. If you want to change your public IP when ready, restart your modem by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

What if I have multiple IP addresses listed?

You may see multiple adapters if your computer has both Wi-Fi and ethernet connections, or if you're running virtual machines. Use the IP address from the adapter you're actually using to connect to the internet — usually the one marked "connected" or "active."