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

Every device connected to the internet or a local network has an IP address — a unique string of numbers separated by periods, like 192.168.1.5. Your computer uses this address so other devices and servers know where to send data back to you. You may need to find it to troubleshoot network problems, set up a printer or router, connect to a remote desktop, or share files with others on your network.

The method depends on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux, and whether you want your local network address (the one used inside your home or office) or your public IP address (the one the wider internet sees). Both are useful for different reasons, and both take less than a minute to find.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address appears in Windows Settings under Network, on Mac in System Settings under Network, and on Linux through the terminal command ip addr.
  • Your public IP address (what websites see) can be found by visiting a site like whatismyipaddress.com or by searching "what is my IP" in any browser.
  • Windows users can also open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to see both local and network details in seconds.
  • Mac users can open Terminal and type ifconfig to view the same information from the command line.
  • Most home networks use a local IP that starts with 192.168 or 10.0, which is different from your public IP that your internet provider assigns.

Finding your local IP address on Windows

The fastest way on Windows is through Command Prompt. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and press Enter. In the black window that opens, type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the line labeled "IPv4 Address" under your network connection — that is your local IP address.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can also find it in Settings. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), and scroll down to "IP settings." Your IPv4 address will be listed there. Both methods show the same information; Command Prompt is just faster.

Finding your local IP address on Mac

On Mac, open System Settings and click Network on the left sidebar. Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), and your local IP address appears in the details pane on the right, labeled as "IP Address." This is the address your computer uses within your home or office network.

If you want to use the terminal instead, open Terminal (found in Applications > Utilities), type ifconfig, and press Enter. Look for the line that starts with "inet" under your active connection — that is your local IP. The terminal method shows more technical detail, but the Settings method is simpler for most users.

Finding your local IP address on Linux

Open a terminal window and type ip addr or ifconfig, then press Enter. Both commands show your network interfaces and their assigned IP addresses. Look for the line that starts with "inet" under your active connection name — that is your local IP address. If you have multiple network connections, you may see several addresses; the one you need is usually under eth0 (wired) or wlan0 (wireless).

Some Linux distributions have removed ifconfig in favor of ip addr, so if one does not work, try the other. Both show the same information in slightly different formats.

Finding your public IP address

Your public IP address is what websites and internet services see when you connect to them. It is assigned by your internet service provider and is different from your local network address. To find it, open any web browser and search for "what is my IP" or visit a site like whatismyipaddress.com, iplocation.net, or checkip.amazonaws.com. Your public IP will appear on the page within seconds.

You can also find your public IP through the command line. On Windows, open Command Prompt and type curl ifconfig.me (if you have curl installed). On Mac or Linux, open Terminal and type the same command. The address that appears is your public IP.

When you need your local IP versus your public IP

Use your local IP address when you are working within your own network — setting up a printer, accessing a file server, connecting to a security camera, or troubleshooting router problems. This address only works inside your home or office network.

Use your public IP address when you need to let someone outside your network reach your computer, when you are troubleshooting internet connectivity with your service provider, or when you are checking what address websites see. Your public IP changes periodically unless your service provider has given you a static address.

What to do if you see multiple IP addresses

If you have more than one network connection (for example, both Wi-Fi and Ethernet plugged in), you will see multiple IP addresses. Your computer uses the one that is currently active — usually the wired connection if both are plugged in, since it is faster and more stable. If you are troubleshooting a specific connection, make sure you are looking at the address for the network you are actually using.

You may also see an IPv6 address in addition to an IPv4 address. IPv6 is the newer internet protocol and looks like a longer string with colons and letters (for example, fe80::1). Most home networks still use IPv4, so that is usually the address you need. If you are unsure which one to use, ask the person or service requesting your IP address.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 192.168 and 10.0 IP addresses?

Both are private IP ranges used on local networks. 192.168.x.x is the most common in home networks, while 10.0.x.x is often used in larger office networks. Both are equally valid; the difference is just which range your router chose when it was set up. Either one works for local network tasks.

Why does my IP address keep changing?

Most home routers assign local IP addresses dynamically, meaning they can change when you restart your computer or router. If you need a stable local IP for something like a printer or security camera, you can set a static IP in your router settings or on the device itself. Your public IP also changes periodically unless your internet provider has assigned you a static address.

Is it safe to share my IP address?

Sharing your local IP address is safe — it only works within your own network. Sharing your public IP address is generally safe too, since it only identifies your internet connection, not your specific computer. However, do not share either address with someone you do not trust, and be cautious if someone asks for it unsolicited.

Can I find someone else's IP address?

You can see the IP addresses of devices on your own network using tools like arp or network scanning software. Finding someone else's public IP address requires their cooperation or access to their network traffic. This is not something you can do remotely without their knowledge or permission.