Your computer's IP address is a set of numbers that identifies it on a network

An IP address is a unique number assigned to your computer whenever it connects to the internet or a local network. It looks like four groups of numbers separated by periods — for example, 192.168.1.5 — and it works like a mailing address for data traveling to and from your machine. You may need to find it to troubleshoot a connection problem, set up a printer on your home network, or give technical support someone the information they need to help you remotely.

The method you use depends on whether you want your local IP address (the one your computer uses on your home or office network) or your public IP address (the one your internet service provider assigns to your whole household). Most of the time, you need the local one.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address is what you need to connect devices on your home network, and it starts with 192.168 or 10.0 in most homes.
  • On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to see your local IP address when ready.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings, click Network, select your connection, and look for the IP address field.
  • Your public IP address (what websites see) can be found by searching "what is my IP" in any browser.
  • Local IP addresses change less often than public ones, but can shift if you restart your router or your device reconnects to the network.

Finding your local IP address on Windows

The fastest way on Windows is to use Command Prompt. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and open Command Prompt. Type ipconfig and press Enter. A list of information will appear. Look for the section labeled with your network connection name (usually "Ethernet" if you are plugged in with a cable, or "Wireless LAN adapter" if you are on Wi-Fi). Next to "IPv4 Address" you will see a number like 192.168.1.100 — that is your local IP address.

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 (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), and click on the connection name. Scroll down to "IP address" and you will see the same number.

Finding your local IP address on Mac

On a Mac, open System Settings and click Network in the sidebar. Select the connection you are using (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). The IP address appears in the details panel on the right side of the window, labeled "IP Address." It will be a number like 192.168.1.50.

If you are using an older version of macOS, the path may be slightly different: go to System Preferences instead of System Settings, then Network. The information is in the same place.

Finding your public IP address

Your public IP address is what the outside world sees when you browse the internet. 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 — a number assigned by your internet service provider to your household connection.

You can also visit websites like whatismyipaddress.com or ipinfo.io, which display your public IP and sometimes additional information like your general location and internet provider. These sites are safe and do not collect or store your information.

Why your IP address might change

Your local IP address can change if you restart your router, if your device loses connection and reconnects, or if your router's settings are configured to reassign addresses regularly. Most home routers are set to do this automatically. If you need a device to keep the same local IP address — for example, to set up port forwarding for a game server or to may support a printer stays at a consistent address — you can assign a static IP address through your router's settings. This is a more advanced step, and your router's manual or support page will have instructions specific to your model.

Your public IP address changes less frequently, usually only when your internet service provider reassigns it or when you restart your modem. Some internet plans include a static public IP for an additional fee, but most home users have a dynamic one that shifts occasionally.

What to do if you cannot find your IP address

If the steps above do not show an IP address, your device may not be connected to the network. Check that your Wi-Fi is turned on and that you are connected to your network name, or that your ethernet cable is plugged in securely. If you are connected but still see no address, restart your device and try again.

If you are trying to find the IP address of another device on your network — like a printer or a smart home device — you can usually find it in that device's settings menu or through your router's admin panel. Log into your router by typing its address (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into a browser, and look for a list of connected devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to share my IP address?

Your local IP address is safe to share — it only works on your home network. Your public IP address is already visible to every website you visit, so sharing it with technical support or a friend is not a security risk. Never share your router's admin password, though.

Why do I see multiple IP addresses when I run ipconfig?

Most computers have more than one network adapter, including virtual ones created by software. Look for the adapter you are actually using — Ethernet if you are plugged in, or the Wi-Fi adapter if you are wireless. The others can be ignored.

Can I change my IP address myself?

You can request a new public IP by restarting your modem and waiting a few minutes. For a new local IP, restart your router. If you want a specific local IP address to stay the same, you can set a static IP in your router's settings, though this requires logging into the router's admin panel.

What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

IPv4 addresses use the format you see most often (four groups of numbers). IPv6 is a newer format using longer addresses with letters and numbers. Most home networks still use IPv4, but newer devices may show both. For home use, you almost always need the IPv4 address.