What an IP address is and why you might need it

Your computer's IP address is a set of numbers that identifies your device on a network — either your home Wi-Fi or the internet at large. It looks like four numbers separated by periods, such as 192.168.1.5 (your local address) or something like 203.45.67.89 (your public address visible to websites). You need it when troubleshooting internet problems with your provider, setting up a printer or security camera on your home network, or allowing a technician remote access to your computer.

There are two types. Your local IP address is what your router assigns to your device and is only visible within your home network. Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and is what the outside world sees. Most of the time you are looking for your local address, but we will cover both.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to see your local IP address listed as "IPv4 Address".
  • On Mac, go to System Settings, click Network, select your Wi-Fi connection, and your local IP appears under "IP Address".
  • To find your public IP address, search "what is my IP" in any web browser and the result appears at the top of the page.
  • Your local IP address usually starts with 192.168 or 10.0 and changes only if you restart your router or change networks.

Finding your local IP address on Windows

The fastest way on Windows is through Command Prompt. Press the Windows key and type cmd, then press Enter. A black window opens. Type ipconfig and press Enter. A list of network information appears. Look for the line that says "IPv4 Address" — the number next to it is your local IP address. It usually starts with 192.168 or 10.0.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can also find it through Settings. Open Settings, click Network & Internet, then Wi-Fi (or Ethernet if you are wired). Click your current network name. Scroll down and you will see "IP address" listed there.

Finding your local IP address on Mac

On a Mac, open System Settings and click Network on the left side. Select your Wi-Fi network from the list. Your local IP address appears in the main panel under "IP Address". If you are connected by Ethernet cable instead, select Ethernet from the list and the address will be there.

Alternatively, you can use Terminal, which is Mac's version of Command Prompt. Open Terminal (search for it in Spotlight), type ifconfig, and press Enter. Look for the line that starts with "inet" under your active connection — that is your local IP address.

Finding your public IP address

Your public IP address is what websites and services on the internet see when you connect to them. To find it, open any web browser and search for "what is my IP". The result appears at the very top of the search results as a large number. You can also visit websites like whatismyipaddress.com or ipinfo.io, which display your public IP when ready when you load the page.

Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and changes only when you restart your modem or router, or when your provider reassigns it (which can happen after days or weeks of being offline). It is different from your local IP address and is not something you can change yourself.

What to do if you cannot find your IP address

If Command Prompt or Terminal shows an error, make sure you typed the command correctly — ipconfig on Windows and ifconfig on Mac. If the command runs but shows no address, your device may not be connected to the network. Check that Wi-Fi is turned on or that your Ethernet cable is plugged in.

If you are using a work computer or school device, your network may be set up differently and your local address might not follow the usual 192.168 pattern. In that case, contact your IT department or network administrator — they can tell you your address and whether you are allowed to use it for personal devices.

When you need each type of address

Use your local IP address when setting up devices on your home network, such as a printer, security camera, or smart home device. You also need it if you are troubleshooting a connection problem with your router and your internet provider asks for it. Your local address stays the same as long as you stay on the same Wi-Fi network.

Use your public IP address when a website or online service needs to know where you are connecting from, or when you are setting up remote access to your computer from outside your home. Most of the time you do not need to know your public IP — websites detect it automatically. But if you are troubleshooting a blocked connection or setting up a VPN, your provider may ask for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my IP address change if I restart my computer?

Your local IP address usually stays the same after a restart, because your router remembers which device you are and assigns the same address again. Your public IP address also usually stays the same unless you restart your modem or router. If you want to force a new public IP, restart your modem and wait a few minutes before turning it back on.

Is it safe to share my IP address?

Sharing your local IP address is safe — it only works within your home network and is useless to someone outside it. Your public IP address is less sensitive than a password, but do not post it publicly online. Websites and services you use already know your public IP, so sharing it with a technician or support person for troubleshooting is normal and safe.

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

If your local address changes, your router may be set to assign new addresses each time you connect (called DHCP). This is normal and usually not a problem. If you need the same address every time, you can set a static IP in your router settings, but this is only necessary for devices like printers or security cameras that need a fixed address.

Can I change my IP address myself?

You cannot change your public IP address directly — only your internet service provider can do that. You can force a new one by restarting your modem. For your local IP address, you can set a static address in your router settings if you need a device to always have the same number, but this requires access to your router's admin panel.