What an IP Address Is and Why You Might Need It

Your computer's IP address is a unique number that identifies it on a network — like a mailing address for data. It looks like four numbers separated by dots, such as 192.168.1.5 (called an IPv4 address) or a longer string of letters and numbers (called an IPv6 address). You might need to find it to troubleshoot internet problems, set up a printer or other device on your home network, connect to your computer remotely, or give it to technical support.

There are two types: your local IP address (the one your router assigns to your computer on your home or office network) and your public IP address (the one your internet service provider assigns, which the outside world sees). Most of the time, you need the local one.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to see your local IP address next to "IPv4 Address".
  • On Mac, go to System Settings, click Network, select your connection, and look for "IP Address" in the details.
  • On Linux, open a terminal and type hostname -I to display your local IP address.
  • Your public IP address (what websites see) can be found by searching "what is my IP" in any web browser.
  • If you see an address starting with 192.168 or 10.0, that is your local IP; if it starts with something else, it may be your public IP.

Finding Your IP Address on Windows

The fastest way on Windows is through Command Prompt. Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type cmd, and press Enter. A black window will open.

Type ipconfig and press Enter. You will see a list of information. Look for the section labeled with your connection type — usually "Ethernet adapter" 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 192.168.1.5. That is your local IP address. Write it down or take a screenshot if you need it later.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can also find it through Settings. Open Settings, click Network & Internet, then Status. Scroll down and click "View your network properties." Your IP address appears next to "IPv4 address."

Finding Your IP Address on Mac

On Mac, the easiest route is through System Settings. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select System Settings, then click Network on the left sidebar.

You will see your current connection listed — either Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Click it, then click Details or Advanced (the button name varies by macOS version). A window opens showing your connection details. Look for "IP Address" — that is your local IP address. It usually starts with 192.168 or 10.0.

If you want to use the terminal instead, open Terminal (find it in Applications > Utilities), type ifconfig | grep "inet ", and press Enter. You will see your IP address listed. Ignore any address that starts with 127.0 — that is your computer talking to itself.

Finding Your IP Address on Linux

On Linux, open a terminal window. Type hostname -I and press Enter. Your local IP address will display when ready, usually as a single number like 192.168.1.10.

If that does not work, try ip addr show and press Enter. You will see more detailed information. Look for the section labeled with your connection name (often eth0 for Ethernet or wlan0 for Wi-Fi). Next to "inet" you will see your IP address.

Finding Your Public IP Address

Your public IP address is what the internet sees when you visit a website. 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 that your internet service provider assigned to your home or office 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. This address changes periodically (sometimes daily, sometimes monthly, depending on your provider), so do not be surprised if it is different next time you check.

Telling the Difference Between Local and Public IP Addresses

A local IP address always starts with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16 — these are reserved ranges that routers use for home and office networks. If you see an address starting with any of these, you have found your local IP.

A public IP address starts with any other number. It is unique across the entire internet and is assigned by your internet service provider. When you search "what is my IP" in a browser, you are seeing your public IP. Your local IP is what you use to connect devices within your home; your public IP is what identifies your home to the outside world.

Common Reasons Your IP Address Might Change

Your local IP address can change if your router restarts, if you move your computer to a different network, or if your router's settings are configured to assign new addresses regularly. If you need your IP to stay the same — for example, to set up remote access or port forwarding — you can assign a static IP address through your router's settings. This tells the router to always give your computer the same address.

Your public IP address changes less often but can shift if your internet service provider restarts your modem, if you switch providers, or if your provider's policy is to rotate addresses. Most home users do not need to worry about this, but if you run a server or need a permanent public address, you can contact your provider about a static public IP (this usually costs extra).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

IPv4 addresses look like 192.168.1.5 (four numbers separated by dots). IPv6 addresses are longer and include letters, like 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334. IPv6 is the newer standard and handles more addresses, but most home networks still use IPv4. Your computer likely has both, but you will usually need the IPv4 address.

Why do I need my IP address?

You might need it to set up a printer or smart device on your network, to troubleshoot connection problems with technical support, to access your computer remotely, or to configure port forwarding on your router. If someone asks for your IP address and you are unsure why, ask them to explain before sharing it.

Is it safe to share my IP address?

Sharing your local IP address (192.168.x.x) is generally safe — it only works on your home network. Sharing your public IP is riskier because it identifies your home to the internet, though most people do this indirectly every time they visit a website. Never share it with someone you do not trust.

My IP address starts with 169.254 — is that normal?

No. An address starting with 169.254 means your computer could not reach your router or DHCP server (the device that assigns IP addresses). Check that your Wi-Fi or ethernet cable is connected, restart your router, and try again. If the problem continues, restart your computer.

Can I change my IP address?

Your local IP can be changed through your router's settings or by assigning a static address to your computer. Your public IP can sometimes be changed by restarting your modem and waiting a few minutes, though your internet service provider controls it. If you need a permanent public IP, contact your provider.