Your IP address is a set of numbers that identifies your computer on a network

Your computer has an IP address — a unique number that lets other devices and websites know where to send information back to you. It looks like four numbers separated by dots, such as 192.168.1.5 (a local network address) or 203.0.113.42 (an internet-facing address). You may need this number to troubleshoot network problems, set up a printer, connect to a remote computer, or configure your router.

The method to find it depends on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux, and whether you want your local IP address (the one your computer uses inside your home or office network) or your public IP address (the one the internet sees). Both are quick to find once you know where to look.

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 connection, and look for the IP address shown in the details pane.
  • On Linux, open a terminal and type hostname -I to display your local IP address.
  • To find your public IP address (the one your internet provider assigns), visit a website like whatismyipaddress.com or type "what is my IP" into a search engine.
  • Your local IP address stays the same most of the time, but your public IP address may change when you restart your modem or router.

Finding your local IP address on Windows

The fastest way on Windows is to use Command Prompt. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and press Enter. A black window will open. Type ipconfig and press Enter. 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.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can also find it through Settings. Click the Start button, go to Settings, then Network & Internet. Click on your connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), then scroll down to find "IPv4 address" in the details section.

Finding your local IP address on Mac

On Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions). Click Network in the left sidebar. Select the connection you are using — either Wi-Fi or Ethernet — and your IP address will appear in the right pane next to "IP Address". It usually starts with 192.168 or 10.

If you want to use the terminal instead, open Applications > Utilities > Terminal and type ifconfig | grep "inet " | grep -v 127.0.0.1. Press Enter, and your local IP address will appear in the output.

Finding your local IP address on Linux

Open a terminal window. Type hostname -I and press Enter. Your local IP address will display on the next line. This works on most Linux distributions including Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian.

If that command does not work, try ip addr show instead. Look for the line that starts with "inet" (not "inet6") under your active connection — the number after "inet" and before the forward slash is your IP address.

Finding your public IP address

Your public IP address is different from your local one. It is the address your internet service provider assigns to your router, and it is what websites see when you visit them. To find it, open any web browser and search for "what is my IP address" or visit a site like whatismyipaddress.com or icanhazip.com. The page will display your public IP address when ready.

You can also find it through your router's settings page, though this is less common. Log into your router (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into your browser address bar), and look for a status or information page that shows your WAN or public IP address.

Why your IP address might change

Your local IP address usually stays the same unless you restart your computer or your router assigns addresses differently. Your public IP address, however, may change when you restart your modem or router, or after a period of inactivity. If you need a stable local IP address for a device like a printer or security camera, you can set a static IP address in your router settings, which locks that device to one number.

If you are troubleshooting a network problem and your IP address keeps changing, check your router settings to see if DHCP (the system that assigns addresses automatically) is turned on. Turning it off and assigning static addresses manually can help, though this requires more setup.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not confuse your local IP address with your public one — they are different numbers for different purposes. If someone asks for your IP address to help you troubleshoot, ask whether they mean your local or public address, because the answer changes what you should share.

Do not assume your IP address will stay the same forever. If you are setting up a device that needs a fixed address, use your router settings to assign a static IP rather than relying on the current dynamic one. Also, be cautious about sharing your public IP address with strangers online, as it can reveal your general location and may be used in targeted attacks — sharing it with a trusted tech support person is usually safe, but avoid posting it publicly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

IPv4 addresses use four numbers separated by dots (like 192.168.1.5), while IPv6 addresses use letters and numbers separated by colons (like 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334). IPv6 is the newer standard and provides many more possible addresses. Most home networks still use IPv4, but both may appear in your network settings.

Is it safe to share my IP address?

Sharing your public IP address with a trusted tech support person is generally safe. However, avoid posting it publicly online or sharing it with strangers, as it can be used to target your network with attacks. Your local IP address is only visible to devices on your own network, so it is safe to share.

Why do I see multiple IP addresses in my network settings?

You may see multiple addresses if your computer is connected to more than one network (for example, both Wi-Fi and Ethernet), or if you have virtual network adapters. Look for the address next to the connection you are actually using — that is the one you need.

Can I change my IP address?

Your local IP address can be changed through your router settings by assigning a static address or by restarting your router and letting it assign a new one. Your public IP address changes automatically when you restart your modem, but you cannot choose what it will be — your internet provider controls that.

What should I do if I cannot find my IP address?

Make sure you are connected to the network first — check that Wi-Fi is on or your Ethernet cable is plugged in. If you are still having trouble, restart your computer and try the steps again. If the problem continues, your network adapter may not be working properly, and you may need to check your router or contact your internet provider.