What an IP address is and why you might need it

An IP address is a unique number assigned to your computer on a network. It works like a mailing address — it tells other computers and devices where to send information so it reaches your machine. Your computer has at least one IP address whenever it connects to the internet or a local network.

You might need to find your IP address to troubleshoot a network problem, set up a printer or security camera on your home network, connect to a remote computer, or provide it to technical support. The method you use depends on whether you want your local IP address (the one your home or office network uses) or your public IP address (the one the wider internet sees).

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address is what devices on your home network use to find your computer; you find it through your network settings.
  • Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and is what websites see; you can find it by visiting a public IP lookup website.
  • On Windows, open Settings and go to Network & Internet to find your local IP address in seconds.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, select Network, and click the active connection to see your local IP address.
  • If you need your public IP address, visiting a site like whatismyipaddress.com or similar will display it when ready.

Finding your local IP address on Windows

On a Windows computer, the fastest way is through Settings. Click the Start button, type "Settings" into the search box, and open the Settings app. Then select Network & Internet from the left menu.

Look for your active connection — either Wi-Fi or Ethernet depending on how you are connected. Click on it. You will see a section labeled IP settings or IPv4 address. The number shown there (usually four groups of numbers separated by periods, like 192.168.1.105) is your local IP address.

If you prefer the command line, you can also open Command Prompt (search for "cmd" in the Start menu), type ipconfig, and press Enter. Look for the line labeled IPv4 Address under your active network connection.

Finding your local IP address on Mac

On a Mac, open System Settings (in newer versions) or System Preferences (in older versions). Click Network in the sidebar.

Select the connection you are using — either Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Your local IP address will appear in the window, usually labeled as IP Address. It will be a number like 192.168.1.110.

Alternatively, you can open Terminal (search for "Terminal" in Spotlight), type ifconfig, and press Enter. Look for the line that says inet followed by your IP address under your active connection.

Finding your public IP address

Your public IP address is different from your local one. It is assigned by your internet service provider and is what websites and services on the internet see when you connect to them. To find it, you do not need to dig into settings — you can straightforward visit a public IP lookup website.

Open any web browser and go to a site like whatismyipaddress.com, myip.com, or ipchicken.com. The site will display your public IP address when ready. You do not need to enter any information or install anything — the website can see your IP address just by you visiting it.

Understanding the difference between local and public IP addresses

Your local IP address is used only within your home or office network. Devices on your Wi-Fi or wired network use it to find and communicate with your computer. This address usually starts with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16 — these are reserved ranges that networks use internally.

Your public IP address is what the rest of the internet uses to reach your network. Your router handles translating between the two. When you visit a website, the website sees your public IP address, not your local one. Your public IP address changes periodically (usually every few months, depending on your internet service provider), while your local IP address can stay the same for years.

When to use each type of IP address

Use your local IP address when you are setting up devices on your home network — printers, security cameras, smart home devices, or when you need to connect to another computer in your house. You would also use it if you are troubleshooting a network connection problem with a device in your home.

Use your public IP address if someone outside your network needs to reach your computer remotely, or if a website or service is asking for your IP address. You might also need it if you are troubleshooting an internet connection issue with your service provider — they will ask for your public IP to identify your account on their network.

Troubleshooting if you cannot find your IP address

If you follow the steps above and do not see an IP address, your computer may not be connected to a network. Check that your Wi-Fi is turned on or that your Ethernet cable is plugged in. Wait a few seconds after connecting — it can take a moment for your computer to receive an IP address from the network.

If you are connected but still do not see an address, restart your computer and try again. If the problem continues, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to fully restart. If you still have no IP address after that, contact your internet service provider — there may be an issue with your account or equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone use my IP address to hack me?

Your public IP address alone is not enough for someone to hack your computer. However, it can be a starting point for an attack. Keep your firewall enabled, use strong passwords, and keep your operating system and software updated. Your router's built-in firewall provides additional protection.

Why does my IP address keep changing?

Your public IP address changes periodically because your internet service provider reassigns addresses to manage their network. Your local IP address usually stays the same unless you restart your router or your computer loses and regains its connection. If you need a stable local IP address for a device, you can set a static IP in your router settings.

Is my local IP address the same as my computer's name?

No. Your computer's name (like "David's MacBook") is different from its IP address. The name is for you to recognize the device; the IP address is what the network uses to find it. Both are useful for different purposes.

What if I see multiple IP addresses in my settings?

You may see both an IPv4 address (the traditional format like 192.168.1.105) and an IPv6 address (a newer format with letters and numbers). Both are valid — most networks use IPv4, but IPv6 is becoming more common. Use whichever one your device or service asks for.