Your computer has two IP addresses you might need to find

Your computer has a local IP address (used only on your home or office network) and a public IP address (how the internet sees you). Most of the time when someone asks for your IP address, they mean the local one — the address your router assigns to your machine. Finding either one takes less than a minute and requires no special tools beyond what your operating system already has.

The method depends on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux. Each operating system stores this information in a different place, but all three let you see it through a built-in command or settings menu.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address is assigned by your router and looks like 192.168.1.100 or 10.0.0.50; your public IP address is what websites see and changes based on your internet provider.
  • In Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to see your local IP under "IPv4 Address" in seconds.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings, click Network, select your connection, and read the IP address shown on the right side of the window.
  • In Linux, open a terminal and type hostname -I to display your local IP address when ready.
  • To find your public IP address on any operating system, search "what is my IP" in a web browser or visit a site like whatismyipaddress.com.

Finding your local IP address in Windows

Open the Start menu and type "Command Prompt" into the search box. Click the Command Prompt app when it appears. A black window will open with a blinking cursor.

Type ipconfig and press Enter. The window will display a list of network information. Look for the section labeled "Ethernet adapter" or "Wireless LAN adapter" — whichever matches how your computer connects to the network. Under that section, find the line that says "IPv4 Address". The number next to it (something like 192.168.1.105) is your local IP address.

If you see multiple adapters listed, use the one that shows an IPv4 address and is currently active. Adapters that are disconnected will show "Media State: Media disconnected" and can be ignored.

Finding your local IP address on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older versions). In the sidebar, click "Network".

On the left side of the window, you will see a list of network connections. Click the one you are currently using — usually "Wi-Fi" if you are wireless, or "Ethernet" if you are plugged in with a cable. On the right side of the window, you will see connection details. Look for the line labeled "IP Address". The number shown there is your local IP address.

Finding your local IP address in Linux

Open a terminal window. The method varies by desktop environment, but usually you can right-click the desktop and select "Open Terminal" or press Ctrl+Alt+T.

Type hostname -I and press Enter. Your local IP address will appear on the next line. If you are connected to multiple networks, you may see more than one address listed; use the one that matches your current connection.

If hostname -I does not work, try ip addr show instead. This command shows more detail and lists all network interfaces. Look for the section labeled "inet" under the interface you are using; the address next to it is your local IP.

Finding your public IP address

Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and is what websites see when you visit them. To find it, open any web browser and search for "what is my IP address" or "my IP". Google will display your public IP at the top of the search results.

Alternatively, visit a dedicated IP lookup site such as whatismyipaddress.com, ipchicken.com, or iplocation.net. These sites display your public IP address and sometimes additional information like your approximate location and internet provider. All of these methods work the same way on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Your public IP address changes periodically — usually when you restart your modem or after a set number of days, depending on your provider. Your local IP address is more stable but can also change if you restart your router or if your device is offline for a long time.

Why you might need your IP address

You need your local IP address when you want to access your router's settings, set up a printer or smart home device on your network, or troubleshoot a connection problem. Technical support staff sometimes ask for it to diagnose network issues on your specific machine.

Your public IP address is useful if you want to check your location as seen by the internet, or if you are setting up remote access to your computer from outside your home network. Some services also ask for your public IP to whitelist your connection for security reasons.

What to do if you cannot find your IP address

If the commands above do not show an IP address, your computer may not be connected to the network. Check that your ethernet cable is plugged in or that you are connected to a Wi-Fi network. On Windows, look at the network icon in the bottom-right corner of the taskbar; on Mac, check the Wi-Fi icon in the top-right corner.

If you are connected but still see no address, restart your computer and try again. If the problem persists, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to fully restart before trying the commands again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a local IP and a public IP?

Your local IP is assigned by your router and is only used within your home or office network. Your public IP is assigned by your internet provider and is how the rest of the internet identifies your connection. Websites see your public IP, not your local one.

Will my IP address change?

Your local IP can change if your router restarts or if your device is offline for a long time, though it usually stays the same. Your public IP changes periodically based on your provider's settings, typically every few days to a few months. You can request a static IP from your provider if you need it to stay the same.

Is it safe to share my IP address?

Sharing your local IP address is generally safe — it only works on your own network. Sharing your public IP is lower risk than sharing passwords or financial information, but it can reveal your approximate location and internet provider. Avoid posting it publicly online.

Can I change my IP address?

You can change your local IP through your router settings, though this is rarely necessary. Your public IP changes automatically on a schedule set by your provider. You can force a change by restarting your modem, but it will change back to whatever your provider assigns next.

What if I see multiple IP addresses listed?

Multiple addresses usually mean your computer is connected to more than one network (for example, both Wi-Fi and Ethernet). Use the address that corresponds to the connection you are currently using. If you are unsure which one is active, disconnect from one network and run the command again.