How to Find Your Computer's IP Address in Three Steps

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 looks like four numbers separated by dots — for example, 192.168.1.5 — and it tells other devices on your network (or the internet) where to send information back to you. You may need to find your IP address to troubleshoot a connection problem, set up a printer or router, join a video call, or give technical support to someone helping you fix something.

Your computer actually has two IP addresses: a local IP address (the one used inside your home or office network) and a public IP address (the one the wider internet sees). Most of the time, you need the local one. The method you use depends on whether you are using Windows or Mac.

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.
Your local IP address usually starts with 192.168 or 10.0 and is the one you need for home network tasks.
If you need your public IP address instead, search "what is my IP" in any web browser to see it when ready.

Finding Your IP Address on Windows

The fastest way on Windows is to use Command Prompt. Click the Start button (the Windows logo in the bottom left), type cmd into the search box, and press Enter. A black window will open with a blinking cursor.

Type ipconfig and press Enter. You will see a list of information. Look for the line that says "IPv4 Address" — the number next to it is your local IP address. It will look something like 192.168.1.100. Write it down or take a screenshot if you need to use it elsewhere. You can close the Command Prompt window by typing exit and pressing Enter, or just clicking the X button.

If you see multiple sections (one for each network connection you have), look under the section labeled "Ethernet" if you are plugged in with a cable, or "Wireless LAN adapter" if you are using Wi-Fi. That section will have the IPv4 Address you need.

Finding Your IP Address on Mac

On Mac, the process uses the graphical settings menu instead of typing commands. Click the Apple menu in the top left corner, then select "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older versions). In the sidebar on the left, click "Network".

You will see a list of connections on the left side — usually "Wi-Fi" if you are wireless, or "Ethernet" if you are plugged in. Click the one you are currently using. On the right side of the window, you will see a button that says "Details" or information displayed directly. Your IP address will be shown as "IP Address" and will look like 192.168.1.50 or similar. You can close this window when you have written it down.

Understanding What You Are Looking At

When you run ipconfig on Windows or check Network settings on Mac, you will see several pieces of information. The IPv4 Address is what you almost always need — it is your local IP address on your home or office network. You may also see an "IPv6 Address," which is a newer format, but most devices and printers still use IPv4, so focus on that one.

You will also see a "Default Gateway" (usually something like 192.168.1.1) — that is your router's address. The "Subnet Mask" tells your computer which other devices are on the same local network. You do not need to change or remember these; they are just there for reference if you are troubleshooting with technical support.

Finding Your Public IP Address Instead

If someone asked you for your "public IP address" or "external IP address," that is different from the local one. This is the address the internet sees when you browse websites or send data outside your home network. To find it, open any web browser, go to Google, and search for "what is my IP." Google will display your public IP address at the top of the results in large text.

Alternatively, you can visit websites like whatismyipaddress.com or ipinfo.io, which will show your public IP address and some additional information about your location (based on that address). This method works the same way on Windows and Mac — you just need an internet connection and a browser.

Common Reasons the Address Might Change

Your local IP address can change if you restart your router, if your computer reconnects to the network, or if your router is set to assign addresses automatically (which most home routers are). If you need an IP address to stay the same — for example, to set up port forwarding for a game or to always find a printer at the same address — you can set a static IP address in your router settings. That is a more advanced task, but your router's instruction manual or support page will walk you through it.

Your public IP address changes less often, usually only when you restart your modem or after several days of inactivity. Internet service providers rotate public addresses periodically, but you do not need to do anything about it — it happens automatically.

Troubleshooting If You Cannot Find It

If you ran ipconfig on Windows and saw "Media disconnected" or no IPv4 Address listed, your computer is not connected to the network. Check that your Wi-Fi is turned on, or if you are using a cable, make sure it is plugged in firmly on both ends. Wait a few seconds and run ipconfig again.

On Mac, if you do not see an IP address in Network settings, click "Renew DHCP Lease" (or the equivalent button for your connection type) to ask your router to assign you an address again. If that does not work, restart your computer and check again. If you still see no address after restart, your router may not be working — try restarting the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting two minutes for it to fully start up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same as my MAC address?

No. Your MAC address is a different identifier used only on your local network; your IP address is used across networks and the internet. You will not need your MAC address for most tasks, but if someone asks for it, you can find it by typing ipconfig /all on Windows (look for "Physical Address") or in the Network settings on Mac (look for "Wi-Fi Address").

Can someone hack me if they know my IP address?

Knowing your public IP address alone is not enough to hack your computer — it is like knowing someone's mailing address. However, it is still wise not to share it with strangers. Your local IP address is only visible to devices on your own network, so it is not a security risk to share it with someone helping you troubleshoot at home.

Why do I have multiple IP addresses listed?

If you have multiple network connections (for example, both Wi-Fi and Ethernet plugged in at the same time), your computer will have a separate IP address for each one. Use the address for whichever connection you are actually using — usually the one that shows "Connected" or is highlighted in your network settings.

What if my IP address starts with 169.169?

That means your computer could not reach your router to get a proper address. Restart your router, wait 30 seconds, and then restart your computer. If the address is still in the 169.x range, your router may not be working or your network cable may be loose.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.