Your IP address is a number that identifies your computer on a network

Every device connected to the internet or a local network has an IP address — a unique string of numbers separated by periods, like 192.168.1.5 or 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334. Your computer uses this address to send and receive data. You may need to find it to troubleshoot connection problems, set up a printer or router, or share access with technical support.

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux. Each operating system stores this information in a different place, but all three methods take less than a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can find their IP address by opening Command Prompt and typing ipconfig, then looking for the line labeled "IPv4 Address".
  • Mac users should go to System Preferences, select Network, click their active connection, and read the IP address shown in the window.
  • Linux users can open a terminal and type hostname -I or ip addr to see all network addresses on the system.
  • Your local IP address (starting with 192.168 or 10.) is different from your public IP address, which is what websites see when you visit them.
  • If you see "169.254" at the start of your IP address, your computer is not connected to the network properly.

Finding your IP address on 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 is your local IP address.

If you want to see your public IP address instead (the one your internet service provider assigns to your home or office), type curl ifconfig.me in the same Command Prompt window and press Enter. This shows the address that websites and online services see.

Finding your IP address on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Preferences" (or "System Settings" on newer versions). Look for the "Network" icon and click it.

On the left side of the window, you will see a list of connection types. Click whichever one has a green dot next to it — that is your active connection. The IP address appears in the main panel on the right, usually labeled "IPv4 Address" or just "IP Address".

If you want your public IP address, open a web browser and search for "what is my IP". Most search engines will display it at the top of the results page.

Finding your IP address on Linux

Open a terminal window. The method varies by distribution, but you can usually right-click on the desktop and select "Open Terminal" or search for "Terminal" in your applications menu.

Type hostname -I and press Enter. This displays all IP addresses assigned to your computer. If you want more detailed information about each network connection, type ip addr instead. The output will show every network interface and its address.

To find your public IP address, type curl ifconfig.me and press Enter.

Understanding local versus public IP addresses

Your computer actually has two different IP addresses. The local IP address (or private IP address) is used only within your home or office network. It usually starts with 192.168, 10., or 172.16. This is the address you use when connecting to your printer, router, or other devices on the same network.

Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and is visible to websites and online services you visit. It changes periodically unless you pay for a static address. When you search "what is my IP" in a browser, you are seeing your public address.

For most troubleshooting tasks — setting up a printer, connecting to a home network, or working with your router — you need the local address. For issues with your internet service provider or when a website needs to identify you, you need the public address.

What to do if your IP address looks wrong

If your IP address starts with 169.254, your computer is not properly connected to the network. This is a self-assigned address that appears when the device cannot reach a DHCP server (the device that normally hands out addresses on your network). Restart your computer and your router, then check again.

If you still see 169.254, check that your network cable is plugged in (on wired connections) or that you are connected to the correct wireless network. If you are using Wi-Fi, forget the network in your settings and reconnect to it. On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage Known Networks, find your network, and click "Forget". Then reconnect and enter your password again.

If the problem continues after restarting and reconnecting, contact your internet service provider or network administrator. The issue may be with the router or the network itself, not your computer.

Why you might need to know your IP address

Knowing your IP address is useful for several common tasks. If you are setting up a network printer, you may need to enter the printer's IP address into your computer. If you are troubleshooting a slow connection, your internet service provider may ask for your public IP address to check their records. If you are accessing your computer remotely, you need the local address to set up the connection.

Some people also check their public IP address to verify that a VPN (virtual private network) is working correctly. When a VPN is active, your public IP address should change to reflect the VPN server's location, not your actual location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same every time I check it?

Your local IP address usually stays the same as long as you stay on the same network, though it can change if you restart your router or if your DHCP lease expires. Your public IP address changes periodically — sometimes weekly, sometimes monthly — depending on your internet service provider. If you need a permanent public address, you can contact your provider about a static IP, though this usually costs extra.

Can someone find my location from my IP address?

Your public IP address can be traced to your city or region, but not to your exact street address or home. Your internet service provider has the detailed records, but they do not share them without a legal request. Your local IP address is only visible to devices on your own network, so it reveals nothing to the outside world.

What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

IPv4 addresses use four numbers separated by periods (like 192.168.1.5) and are the older standard. IPv6 addresses use longer strings with letters and colons (like 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334) and are the newer standard designed to handle more devices. Most home networks still use IPv4, but both may appear in your network settings.

Do I need to change my IP address?

For most users, no. Your IP address is assigned automatically and works without any action on your part. You would only need to change it if you are setting up a static network configuration for a specific device like a server or if you are troubleshooting a conflict where two devices have the same address.