Your IP address is a number your computer uses to connect to the internet

An IP address is a unique number assigned to your computer whenever it connects to a network or the internet. It works like a mailing address — it tells other computers where to send information back to you. Every device connected to the internet has one, and you may need to know yours to troubleshoot connection problems, set up a printer on your home network, or configure remote access software.

Your computer actually has two IP addresses: a local IP address (used only on your home or office network) and a public IP address (used on the wider internet). This guide covers how to find both, and the steps differ slightly depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address starts with 192.168 or 10.0 and is used only within your home or office network.
  • Your public IP address is what websites see when you visit them, and you can find it by searching "what is my IP" in any browser.
  • On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to see your local IP address in seconds.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings, click Network, and select your connection to view your local IP address.
  • Your IP address changes periodically unless your internet provider assigns you a static one, which is uncommon for home users.

Finding your local IP address on Windows

The fastest way on Windows is to use Command Prompt. Press the Windows key and type cmd, then press Enter. A black window will open. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Your computer will display a list of network information.

Look for the line labeled IPv4 Address. The number next to it — usually something like 192.168.1.100 or 10.0.0.50 — is your local IP address. If you see multiple IPv4 addresses listed (one for each network connection), the one you need is under the connection you are currently using, such as "Ethernet" or "Wireless LAN Adapter Wi-Fi".

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can also find it through Settings. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), and scroll down to find the IP address listed under "Properties".

Finding your local IP address on Mac

On Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions). Click Network in the sidebar. Select the network connection you are using — either Wi-Fi or Ethernet — from the list on the left.

Your local IP address will appear on the right side of the window, labeled as IPv4 Address. It typically starts with 192.168 or 10.0. If you are connected to multiple networks, make sure you select the one you are actively using to see the correct address.

Finding your public IP address

Your public IP address is what the outside internet sees when you connect to websites or services. To find it, open any web browser and search for "what is my IP" or "my IP address". Google and other search engines will display your public IP address at the top of the results page within seconds.

Alternatively, you can visit websites like whatismyipaddress.com or ipinfo.io, which show your public IP address along with other details like your approximate location and internet provider. These sites are safe and do not require you to read anything.

Understanding the difference between local and public IP addresses

Your local IP address only works within your home or office network. It is assigned by your router and allows your computer to communicate with other devices on the same Wi-Fi or wired network, such as printers, phones, or other computers. Devices outside your network cannot reach you using this address.

Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and is visible to every website and service you visit online. This is the address that identifies your entire home or office to the internet. Websites use it to send web pages back to you, and it is also what appears in server logs when you visit a site.

Most home users have a dynamic public IP address, which means it changes periodically — sometimes daily, sometimes monthly, depending on your provider. Some businesses pay extra for a static public IP address that stays the same, but this is uncommon for residential internet.

Why you might need to know your IP address

You may need your local IP address to set up a printer, security camera, or other device on your home network. You might also need it to access your computer remotely from another device, or to troubleshoot network connection problems with your internet provider.

Your public IP address is useful if you are setting up remote access software, hosting a game server, or troubleshooting why a website is blocking you. Some services also ask for your public IP to whitelist your connection for security reasons.

Common mistakes when looking up your IP address

The most common mistake is confusing your local IP address with your public IP address. Remember: local addresses start with 192.168 or 10.0 and only work on your home network. Public addresses are longer and visible to the entire internet.

Another mistake is looking at the wrong network connection if your computer has multiple connections active. If you are connected to both Wi-Fi and Ethernet at the same time, each will have its own local IP address. Make sure you are checking the one you are actually using.

On Windows, some users type ipconfig incorrectly as ipconfig /all or other variations. The basic ipconfig command gives you everything you need; the extra options are only useful for advanced troubleshooting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my IP address change?

Your public IP address changes periodically — sometimes weekly, sometimes monthly — depending on your internet provider. Your local IP address usually stays the same as long as you stay connected to the same router, but it can change if you disconnect and reconnect, or if your router restarts.

Is it safe to share my IP address?

Sharing your public IP address is generally safe; websites already see it every time you visit. Sharing your local IP address is safe within your home network. However, do not share either address with strangers online, as someone with malicious intent could use it to attempt attacks on your network.

Why does my IP address look different each time I check?

If your public IP address changes between checks, that is normal — your internet provider reassigns it periodically. If your local IP address changes, your router may have restarted or your device may have disconnected and reconnected to the network. You can configure your router to assign a static local IP to your computer if you need it to stay the same.

Can I change my IP address?

You cannot directly change your public IP address, but you can restart your modem to request a new one from your provider — though it may take hours or days to change. You can change your local IP address by adjusting your router settings, but this requires accessing your router's admin panel and is usually unnecessary.

What if I cannot find my IP address using these steps?

If Command Prompt or System Settings do not show an IP address, your computer may not be connected to the network. Check that your Wi-Fi is turned on or your Ethernet cable is plugged in. If you are connected but still see no address, restart your router and try again.