The fastest way to find your IP address
Open the Command Prompt by pressing Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter. At the prompt, type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for "IPv4 Address" under "Ethernet adapter" or "Wireless LAN adapter" — that number is your IP address on your local network. It usually starts with 192.168 or 10.0.
If you need your public IP address instead — the one your internet provider assigns to your whole network — open any web browser and search "what is my IP". The first result will show it. Your public IP is what websites see when you visit them; your local IP is what your devices use to talk to each other at home.
Key Takeaways
- Your local IP address appears in Command Prompt when you type ipconfig and look for "IPv4 Address" under your network adapter.
- Your public IP address is visible when ready by searching "what is my IP" in any browser.
- Windows Settings also shows your local IP under Network settings, though Command Prompt is faster.
- The numbers before the last dot in a local IP (like 192.168.1) are usually the same for all devices on your home network.
Finding your IP address in Windows Settings
If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, Windows Settings will show your local IP. Press Windows key + I to open Settings, then click Network & internet on the left side. Click Wi-Fi if you are connected wirelessly, or Ethernet if you are plugged in with a cable.
Click the name of your network connection. Scroll down to "IP settings" and you will see "IPv4 address" listed there. This is the same number you would see in Command Prompt, just displayed in a different place. The Settings route takes more clicks but does not require typing commands.
Understanding what your IP address means
An IP address is a set of four numbers separated by dots, like 192.168.1.105. Each number can range from 0 to 255. Your local IP address identifies your PC on your home or office network — it is how your printer, router, and other devices know where to send information meant for you.
The first three numbers usually stay the same for every device on your network. The last number changes from device to device. So if your PC is 192.168.1.105, your phone might be 192.168.1.110 and your printer might be 192.168.1.50. Your router assigns these numbers automatically, and they can change if you restart your PC or go offline for a while.
Your public IP address is different. It is assigned by your internet service provider and is the same for your entire household. Websites and online services see this public IP, not your local one. Your router sits between your devices and the internet, translating between the two.
When you need your IP address
You might need your local IP address to connect to your printer over the network, to set up port forwarding on your router, or to troubleshoot a connection problem with another device. Tech support may also ask for it when you are reporting a network issue.
Your public IP address matters when you are setting up remote access to your PC from outside your home, or when a website is blocking or throttling your connection and you need to know what address they are seeing. You may also need it to check whether your IP has been flagged by spam filters or security services.
Finding your IP address on a Mac or Linux PC
On a Mac, open Terminal (search for it in Spotlight) and type ifconfig. Look for "inet" followed by a number — that is your local IP. On Linux, open a terminal and type the same command, or try hostname -I for a simpler output.
Both systems also show the IP in their network settings. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Network and click your active connection. On Linux, the method varies by distribution, but most have a network settings panel accessible through the system menu.
Checking your IP address on your phone or tablet
On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the network you are connected to, and scroll down to see "IP Address". On Android, go to Settings > About phone > Status (or Network on some phones) and look for "IP address".
These are your local IP addresses on your home network. To find your public IP on a phone, open Safari or Chrome and search "what is my IP" just as you would on a PC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my IP address keep changing?
Your router assigns local IP addresses automatically and may reassign them when you restart your PC or after a period offline. Your public IP can also change if your internet connection drops or if your provider cycles it periodically. If you need a stable local IP, you can set a static IP in your router settings, though this is rarely necessary for home use.
Is my IP address private or can others see it?
Your local IP is private — only devices on your home network can see it. Your public IP is visible to any website you visit and to your internet service provider. It does not reveal your exact location, but it does show your general region and internet provider. You can hide your public IP by using a VPN, though that is a separate tool.
What if ipconfig does not show an IP address?
If you see "Media disconnected" or no IPv4 address listed, your PC is not connected to the network. Check that your Wi-Fi is on or your ethernet cable is plugged in. Restart your PC and try again. If the problem continues, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
Can I change my IP address myself?
You can request a new public IP by restarting your modem, though your provider may assign you the same one. You can set a static local IP in your router settings if you want one device to always have the same address on your home network. Most people do not need to change their IP address.