How to Find Your IP Address on Any Device

Finding your IP address in three steps

Your IP address is a number your device uses to talk to other devices on your network and the internet. You may need to find it to troubleshoot a connection problem, set up a printer, or log into your router. The fastest way depends on what device you are using — Windows, Mac, phone, or router itself — but each method takes less than a minute.

The address you see will be one of two types. A local IP address (like 192.168.1.5) is what your device uses inside your home network. A public IP address is what the internet sees when you browse from home, and it belongs to your internet provider, not to your individual device. Most of the time you need the local address.

Key Takeaways

Your local IP address is found in your device settings or network preferences, and it starts with 192.168 or 10.0 in most home networks.
Windows users open Settings, go to Network & Internet, and look for IPv4 Address under the active connection.
Mac users open System Settings, click Network, select the active connection, and read the IP Address field.
Your public IP address (what websites see) can be found by searching "what is my IP" in any browser, but you rarely need this for home network problems.
If you cannot find your IP address in settings, restart your device and try again, as the address sometimes does not display until the connection is fully active.

Finding your IP address on Windows

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then press Enter. Click Network & Internet on the left side. You will see a list of connection types — click the one you are currently using (either Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

Scroll down until you see a section labeled IP settings. Under that section, look for the line that says IPv4 Address. The number next to it is your local IP address. Write it down or take a screenshot if you need it for later.

If you do not see the IP settings section, your connection may not be fully active yet. Disconnect from the network and reconnect, then check again. If the section still does not appear, restart your computer and repeat the steps above.

Finding your IP address on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Settings. On the left sidebar, click Network. You will see a list of connection types — select the one with a green dot next to it (that means it is active).

On the right side of the window, look for the field labeled IP Address. The number shown there is your local IP address. If you are connected to Wi-Fi, you may also see additional details like your router's address (listed as "Router") and your DNS servers below the IP address.

If the IP Address field is blank or shows "Not Connected", your device is not currently on the network. Check that Wi-Fi is turned on or that your Ethernet cable is plugged in, then open System Settings again.

Finding your IP address on iPhone or iPad

Open the Settings app and tap Wi-Fi. Find the network you are connected to and tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i" inside it) next to the network name. Scroll down to the section labeled IPV4 ADDRESS — the number shown there is your local IP address.

If you are using cellular data instead of Wi-Fi, you have a different type of address that is not useful for home network troubleshooting. Switch to Wi-Fi and follow the steps above. If you do not see the IPV4 ADDRESS field, your device may still be connecting — wait a few seconds and tap the information icon again.

Finding your IP address on Android

Open the Settings app and tap Network & Internet or Connections (the exact name varies by phone brand). Tap Wi-Fi, then tap the network you are currently connected to. You will see a window with connection details — look for the field labeled IP Address.

The number shown is your local IP address. Some Android phones also show this information under Advanced settings within the Wi-Fi details screen. If you do not see an IP address field, your connection may not be active — disconnect and reconnect to the network, then check again.

Finding your IP address through your router

If you need to find the IP address of a device but cannot access that device directly, you can look it up from your router. Open a web browser on any device connected to your home network and type your router's address into the address bar — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's label if neither works.

You will be asked to log in. Use the username and password printed on the back or bottom of your router (often "admin" and "admin", or "admin" and the router's serial number). Once logged in, look for a section called Connected Devices, DHCP Clients, or Device List — the exact name depends on your router brand. This list shows every device on your network and its IP address.

Finding the IP address this way is useful when you need to locate a printer, security camera, or another device that you cannot easily access. Write down the address of the device you need, then close the router login page.

Finding your public IP address

Your public IP address is different from your local IP address. It is the address that websites see when you browse the internet from home. You rarely need this for home network problems, but you may need it if you are setting up remote access to your computer or troubleshooting with your internet provider.

To find your public IP address, open any web browser and search for "what is my IP". The first result will show your public address. You can also visit websites like whatismyipaddress.com or ipchicken.com, which display your public IP when ready. Your public address changes periodically — usually when your router restarts or after several days of being on — so do not rely on it staying the same.

What to do if you cannot find your IP address

If you have followed the steps for your device and still do not see an IP address, the problem is usually that your device is not fully connected to the network. Restart your device first — this often fixes connection problems that prevent the IP address from displaying. Wait at least 30 seconds after shutting down before turning it back on.

If restarting does not work, try disconnecting from the network and reconnecting. On Wi-Fi, forget the network (or "Forget This Network"), then reconnect by selecting it again and entering the password. On Ethernet, unplug the cable for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for the connection light to turn solid.

If you still see no IP address after these steps, your device may have a hardware problem or your network may be down. Try connecting a different device to the same network — if that device also shows no IP address, the problem is with your network, not your device. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting two minutes for it to fully boot up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to know my IP address?

You need your local IP address to log into your router, set up a printer on your network, or troubleshoot connection problems with a specific device. Your public IP address is rarely needed for home use, but internet providers sometimes ask for it when you call for support.

Is my IP address the same every time?

Your local IP address usually stays the same as long as your device is on the same network, but it can change if your device is off for a long time or if your router restarts. Your public IP address changes periodically — usually every few days or when your router restarts — and you cannot control when this happens.

Can someone use my IP address to hack me?

Your local IP address is only useful inside your home network, so it is not a security risk. Your public IP address is visible to websites you visit, but it does not directly expose your personal information — it only shows your general location and internet provider. Standard security practices like strong passwords and updated software protect you far more than hiding your IP address.

What if my IP address starts with a different number than 192.168?

Some routers use a different range, such as 10.0 or 172.16. This is normal and works the same way. The important thing is that your local IP address stays consistent on your home network — the exact starting numbers do not matter for troubleshooting.

Do I need to write down my IP address?

You only need to write it down if you are setting up a device like a printer or if you are about to troubleshoot a problem and may need to reference it later. For most everyday use, you do not need to remember or save your IP address.

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.