Whether you usea Google Pixel phone, Chromebook, desktop, or another device to connect to the internet, you’ll encounter something that requires your IP address. Any networking activity requires knowing your IP address. It makes troubleshooting easier with internet service providers (ISPs) and tech support for software or hardware that requires an internet connection. Also, you’ll need it to remotely access your devices or share your network with other devices, such as a printer. Here’s how to find your IP address on a Mac, Windows, Android, or iOS device.
What is the IP address?
Your device’s unique position on the internet is marked by an IP (Internet Protocol) address, a numerical code allocated by your internet service provider (ISP). This code functions similarly to a residential address but for your online presence, distinguishing your device from billions of others.
Devices within your local network haveprivate (local) IPaddresses but share a commonpublic IP addressthe internet service provider (ISP) allocates to your router. IPv4 and IPv6 are the two common versions of IP addresses.
IPv4uses a 32-bit format that offers around 4.3 billion unique addresses. However, due to the internet’s growth,IPv4 addresses are running out. In response to this shortage,IPv6was introduced, using a 128-bit format to provide a virtually limitless number of addresses.
IPv6 addresses are in hexadecimal, shown as 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334. The transition to IPv6 is ongoing, with IPv4 and IPv6 addresses currently being used on the internet. Dual-stack technology allows devices to run IPv4 and IPv6 simultaneously.
IP address explained in practice
When you typeexample.cominto your browser, your device first needs to find the IP address of the server hosting example.com. This is done through a Domain Name System (DNS) lookup.
Your device queries a DNS server, which translates the domain name into a public IP address of the website’s server. Your device sends the request to access the website to your router. This request includes the destination server’s public IP address (obtained from the DNS lookup) and is sent from your local network to the internet.
The request carries your network’s public IP address as the current source IP. This is because the internet does not recognize private IP addresses for routing. The server hosting example.com receives the request and sends the requested data back to the source IP address specified in the request, which is your router’s public IP address.
The router uses your device’s private IP to deliver the data to the correct device on your local network and loads the data for you on your screen.
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How to find your IP address on Windows 11
To view your local IP address with Windows 11, follow these instructions:
- Open theWindows Start menu, typeSettings, and open it.
2. Navigate toNetwork & interneton the left panel, then clickProperties.
- Your local IP address (including IPv4 and IPv6 addresses) displays here.
How to find your IP address on Windows 10
For Windows 10, find your local IP address by following these steps:
1. Open theWindows Start menuand selectSettings.
2. ChooseNetwork & Internet.
- For Wi-Fi connections, select Wi-Fi on the left, thenAdvanced Settings. For wired connections, selectEthernetand your network connection.
4. Your IPv4 address is listed here.
How to find your IP address on Windows 7, 8, and 8.1
Here’s how to find your local IP address in Windows 8, 8.1, or 7:
Locate and select theNetwork Connectionicon on the taskbar, then open theNetwork and Sharing Center.
Depending on your connection type, double-clickWireless Network Connectionfor Wi-Fi orLocal Area Connectionfor wired connections. Then clickDetails.
Your local IPv4 or IPv6 addresses are shown here.
Find your IP address using Command Prompt (CMD)
The following steps help you locate your local IP address via Command Prompt, regardless of the Windows version:
- Open theWindows Start menu, typeCMD, and openCommand Prompt.
2. InCommand Prompt, typeipconfigand pressEnterto view your local IP addresses.
How to find your IP address on macOS
If you use a Mac computer, follow these steps to find your IP address:
1. Open theApple menu, then clickSystem Settings.
2. ClickNetworkin the left panel, then selectWi-FiorEthernet.
- ClickDetailsnext to the connected network, then chooseTCP/IPto view your IP addresses.
How to find your IP address using Mac Terminal
Find your Mac’s local IP address by following these steps:
PressCommand + Spacebarto launch Spotlight and open the Terminal. Or openFinder, go toApplications>Utilities, and double-clickTerminal.
For Wi-Fi, typeipconfig getifaddr en1. For Ethernet connections, typeipconfig getifaddr en0and pressEnter.
3. To view your public IP, typecurl ifconfig.meand pressEnter.
How to find your IP address on iPhone and iPad
iPhone and iPad users can check their local IP address with these instructions:
1. OpenSettingsand tapWi-Fi.
2. Tap theinformation icon (i)next to the network you’re on.
- Your IPv6 and IPv4 addresses are listed here.
How to find your IP address on Android
We used a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra for this guide, but the process is similar for Android devices:
1. Go toSettings, then tapConnections.
2. SelectWi-Fi, then tap thesettings gear iconnext to your network.
- TapView moreand scroll to find your IPv4 and IPv6 addresses.
Mask your online footprint
Online anonymity depends on protecting your IP address. IP addresses can be traced to reveal your location, making it easy to track you down on the internet. Combining this information with metadata and cookies could lead to identity theft. One way to hide your IP is to use avirtual private network (VPN), which masks your IP address.We ranked the best VPNsto help you choose the right one for your online privacy.
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