Every device on the internet has an IP address, but the number you need depends on what you are doing. Most devices actually have two: a public IP address that the internet sees, and a private IP address used inside your home network. This guide shows you how to find both.

Which IP address do you need?

• Public IP address: the address websites see. You need it to allow access through a firewall, to set up remote access, or to give to a support team.
• Private IP address: the address your router gives each device. You need it for printers, file sharing, and port forwarding.

How to find your public IP address

The quickest way works on every device: open the WhatsMyIP.net homepage. It shows the public IP address your connection uses, together with your approximate location and internet provider.

Your device cannot normally show you this address in its settings, because your router or mobile provider holds it, not the device. All devices on the same home network usually share one public IP address, so your phone and laptop show the same result on Wi-Fi. Switch your phone to mobile data and the address changes, because you are now on a different network.

How to find your private IP address

Windows 11 and Windows 10

1. Open Settings, then Network & internet.
2. Choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet, then open the properties of your connection.
3. Look for IPv4 address.

A faster option is to open Command Prompt, type ipconfig, and press Enter. Look for the IPv4 Address line under your active adapter.

Mac

1. Open System Settings, then Wi-Fi.
2. Click Details next to the network you are connected to.
3. Open TCP/IP and look for IP address.

In Terminal, ipconfig getifaddr en0 shows the address of the first network interface, which is Wi-Fi on most Mac laptops.

iPhone and iPad

1. Open Settings, then Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the info icon next to your network.
3. Find IP Address in the list.

Android

The menus differ between manufacturers, so the names on your phone may vary slightly.

1. Open Settings, then Network & internet or Connections.
2. Open Wi-Fi or Internet, then tap the gear icon next to your network.
3. Look for IP address. On some phones it sits under Advanced or View more.

Linux

Open a terminal and run hostname -I for a short list of addresses, or ip addr for full details per network interface.

Why does my IP address look different than expected?

• It starts with 192.168, 10, or 172.16 to 172.31: that is a private address. It is normal and only works inside your network.
• It starts with 169.254: your device could not get an address from the router. Restarting the router usually solves this.
• It contains colons: that is an IPv6 address, the newer address format. Read more in our guide to what an IP address is.
• It shows another city or country: you may be using a VPN, or the location estimate may simply be off.