Every device that can connect to the internet has a unique number assigned to it. Your phone, laptop, desktop computer, game consoles, and more are included.

We will show you how to find your Internet Protocol address on Mac, Windows, and other mobile devices.

What is an IP address?

The internet and your local network can be connected to by using a public and private Internet Protocol addresses. The public address assigned to your network's routers is used by each device. All of your devices in the network should have the same public address because your internet service provider allocates one public address to your routers.

If you want to set up a printer, create a server or access your network's routers, you'll need your device's private address. Bad actors can't use this address to trace you since it's only in your local network.

When you are away, your public address is used to connect to your network. Information about your internet service provider, as well as your approximate location, can be revealed by the numbers in your public address. It is not a good idea to give your public address to someone you don't trust.

It is not possible to hide the public address of your internet service provider as they use it to connect your devices to the internet. Some people use a virtual private network to browse the internet, so that they don't see your internet address, and it's because of this. A proxy can help you hide your location and hide your browsing activity from your internet service provider.

When you look at information about your address, you might notice that you have two addresses. The longer string of numbers and letters allows for the creation of more unique addresses when compared to the shorter string of numbers and letters used in the previous version of the protocol. IPv6 isn't fully supported by every device and network yet

When setting up a server or connecting to an external device, it's a good idea to know how to find the address you need. The first thing we will do is find the private addresses of the best-known operating systems. If you're looking for instructions in the user manual, look for TVs or printers.

Find the IP address on a macOS system

An screenshot showing network settings in macOS
Your IP address (mine is blocked out in this screenshot) will appear directly below the “Status” section.

The Apple logo can be found in the top left corner of the menu bar at the top of the screen. You can choose your connection from the panel on the left side of the menu.

Find your IP address on a Windows system

An image of the Properties settings page on Windows 10
You’ll see your IPv4 address on the Properties page.

Simply head to the start menu and hit the settings icon to find your address. You can hit the Properties option beneath the Network & Internet option. If you scroll down a bit, you will see that your address is listed next to the other addresses.

Find your IP address on an iPhone

If you tap on the settings app, you'll be able to find your internet address on the phone. If you tap the "i" icon next to the name of your network, you'll get a list of your address.

Screenshots showing your IP address on an iPhone and on an Android
Finding your IP address on iPhone (left) and on Android (right).

Find your IP address on an Android device

If you want to connect to a network or internet on your phone, you have to go to the settings page. For this portion, we are referring to the S22 Plus and the S6 as reference, other phones may vary.

Pick the icon next to the name of your wi-fi network from here. You can find your address by scrolling down and selecting View More.

How to find your public IP address

An IP address displayed on Google
Simply type “what is my IP” into Google.

It's easier to find your public address than it is to find your private one. All you have to do is type in what you want to find, and the search engine will show you your address at the top of the page. You can use websites like WhatIsMyipAddress.com to find your address.