How to Find Your IP Address

Your IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique identifier that allows devices to communicate with each other over a network. There are two types of IP addresses: public and private. Your public IP address is assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and is used to identify your network on the internet, while your private IP address is assigned to your device on your local network.

Here’s how to find both:

1. How to Find Your Public IP Address

The easiest way to find your public IP address is to use a search engine or a website that displays your IP address.

Method 1: Using a Search Engine (Google)

1. Open a web browser (Google Chrome, Firefox, etc.).
2. In the search bar, type: “What is my IP”.
3. Your public IP address will be displayed at the top of the search results.

Method 2: Using an IP Lookup Website

You can use websites like:

• WhatIsMyIP.com
• IP Chicken
• IPinfo.io

These websites will instantly show your public IP address when you visit them.

2. How to Find Your Private IP Address (on your local network)

Windows

1. Open Command Prompt:
   • Press the Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
2. In the Command Prompt window, type:
   ipconfig
   and press Enter.
3. Look for the IPv4 Address under your active network connection. This is your private IP address (usually something like 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x).

MacOS

1. Open System Preferences:
   • Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner and choose System Preferences.
2. Click Network.
3. Select your active network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) from the left-hand side.
4. Your private IP address will appear under the connection status, typically something like 192.168.x.x.

Linux

1. Open Terminal:
   • Press Ctrl + Alt + T or search for “Terminal” in your applications.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   hostname -I
3. Your private IP address will be displayed.

Android

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Network & internet (or Connections).
3. Tap on Wi-Fi, then tap the gear icon next to your connected network.
4. Tap Advanced to see your private IP address.

iOS (iPhone and iPad)

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Wi-Fi and then tap the i (info) icon next to your connected network.
3. Your private IP address will be listed under the IP Address section.

Public vs. Private IP Addresses

• Public IP Address: This is assigned by your ISP and can be seen by websites, online services, and other devices outside your network.
• Private IP Address: This is used within your local network and is not visible to devices on the internet.

Both types of IP addresses are important, but they serve different purposes. If you’re troubleshooting internet issues or configuring your router, it’s essential to know both.

By following these steps, you can easily find both your public and private IP addresses on any device.