If you are trying to configure a smart home device, set up a local Minecraft server, or change your Wi-Fi password, you will inevitably ask yourself: "how do I find the IP address?" The answer depends on whether you need your public IP or your local IP.
How to Find Your Public IP Address
Your public IP is the address your router uses to communicate with the rest of the internet. The easiest way to find this is to use a web browser.
- Open any web browser on a device connected to your home network.
- Visit our IP Location tool.
- Your public IP address will be displayed prominently at the top of the page.
How to Find Your Local Device IP Address
This is the internal address your router assigns to your computer or phone (usually starting with 192.168).
On Windows:
- Open the Command Prompt (search for
cmdin the Start menu). - Type
ipconfigand press Enter. - Look for the line that says IPv4 Address. That is your computer's local IP.
On Mac:
- Open System Settings.
- Click on Network, then select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
- Click Details. Your IP address will be listed there.
How to Find Your Router's IP Address
To change your Wi-Fi password, you need to log into your router's admin panel. You do this by typing the router's IP address into your browser.
- On Windows: Follow the steps above for
ipconfig, but look for the Default Gateway. That is your router's IP. - On Mac: In the Network Details screen mentioned above, look for the entry labeled Router.