How to Find Your Computer's IP Address

Knowing your IP address can be essential for network setup, troubleshooting internet connection issues, and ensuring security. There are multiple ways to find both your internal (local) and external (public) IP addresses.

1. Finding Your Local IP Address

Your local IP address is used to identify your device within a local network, for example, when setting up a printer or accessing your computer from another device. Here’s how to find your local IP address:

For Windows

  1. Open the Command Prompt. Press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type ipconfig and press Enter.
  3. Look for the line labeled IPv4 Address – this is your local IP address.

For macOS

  1. Go to System Preferences and select Network.
  2. Select the active connection (like Wi-Fi or Ethernet), and you’ll see your local IP address on the right.

For Linux

  1. Open the Terminal.
  2. Type hostname -I and press Enter. Your local IP address will be displayed on the screen.

2. Finding Your External (Public) IP Address

Your public IP address is how your computer appears to the internet. This address is assigned by your Internet Service Provider, and you can find it using various online services.

Using Online Services

One of the easiest ways to check your public IP address is by visiting a dedicated website. Simply go to any of the following resources, and your IP address will appear on the screen:

3. Using the Command Line for Public IP

You can also use the command line to find your public IP address:

For Windows and Linux

  1. Open the Command Prompt or Terminal.
  2. Type the following command: curl ifconfig.me and press Enter. Your public IP address will appear on the screen.

Now you know how to quickly locate both your local and public IP addresses, making network setup and security easier.