How to Find Your IP Address on Any Device
Finding your IP address is simple, but there are two different IPs you might be looking for: your public IP (what the internet sees) and your private/local IP (what your router assigned to your device). Here's how to find both on every major platform.
Finding Your Public IP Address
The easiest way to find your public IP is to visit a tool like this one - It reads the IP from your incoming connection. You can also use command-line methods:
| Method | Command / URL | Works On |
|---|---|---|
| WhatsMyIP.now | Visit this page | Any browser |
| curl command | curl https://api.ipify.org | Mac, Linux, Windows (PowerShell) |
| PowerShell | Invoke-RestMethod https://api.ipify.org | Windows |
| dig command | dig +short myip.opendns.com @resolver1.opendns.com | Mac, Linux |
Finding Your Private (Local) IP Address
| Platform | Steps |
|---|---|
| Windows 10/11 | Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi or Ethernet → Properties → scroll to IPv4 address |
| macOS | System Settings → Network → select your connection → shows IP next to "IP Address" |
| Linux (GUI) | Network Manager icon → Connection Information → IP Address |
| Linux (Terminal) | ip addr show or hostname -I |
| iPhone / iPad | Settings → Wi-Fi → tap (i) next to connected network → IP Address |
| Android | Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → tap network name → Advanced → IP address |
| Chrome OS | System tray → Network → connected network → expand details → IP address |
| Router admin | Log in to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 - See all connected devices and their IPs |
Public vs Private - Which One Do You Need?
- Use your public IP when configuring external services, whitelisting IPs in cloud platforms, or troubleshooting internet connectivity with your ISP.
- Use your private IP when configuring local services (file sharing, printers, local servers) or when setting up port forwarding on your router.
- If someone online asks for your IP (e.g. in gaming), they want your public IP - Never share it with people you don't trust.