How to find your IP address on any device
Every device has two kinds of IP address: the public one the internet sees, and a private one on your home or office network. Here is how to find both, and when each one matters.
Open the tool: What Is My IP Address?
1. Your public IP address
Open the IP tool on this site from any device on the same network. Every phone, laptop and TV behind your router shares this one public address. You need it to set up remote access, allow your office in a firewall, or report a problem to your provider.
2. Windows
Open Settings, then Network and internet, choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet and open the connection's properties. The IPv4 address listed there is your private address. You can also type ipconfig in Command Prompt.
3. Mac, iPhone and iPad
On a Mac, open System Settings, then Wi-Fi, and click Details next to your network. On iPhone and iPad, open Settings, then Wi-Fi, and tap the info button next to the network name.
4. Android
Open Settings, then Network and internet or Connections, tap Wi-Fi, then the gear or arrow next to your network. The menu names differ a little between phone makers.
5. Your router
The router's own address is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, printed on its label. Its admin page lists every connected device with its private IP address and the public address it got from your provider.
Checklist
When you share or use an IP address:
- Give support teams your public IP, not the private 192.168 one.
- Expect a home IP to change; ask your provider for a static IP if you host something.
- Reserve a fixed private IP in the router for printers and cameras.
- Check whether a VPN is on before you compare addresses.
- Never open router ports you do not need.