First decide which IP address you need
Your local or private IP address identifies the device within a home or office network; common examples begin with 192.168 or 10. A public IP address is the one your router or internet provider presents to the wider internet, sometimes shared with other customers. These values can differ, so do not panic when a website shows a different number from your computer's settings. An IP is a network routing address, not a reliable street address or a unique proof of someone's identity. Identify whether a technician, printer, game or remote connection needs a local or public address.
Find the local IPv4 address in Windows
On Windows 11, open Start, then Settings, Network & internet. Choose the connected Wi-Fi network and its properties or open Ethernet if you are using a cable. Look for IPv4 address. Microsoft also documents these steps for Windows 10, although some labels and layouts differ. For an advanced check, open Command Prompt and run ipconfig; read the IPv4 line for the adapter you actually use, not an inactive VPN or virtual adapter. An address beginning 169.254 may mean the computer did not obtain a suitable address automatically from the local network.
Check a Mac without installing extra software
On macOS, open the Apple menu, System Settings, and Wi-Fi. Select Details for the connected network to view the Mac's IP address and router information; on an Ethernet connection, open the corresponding network service. The router or gateway field usually identifies the device that connects your home to the internet, not the Mac itself. IP details are also available from network utilities, but avoid downloading an unknown 'IP scanner' merely to see this basic information. The exact wording can vary between macOS versions, so follow Apple's current instructions if your screen looks different.
Find the Wi-Fi address on a phone
On an iPhone, open Settings, choose Wi-Fi and tap the information icon next to the connected network; look for IP Address in the network details. On Android, open Settings and inspect the connected Wi-Fi network or its network details; the path differs by manufacturer and Android version. If you switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data, your public-facing internet connection can change. A phone may also display an IPv6 address, which uses a different format from the dotted IPv4 numbers. Never grant an app broad device permissions only to discover an address shown in Settings.
How to see the public IP—and what it does not reveal
A reputable 'what is my IP' webpage can report the address visible to that website on your current connection. Your provider, a shared mobile gateway, a workplace proxy or a VPN may change this value. The site might estimate a city or region, but IP geolocation can be inaccurate and normally cannot identify your exact home or current person. If you use a VPN, the public IP may belong to the VPN exit server. Treat unexpected requests to send your IP together with passwords, router access credentials or screenshots of account information as suspicious.
Troubleshooting and safe sharing
A printer on the same local network generally needs its local address, while remote access involves additional security and provider configuration. Do not disable router firewalls, expose remote-desktop ports or publish your router's administrative password as a shortcut. If a service says an IP is blocked, note whether you were on Wi-Fi, mobile data or a VPN; those facts help support investigate. If an address changes after rebooting, that can be normal with automatic DHCP assignment. For most people, finding the correct address is a read-only check, not a reason to modify network settings.
A general educational overview, not a substitute for professional guidance. Check current local rules and trusted primary sources before making consequential decisions.
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