An IP address is a unique numeric identifier assigned to a device connected to a network. The term IP stands for Internet Protocol. Internet protocols are standardized rules created by the Internet Engineering Task Force to allow devices to communicate. An IP address identifies a device’s location on a network and enables data delivery between systems.
An IP address works as a routing label. Routers, servers, and switches rely on this label to send data packets to the correct destination. Without an IP address, a device cannot access local networks or the public internet.
There are two main protocol versions in active use today. IPv4 uses a 32-bit numeric format. IPv6 uses a 128-bit alphanumeric format. Both formats serve the same core function but differ in scale and structure.
Types of IP Addresses You Can Find
To find an IP address accurately, the address type must be identified first. Each type serves a different networking purpose.
Public IP Address
A public IP address identifies a network on the internet. Internet Service Providers assign this address to routers. Websites and online services detect this address when a device connects to them.
Public IP addresses are globally unique. Organizations such as ARIN and RIPE manage their allocation. A public IP address may change over time if the ISP uses dynamic assignment.
Private IP Address
A private IP address identifies a device inside a local network. Routers assign private IP addresses using DHCP. These addresses are not visible on the internet.
Private IP addresses follow reserved ranges defined by RFC 1918. Common ranges include 192.168.x.x and 10.x.x.x.
Router IP Address
A router IP address is the default gateway used by devices to reach external networks. This address belongs to the router itself and enables access to router configuration panels.
IPv4 and IPv6 Addresses
IPv4 addresses use dotted decimal notation. IPv6 addresses use hexadecimal notation separated by colons. Modern networks often support both formats simultaneously.
How to Decide Which IP Address You Need
To find the correct IP address, the purpose must be clear.
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Accessing router settings requires the router IP address
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Troubleshooting local connectivity requires the private IP address
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Checking online identity requires the public IP address
Each method displays a different result depending on the scope.
How to Find Your Public IP Address
A public IP address can be found without accessing device settings. This address reflects how the internet identifies your network.
Method 1: Using a Search Engine
To find a public IP address using a browser:
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Open any modern web browser
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Search for “what is my IP”
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View the numeric address displayed at the top
Search engines query authoritative servers that detect the source IP of the request.
Method 2: Using an IP Lookup Website
IP lookup services return detailed network information.
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Open an IP lookup website
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Allow the page to load fully
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Read the displayed IP address
Most services also show ISP name, country, and protocol version.
Method 3: Using Command Line Tools
Command line tools retrieve the public IP from external servers.
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Open Command Prompt or Terminal
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Run a public IP query command
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Read the returned numeric address
This method bypasses browsers and confirms network-level identity.
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How to Find a Private IP Address on Windows
Windows systems provide multiple built-in tools to display private IP information.
Using Windows Settings
To find a private IP address through Settings:
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Open Settings from the Start menu
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Select Network & Internet
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Choose the active connection
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Open network properties
The IPv4 address field displays the private IP assigned to the device.
Using Control Panel
To find a private IP address through Control Panel:
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Open Control Panel
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Select Network and Sharing Center
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Click the active network
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Open connection details
This view shows IP address, subnet mask, and gateway.
Using Command Prompt
To find a private IP address using commands:
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Open Command Prompt
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Type
ipconfig -
Locate the IPv4 Address entry
This method also reveals DNS servers and adapter status.
How to Find a Private IP Address on macOS
macOS systems display network configuration through graphical and command-line tools.
Using System Settings
To find a private IP address on macOS:
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Open System Settings
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Select Network
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Choose the active interface
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View connection status
The IP address appears alongside router and subnet information.
Using Terminal
To find a private IP address using Terminal:
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Open Terminal
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Run an interface query command
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Identify the address linked to Wi-Fi or Ethernet
This method lists all network interfaces and their assigned addresses.
How to Find an IP Address on Mobile Devices
Mobile operating systems store IP data inside Wi-Fi configuration panels.
iPhone and iPad
To find an IP address on iOS devices:
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Open Settings
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Select Wi-Fi
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Tap the connected network
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View the IP Address field
This screen also shows router and DNS values.
Android Devices
To find an IP address on Android:
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Open Settings
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Select Network or Connections
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Open Wi-Fi settings
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View network details
Android displays the private IP under advanced network information.
How to Find Your Router IP Address
The router IP address acts as the default gateway for all devices.
On Windows
To find the router IP address:
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Open Command Prompt
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Run
ipconfig -
Locate Default Gateway
This value identifies the router’s internal address.
On macOS
To find the router IP address:
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Open Network settings
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View the Router field
On Mobile Devices
To find the router IP address:
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Open Wi-Fi network details
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Read the Gateway or Router value
This address allows access to router configuration pages.
IPv4 vs IPv6: Key Differences
| Feature | IPv4 | IPv6 |
|---|---|---|
| Address length | 32-bit | 128-bit |
| Format | Numeric | Alphanumeric |
| Availability | Limited | Vast |
| Adoption | Widespread | Increasing |
Common IP Address Issues and Causes
Address Not Showing
Inactive adapters and disabled Wi-Fi connections prevent IP assignment.
Incorrect IP Range
Addresses starting with 169.254 indicate DHCP failure.
VPN Interference
VPN software changes the public IP by routing traffic through external servers.
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Why IP Addresses Matter for Privacy and Security
IP addresses reveal network ownership and approximate geographic region. They do not reveal personal identity. Geolocation databases map IP ranges to countries and cities based on ISP allocation data.
Network administrators use IP addresses for access control, traffic monitoring, and security enforcement.
Best Practices When Checking IP Addresses
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Verify address type before use
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Compare values across tools
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Disconnect VPNs when necessary
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Confirm active network adapters
Accurate identification depends on network context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to find an IP address?
The fastest way is using a search engine query that displays the public IP instantly.
Can two devices have the same IP address?
Private IP addresses can repeat across different networks. Public IP addresses remain unique.
Does restarting a router change the IP address?
Dynamic public IP addresses often change after a router restart.
Is an IP address permanent?
Static IP addresses remain fixed. Dynamic IP addresses change periodically.
Can an IP address identify a person?
An IP address identifies a network connection, not an individual user.
Why do I see both IPv4 and IPv6?
Dual-stack networks assign both protocol versions for compatibility.
Conclusion
Finding an IP address requires identifying the correct address type first. Public IP addresses represent internet identity. Private IP addresses identify devices within local networks. Router IP addresses enable gateway access. Each operating system provides reliable built-in tools to display this information. Understanding these differences ensures accurate network management and troubleshooting.
