How to find an IP address

Published 1:24 pm ET Nov 4

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Every device that connects to the internet must have an IP address. Whether you are using Wi-Fi on a cell phone, tablet, laptop or other device, it’s helpful to understand how to locate your IP address and why it’s important. Let’s explore IP addresses and the best methods for finding them.

What is an IP address?

All connected devices have a public IP address and a private IP address. The public IP address indicates a device’s location within a network, much like your home address is your location within a neighborhood. This address allows your device to send and receive data across the web. The private IP address, on the other hand, helps your router direct internet traffic within your home network using the connection from your internet service provider.

Both public and private IP addresses are useful in certain situations, most commonly when troubleshooting issues or setting up security features. Knowing your router IP address will also come in handy if you need to manage or log in to your Wi-Fi router.

It’s important to realize that your IP address can and will change depending on various factors such as switching your internet provider, purchasing a new router or moving to a new location.

How to find your public IP address

The easiest way to find your public IP address is to do a quick online search, but identifying your private IP address requires accessing your device settings. Use any one of these methods to determine your IP addresses.

Find IP address with a speed test.
Find IP address in browser.
Find IP address on a mobile device.
Find IP address on a computer.
Find IP address on gaming consoles.

Find your public IP with a speed test

Many of the best internet speed tests will also reveal your IP address. This is the quickest way to search for your IP address, apart from searching for “find my IP address.”

Your public IP address will either appear as four numbers separated by periods or eight fields of numbers and letters divided by colons. The former is an IPv4 address, and the latter is an IPv6 address. IPv6 is a newer, more advanced IP address system that is still currently used in conjunction with IPv4 protocols.

Find your IP address in a browser

Find your IP address in an instant using the following steps. This search will reveal the public IPv4 address for your device.

Open your browser on your device.
Click into the search bar.
Type “What is my IP address?”
Press Enter.

Find your IP address on a mobile device

Follow these step-by-step instructions if you’re searching “how to look up my IP address on mobile.” These steps will help you find your IP address on an iPhone or Android device.

Find your private IP address on an iPhone/iOS

Find your IP address in your iPhone or any cell phone that uses iOS with these steps:

Open your Settings app. (Can’t find your Settings app? Try swiping down from the middle of your home screen to display the search bar, then type “settings.”)
Click on “Wi-Fi.”
Find your Wi-Fi network name (there should be a check mark next to it).
Tap on the information icon (a blue circle around a lowercase i) on the right side of your network name.
Scroll down to where it reads “IP Address.” (Depending on your iOS version, it may be referred to as IPv4 Address).

Find your private IP address on an Android

Open your Settings app. (Can’t find your Settings app? Try swiping up from the middle of your home screen to display all your apps. This action will also reveal your search bar where you can type “settings.”)
Click on “Connections.”
Click “Wi-Fi.”
Find your Wi-Fi network name under “Current Network.”
Tap on the gear icon to the right of your network name.
Select View More.
Scroll down to the field marked “IP address.”
Your IPv4 address is listed first, followed by your IPv6 address.

Find your IP address on a computer

If you’re wondering “how to look up my IP address on desktop,” use the following steps to help find your IP address either on a Mac or Windows computer.

Find your local IP address on Mac

Go to the Apple Icon in the top left of your screen.
Select “System Setting.”
Click on “Network,” then “Wi-Fi.”
Go to “Details” to view your IP address.

Find your local IP address on Windows

Navigate to Settings. Try using the search bar on your home screen to find the app if necessary.
Select Network & internet from the menu on the left side of your screen.
Select Wi-Fi (or Ethernet if you are on a computer that is hard-wired to the internet modem).
Click on Hardware properties.
Scroll down to IPv4 address. This is your local, or private, IP address for your device. Further down will be your IPv6 address.

Find your IP address on gaming consoles

Use this simple breakdown to find your IP address on Xbox, Playstation or Nintendo Switch.

Find your local IP address on Xbox

Press the Xbox button located in the top middle of your Xbox controller to open the menu.
Navigate to the System icon on the far right.
Select “Settings.”
Scroll to “General” on the Settings side menu.
Select “Network settings.”
Go to the tab labeled “Set up wireless network.”
Navigate to the right, scroll down and click on “Advanced settings” to find your IP address.

Find your local IP address on Playstation

Navigate to the Playstation toolbar from the home screen.
Select Settings. This is the icon on the right that looks like a briefcase.
Scroll to select “Network.”
Then select “View Connection Status.”
Your IP address will be listed on this page.

Find your local IP address on Nintendo Switch

From the home screen, navigate to the right to System Settings, the sun-shaped icon.
Scroll down to the tab labeled “Internet” in the menu on the left side.
Go to “Connection status” on the right side of the screen to view the IP address for your Nintendo Switch.

FAQ about IP address

Why do I need an IP address?

Without an IP address, your device would not be able to send or receive data from the internet. Fortunately, every internet-connected device automatically has an IP address assigned to it.

What do I use an IP address for?

Realistically, you don’t need to know your IP address that often. It can be helpful in certain troubleshooting instances, but generally, your IP address maintains a passive role while you are browsing the internet.

Can other people see my IP address?

Other people can see your public IP address unless you are using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). However, the local, or private, IP addresses are not visible to outsiders. These internal IP addresses are assigned by your wireless router to each of your devices in order to route traffic over your home network. These IP addresses are not accessible by people who aren’t on your wireless network.

How can I tell if my IP address is being tracked?

While tracking or hacking your IP address is possible, it is very rare for the average residential IP address to be used for this purpose. Signs that your IP address is being tracked include strange activity on your devices, such as being sent to a website that you didn’t request, experiencing markedly slower internet speeds or noticing evidence of malware or viruses.

How can I prevent my IP address from being tracked?

If you are concerned about your IP address being tracked, use a VPN to conceal your IP address.

This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.

Lisa IscrupeAllconnect.com

Lisa Iscrupe is a senior writer helping readers understand the complexities of broadband, internet and other home services, including energy and renewable products. Her work appears on SaveOnEnergy.com and CNET.com, with national sources such as CNN, The Daily MBA and The Media Bulletin referencing her articles.

Hannah WhatleyAllconnect.com

Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.

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