How to Find IP Address on Computer (Public & Local IP Guide)
How to Find Your Public IP Address
What Is My IP Address?
My IP Information
If your goal is to access your network from outside your home or check how your connection appears on the internet, then yes—this is the correct IP address.
However, if you’re trying to connect devices inside your home or office network, the public IP is probably not what you need. In that case, you’re likely looking for a local (private) IP address. Before learning how to find your IP address, it’s important to understand the differences.
Public IP vs Local IP: What’s the Difference?
Feature | Public IP Address | Local IP Address |
Visibility | Visible on the internet | Only visible inside your network |
Assigned by | Internet Service Provider (ISP) | Router (DHCP) |
Scope | Identifies your entire network | Identifies a single device |
IPv4 example |
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IPv6 example |
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Common use cases | Remote access, servers, VPNs | Printers, LAN access, device setup |
Internet access | Required | Not directly accessible |
How to Find Local IP Address on a Computer (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Your local IP address lives inside your network settings. The exact path depends on your operating system, so use the section that matches your device.
How to Find IP Address in CMD (Windows)
If you want the fastest method on Windows, use Command Prompt. This is also the most common answer for how to find IP address in cmd.
Steps
1. Press Windows + R to open Run
2. Type cmd and press Enter
3. In Command Prompt, type:
ipconfig
4. Look for IPv4 Address (that number is your local IP)
Tip: If you see multiple adapters, focus on the one that says Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi (for Wi-Fi) or Ethernet adapter (for cable).
How to Find Computer IP Address Using Windows 11 Network Settings
Steps (Windows 11)
1. Click Start → open Settings
2. Click Network & internet
Optional check: You can also note Default gateway if you need your router IP.
How to Find Your Computer’s IP Address Using Windows 10 Network Settings
Steps (Windows 10)
1. Press “Windows + R”, then a Run box comes out. Input control panel and press Enter to open the control panel.
Another option:
You can also open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → click Change adapter settings → Ethernet → Properties → click Ineternet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) to find it.
How to Find Local IP Address on macOS
On a Mac, you can find your local IP in System Settings in about a minute.
Steps (macOS)
1. Click the Apple menu → open System Settings.
2. Click Network.
3. Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
4. Click Details… on your connected network, then click TCP/IP, you can see your ip address.
Terminal option (for advanced users)
1. Open Terminal
2. Run:
ifconfig
3. Look for inet under your active interface (often en0 for Wi-Fi)
How to Find Local IP Address on Linux
Linux has multiple simple options. Use whichever you prefer.
Option 1: ip addr
- Open Terminal
- Run:
ip addr
- Find your active interface (often
eth0,enp0s3, orwlan0) - Look for
inet(that value is your local IP)
Option 2: hostname -I
hostname -I
This prints the local IP address quickly, which is great for troubleshooting.
Find Local IP Address via Router Admin Page (Any OS)
Sometimes you need the local IP of a different device, like a smart TV, a phone, or a printer. In that case, checking the router is easier than checking every device manually.
Steps
- Open a browser and go to your router address (commonly
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1) - Log in to the admin panel
- Find a section named:
- Connected devices
- Device list
- DHCP clients
- Locate your device name and read the assigned IP address
This method works well when you manage multiple devices.
How to View Saved WiFi Passwords on Windows Computer (Recommended Tool)
In some situations, you may not only want to find your IP address, but also check saved WiFi passwords, especially when reconnecting a device or setting up a new computer.
Instead of using complex system commands, you can use a simple and reliable tool: Magic Recovery Key.
How to View WiFi Passwords with Magic Recovery Key
Follow these steps:
1. Download and install Magic Recovery Key on your computer.
Supports Windows 7/8/10/11 and Windows Server
2. Launch the program after installation.
3. In the left-side menu, locate the Local section.
4. Click WiFi Password.
5. Instantly view all saved wireless network names and passwords.
This method is straightforward and works even if you don’t remember the original WiFi credentials.
More Than WiFi Passwords
Magic Recovery Key is not limited to WiFi passwords. It also helps you recover other important system information, including:
- Software serial numbers
- Windows product keys
- BitLocker recovery keys
- Other locally stored license and recovery data
If you manage multiple devices or frequently troubleshoot systems, this tool can save you a significant amount of time.
Conclusion
Knowing how to find IP address on computer helps you solve many everyday network problems, from basic troubleshooting to device configuration and remote access.
In this guide, you learned:
- how to find your public IP address using an on-page display method
- how to find your local IP address on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- how to find IP address in CMD and through system settings
In addition, if you need to manage more network-related information—such as viewing saved WiFi passwords or recovering important system keys—using a dedicated tool like Magic Recovery Key can make the process faster and more reliable.
Supports Windows 7/8/10/11 and Windows Server
FAQs: IP Address Questions
How do I know whether I need my public IP or local IP?
Why does my computer have more than one IP address?
Can I find my public IP address in CMD?
What’s the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
Does my IP address change?
Is it safe to share my IP address?
How can I hide my IP address?
Why can’t I access a device on my network even with the correct IP?
