An IP address is what devices use to find each other on a network. Every device at home has two relevant kinds of address: a local IP assigned by the router, and a public IP the whole household uses to appear on the internet. Which one you need depends on the task.
| Task | What you need |
|---|---|
| Connecting a printer, CCTV, or sharing files at home | Local IP |
| Logging in to the router admin page | The router's local IP (gateway) |
| Reporting a fault to your ISP | Public IP |
| Reaching a camera or server from outside the home | Public IP |
How to find your IP address on Android
- Open Settings, then Wi-Fi or Connections.
- Tap the connected network or the gear icon next to it.
- Look for IP address. On some brands it's under Advanced.
Alternatively: Settings, About phone, Status or Status information.
How to find your IP address on iPhone
- Open Settings, then Wi-Fi.
- Tap the (i) icon next to the network name.
- Look at IP Address under IPv4. The router's address is on the Router line.
How to find your IP address on a Windows laptop
- Press the Windows key, type
cmd, and open Command Prompt. - Type
ipconfigand press Enter. - Look for IPv4 Address under the adapter in use (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Default Gateway is the router's address.
Through the menus: Settings, Network and Internet, Wi-Fi, choose the connected network, then scroll to its properties.
How to find your IP address on a Mac
- Open System Settings, then Network.
- Choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet, then click Details.
- Open the TCP/IP tab to see the IP address and router.
How to find your public IP
The public IP doesn't appear in phone or laptop settings because it belongs to the router, not the device. The easiest way is to open an IP checker site or search for "what is my ip". If you're on a VPN, you'll see the VPN server's IP.
The number on an IP checker may differ from the address on the router's status page. If so, your ISP probably uses CGNAT, where one public address is shared by many customers. See what NAT and CGNAT are. For access from outside the home, see also what DDNS is and static vs dynamic IP.
What common IP addresses mean
| Prefix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 192.168.x.x | Local IP, the most common on home networks |
| 10.x.x.x | Local IP, common in offices, campuses, and public Wi-Fi |
| 172.16.x.x to 172.31.x.x | Local IP |
| 100.64.x.x to 100.127.x.x | A CGNAT address from the ISP, if shown on the router status |
| 169.254.x.x | The device failed to get an address from the router |
| Addresses with colons, such as 2001:... | IPv6 |
If a device gets 169.254.x.x, it's on the Wi-Fi but has no internet. The fixes are in Wi-Fi connected but no internet and local IPs and DHCP. For IPv6, see should IPv6 be enabled.
Is it safe to share your IP address?
A local IP is safe to share with a technician or family member, as it only applies inside your network. A public IP is best not posted on forums or social media. It doesn't reveal your home address, but it can be used to scan devices with ports open to the internet. Check your router's port forwarding and UPnP settings.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check my IP address on an Android phone?
Open Settings, Wi-Fi, then tap the connected network. The IP address usually appears on the details page or under Advanced. Another option: Settings, About phone, Status. Menu locations vary slightly between brands.
What's the difference between a local and a public IP?
A local IP is a device's address inside the home or office network, assigned by the router, such as 192.168.1.5. A public IP is your network's address on the internet, assigned by your ISP and shared by every device in the house. IP checker sites show the public IP.
Why is my IP 169.254.x.x?
A 169.254 address appears when a device fails to get an address from the router and assigns one to itself. The device is then connected to Wi-Fi but has no internet. Try reconnecting, restarting the router, or checking that DHCP is enabled on the router.
Can an IP address reveal my home address?
A public IP generally shows only the approximate city or region of the ISP, not a home address. Subscriber records linking an IP to an address are held only by the ISP and can only be requested through legal procedures.
