Your IP address is the numeric identifier that helps your device send and receive data on a network. When you want to find your IP address, you’re taking a smart step toward better control of your connectivity and privacy. An IP address can be public (Internet‑facing) or private (inside your home or office network), and knowing how to find each one helps with troubleshooting, security, and device setup.

In this guide, we walk you through what IP addresses are, why they matter, and how to check both your public and private IP addresses on various devices, including Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, smart TVs, and game consoles. You’ll also find practical tips for privacy, security, and troubleshooting so you can browse, stream, and game with confidence.

Understanding IP Addresses

An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a numeric label that identifies a device on a network, much like a street address for physical locations. It ensures that information gets to the right device when you visit a website, stream a film, back up files, or control smart home gear.

You’ll encounter two main types of IP addresses: public and private.

  • Public IP address: Assigned by your Internet service provider (ISP) to your modem or router. This is your network’s presence on the Internet. Websites and online services see this address and use it to send data back to you.
  • Private IP address: Assigned by your router to devices inside your home or office, such as laptops, phones, tablets, printers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Private IPs enable local communication. Your router automatically manages these addresses so multiple devices can share one public IP safely.

Public IPs can be dynamic (they change periodically, which is common for home Internet) or static (they remain constant and are often used by businesses). Private IPs are typically assigned automatically by your router, and you can reserve a specific private IP for a device to keep rules and access consistent.

Knowing your IP helps you troubleshoot connectivity problems, set up smart devices, manage parental controls, and understand how apps identify your general location. It also empowers you to make informed choices about privacy and security, like when to use a VPN and how to protect devices from unwanted access.

Most people want to find two addresses:

  • Your public IP: The Internet‑facing address visible to websites and services.
  • Your private IP: The local address used inside your network, visible to your router and nearby devices.

The fastest way to check your public IP is to use an online tool in your browser. Your private IP address is typically located in your device’s network or Wi-Fi settings.

How to Find Your IP Address

Whether you need your public IP (Internet‑facing) or your private IP (local network), there are straightforward ways to find both. Pick the method that fits your device.

Find Your Public IP (Any Device)

The quickest way to view your public IP is with your web browser. Open any browser and search for “what is my IP address” or visit a site such as WhatIsMyIP.com to see your current public IP at the top of the page. This works on any device connected to your network.

If you use a VPN, the public IP address shown will be that of the VPN server, rather than your actual location. Many online checkers also display your ISP and approximate city or region, though this location is often approximate and may not match your exact address.

Find Your Private IP on Windows

Using Settings (easiest method):

  • Click the Start button and open Settings.
  • Go to Network & Internet.
  • Click Wi‑Fi or Ethernet, then select your active network.
  • Choose Properties. Look for the IPv4 address field; that number (for example, 192.168.1.20) is your private IP.

Find Your Private IP on Mac

  • Click the Apple menu and choose System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions).
  • Select Network.
  • Choose Wi‑Fi or Ethernet and click Details (or Advanced).
  • Open the TCP/IP tab and look for IPv4 Address; that is your private IP.

Find Your Private IP on iPhone and iPad

  • Open Settings.
  • Tap Wi‑Fi.
  • Tap the info icon (i) next to your connected network.
  • Under IPv4 Address, view the IP Address field. That is your device’s private IP on that network.

Find Your Private IP on Android

Steps vary by device, but generally:

  • Open Settings.
  • Tap Network & Internet (or Connections).
  • Tap Wi‑Fi and select the gear icon or tap on your connected network name.
  • Look for IP address under Advanced or Network details. That is your private IP.

Find Your IP on Your Router

To see your public IP:

  • Open a web browser and type your router’s address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) into the address bar.
  • Sign in with your router username and password (often printed on a label on the router itself).
  • Look for a Status, WAN, or Internet section to find your public IP assigned by your ISP.

To see devices on your network:

In the router settings, look for sections called Connected Devices, Device List, or DHCP Clients. You’ll see each device’s name and private IP address.

Smart TVs and Game Consoles

Most devices show their private IP in the network settings menu:

  • PlayStation and Xbox: Go to Settings > Network to view network details.
  • Smart TVs: Check Settings > Network or Network Status.

Helpful Tips

  • Using a VPN changes your public IP to the VPN server’s address. Disconnect the VPN to see your actual ISP-assigned public IP.
  • If you see both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, the IPv4 address (which looks like 192.168.1.20) is what you’ll need for most home networking tasks.

Why Knowing Your IP Address Matters

Your IP address affects how you access the Internet, how services estimate your location, and how secure your connection is. Understanding its role helps you protect devices, manage privacy, and solve problems quickly.

Privacy and Online Security

Your public IP can reveal your approximate location and Internet provider to websites and services. That’s normal, but it can also be used for advertising, content restrictions, or tracking purposes.

  • Use a VPN: A VPN masks your public IP and encrypts your traffic, making it harder for others to monitor your activity. You can learn more about secure VPN protection with McAfee VPN.
  • Enable your firewall: Both your computer and router have built-in firewalls that block unwanted connections. Make sure they’re turned on.
  • Keep software updated: Regular updates to your router, computer, and apps fix security vulnerabilities.
  • Don’t share your IP address publicly: Avoid posting screenshots that contain your public IP address on social media or forums.

Location‑Based Services

Apps and websites use your IP address to determine your location and display local content, pricing, or language options. If your IP appears to be in a different region (for example, when traveling or using a VPN), you may see different content or have trouble accessing certain services. Understanding this will help you troubleshoot why streaming services show the wrong content library or why some websites look different than usual.

Setting Up Devices and Troubleshooting

When a device can’t connect to the Internet, knowing your IP addresses helps identify the problem:

  • Check your private IP: Make sure your device has received an IP address from your router (it should start with 192.168 or 10.0).
  • Verify your router connection: Your device should be connected to your router’s address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
  • Set up smart home devices: You may need to find a device’s private IP to configure it properly or reserve that address so it doesn’t change.

Potential Risks

While normal web browsing involves sharing your public IP, there are some risks if it’s widely shared:

  • Network attacks: In rare cases, attackers might target your IP address. A good router and keeping your software up to date help to protect you.
  • Best practices: Use strong passwords for your router and Wi-Fi network. To create strong passwords, try the free McAfee Password Generator.
  • Gaming and streaming: If you stream online or play competitive games, consider using a VPN to protect your IP from being visible to other players.

How to Change Your IP Address

There are several reasons you might want to change your IP address. Maybe you’re having connection problems, want to improve your privacy, or need to access region-specific content. The good news is that changing your IP address is straightforward. Here’s how to do it for both your public and private IP addresses.

Change Your Public IP

  • Restart your modem and router: Unplug both for about 60 seconds, then plug them back in. This often assigns you a new IP address.
  • Use a VPN: A VPN masks your public IP and makes websites see the VPN server’s IP instead of yours.
  • Contact your ISP: If you need a permanent (static) IP address, contact your Internet provider.

Change Your Private IP

  • Disconnect and reconnect to Wi‑Fi: This usually gives your device a new private IP address.
  • Reserve an IP address in your router: You can log into your router settings and assign a specific IP address to a device so it never changes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a good understanding of IP addresses, you may run into connectivity problems from time to time. Here are the most common issues people face and simple steps to fix them. Most of these problems can be solved in just a few minutes without technical expertise.

Device Can’t Connect to the Internet

  • Make sure your device has a valid private IP address (check in Wi-Fi or network settings).
  • Restart your modem and router by unplugging them for 60 seconds.
  • Restart your device.
  • If problems persist, contact your Internet provider—there may be an outage.

“IP Address Conflict” Error

  • This means two devices are trying to use the same IP address.
  • Restart the affected device. This should automatically get you a new IP address.
  • If it happens frequently, log into your router and reserve specific IP addresses for your devices.

VPN Changes Your Location Unexpectedly

  • When using a VPN, websites see the VPN server’s location, not your actual location.
  • To access local content, disconnect the VPN or choose a VPN server in your country.
  • Some streaming services may block or limit access when they detect VPN use.

Streaming Service Shows Wrong Content

  • If you see content from another country, disconnect any VPN you’re using.
  • Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
  • If using a mobile hotspot, the location may reflect your carrier’s network, not your physical location.

Common Questions

Here are answers to the questions people ask most often about IP addresses, security, and privacy.

Can someone hack me with just my IP address?

An IP address alone isn’t usually enough for someone to hack you, but it can be a starting point. Protect yourself by keeping your software updated, using strong passwords, and enabling your firewall.

Why do I have multiple IP addresses?

You might see different IP addresses if you’re connected to both Wi-Fi and Ethernet, or if you have both IPv4 and IPv6 enabled. Each connection can have its own IP address. For home use, focus on the IPv4 address (the one that looks like 192.168.1.20).

Does changing my IP stop tracking?

Changing your IP helps, but websites also track you through cookies and other methods. For better privacy, use a VPN, enable private browsing mode, and use privacy tools that block trackers.

How accurate is the location shown by my IP address?

IP-based location is usually accurate to the city level, but can be off by many miles. Mobile networks and VPNs often show locations far from where you actually are.

Do I need a static IP address?

Most home users don’t need a static (permanent) IP address. Static IPs are mainly useful for businesses or if you’re hosting a server. For most people, a dynamic IP that changes occasionally works fine.

How do I find my router’s address?

On Windows, open Settings > Network & Internet, click your connection, then Properties. Look for “Default Gateway.” On Mac, go to System Settings > Network > Details > TCP/IP and look for “Router.” It’s usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.

How can I hide my IP from websites?

Use a trusted VPN service to encrypt your connection and hide your real IP address. Be careful with free VPNs—they may track your activity. Paid services like McAfee VPN are designed with your privacy in mind.

Real-World Scenarios

Now that you know how to find your IP address, let’s look at some common situations where this knowledge comes in handy. These examples show how understanding your IP address can help you solve everyday problems and set up devices more easily.

Setting Up a Smart Home Device

When adding cameras, thermostats, or smart speakers, you might need to find the device’s IP address. Log in to your router and look for the “Connected Devices” list to see all devices and their IP addresses. You can then reserve that IP so the device always uses the same address.

Working from Home

If you need to access files on your home computer from elsewhere, you’ll need your public IP address and may need to set up secure remote access. Using a VPN is the safest way to connect to your home network from outside.

Streaming Shows the Wrong Content

If Netflix, Hulu, or other services show content from another country, check if you have a VPN running. Disconnect it or choose a server in your home country to see your local content library.

Gaming Lag or Connection Issues

If you’re experiencing lag while gaming, try restarting your modem and router to get a new IP address. Connect your gaming device to a wired network using an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi for a more stable connection. Some routers have “gaming mode” or “QoS” settings that prioritize gaming traffic.

Kids Can’t Access Certain Websites

If parental controls aren’t working correctly, check that each child’s device has its own IP address assigned in your router’s parental control settings. You can reserve specific IP addresses for their devices to ensure the controls stay in place.

Safety Tips

  • Use strong passwords: Protect your router and Wi-Fi with strong, unique passwords.
  • Keep firmware updated: Check for router updates regularly—these fix security problems.
  • Turn on your firewall: Both your router and computer have firewalls that block unwanted connections. Make sure they’re enabled.
  • Consider using a VPN: A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your Internet connection, making it especially useful on public Wi-Fi.
  • Check connected devices: Regularly review your router’s device list to spot any unfamiliar devices on your network.
  • Be cautious when sharing information: When posting screenshots or seeking tech help online, hide your IP address and other identifying details.

Quick Reference Guide

  • Public IP: Your Internet-facing address that websites see. Find it by searching “what is my IP” in any web browser.
  • Private IP: Your device’s address on your home network. Find it in your device’s Wi-Fi or network settings.
  • Router address: Usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. This is where you log in to access and change your router settings.
  • IPv4 address: The standard format for home networks (example: 192.168.1.20).

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to find your IP address gives you more control over your Internet connection and helps you solve common problems. Whether you’re setting up a new device, troubleshooting connection issues, or protecting your privacy, understanding IP addresses is a valuable skill. With the simple steps in this guide, you can confidently manage your home network and keep your devices secure.