How to Find the IP Address on a macOS System

December 23, 2023

Do you want to know your IP address? Then, you click the right article. An IP (internet protocol) address is like a digital fingerprint for your device. It’s a unique string of numbers assigned to every device that can connect to the internet. This includes your phone, laptop, desktop computer, game consoles, and more.

How to Find the IP Address on a macOS System

Understanding your IP address is essential for various reasons. It helps facilitate communication between devices on the internet and allows you to access online services. Now, let’s explore how to find your IP address on different platforms like Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS.

What is an IP address?

All devices have two types of IP addresses: public and private. Your public IP address is like your device’s online address, assigned by your internet service provider (ISP). It can reveal information about your location, so it’s not recommended to share it widely.

On the other hand, each device in your local network, like your phone or laptop, has a private IP address. These are used for local connections, like accessing your router or setting up devices. Private IP addresses are specific to your local network and aren’t visible on the broader internet, offering some security.

Your public IP address is essential for internet access, and your ISP uses it to connect your devices to online services. Although it can’t be completely hidden, some people use a virtual private network (VPN) to mask it, providing extra privacy and security.

When checking your IP address, you might see both IPv4 and IPv6. IPv6 has more unique addresses but isn’t universally supported yet. Your device typically handles finding the IP address it needs, but it’s useful to know how to find it yourself.

Now, let’s explore how to find private IP addresses on popular operating systems like macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. For other devices, check the user manual for instructions.

How to Find the IP address on a macOS system

Here’s what you need to find your IP address on a Mac desktop or laptop:

Navigate to the “System Preferences” on your Mac. You can usually find it in the Apple menu or on your Dock.
Within “System Preferences,” locate and click on the “Network” icon. This will open a window where you can manage your network settings.
In the “Network” window, you’ll see a list of available connections. Your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) will have a green dot next to it, indicating it’s currently in use. Right under the network status, you’ll find your IP address.

By following these simple steps, you can quickly find your IP address on your Mac. How to find your IP address on Windows

If you’re using a Windows desktop or laptop and want to find your local IP address, follow these straightforward steps:

What You Need:

Windows desktop or laptop.

On your Windows computer, open the “Settings” menu and navigate to “Network & Internet.” You can do this by clicking on the Start menu, selecting “Settings,” and then choosing “Network & Internet.”
Within the “Network & Internet” settings, click on “Properties” under either the Wi-Fi or Ethernet section, depending on your current connection type.
In the “Properties” window, scroll down until you find the information related to the IPv4 address. Your local IP address will be displayed in this section.

Now you can easily find your local IP address on a Windows desktop or laptop. How to find your IP address on an iPhone/iPad

If you’re using an iPhone or iPad and want to find your IP address, here’s a simple guide:

Access the settings on your iPhone or iPad by tapping on the “Settings” app.
Within the settings, find and tap on the “WiFi” option.
From the list of available Wi-Fi networks, choose the one you’re currently connected to.
Once you’ve selected the network, look for the section called “IPv4 address.” Your IP address will be displayed in this section.

By simply following these easy steps, finding your IP address on your iPhone/iPad will be quick and easy.

How to Find Your IP Address on an Android/Tablet

Here’s a simple guide to finding your IP address on an Android device:

Go to your device’s WiFi network settings and select the network to which you are currently connected.
In the network settings, you’ll find your IP address listed along with other network information.

That’s it. Now you can easily find your IP address on your Android device.

How to Find Your Public IP Address

finding your public IP address is a breeze, much easier than finding your private one. Just type ‘What is my IP’ or ‘My IP address’ into Google, and your IP address will show up at the top of the search results.

Also, you can use websites like WhatIsMyIPAddress.com, which can automatically retrieve and display your IP address.

Conclusion

Knowing your IP addresses both public and private can be handy for troubleshooting and configuring devices.

Be cautious with your public IP for privacy and consider using a VPN for added security. Stay informed to make the most of your online experience!

How to Find the IP Address on a macOS System

What is an IP address?