3 Easy to follow steps on how to find IP address on Windows and Mac
- Last updated on March 24
- 3:36 pm
Within the realm of computer networks and Internet connectivity, your IP address stands as your digital identifier, much like your home postal address. Understanding how to find your IP address is fundamental knowledge for anyone navigating the digital landscape.
Whether you’re troubleshooting network issues, setting up remote access, or simply curious about your online presence, finding your IP address is a handy skill to have. In this guide, we’ll explore three quick steps to expose your IP address, making the process clear for beginners and experienced users alike.
Table of Contents
What is an IP Address?
Before looking at the steps to find your IP address, let’s understand the concept of what an IP address is. IP, short for Internet Protocol, is a set of rules that govern how data is sent and received over the Internet. An IP address serves as a unique identifier assigned to each device connected to the network.
It consists of a series of numbers separated by periods, such as 192.168.1.1. There are two primary types of IP addresses: IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 addresses, which are more commonly used. IPv4 follows the 32-bit format, while IPv6 addresses use the 128-bit format to accommodate the growing number of Internet-connected devices.
Finding IP Address using Command Prompt
One of the quickest ways to find your IP address involves using the Command Prompt or Terminal, depending on your operating system.
For Windows Users:
You can easily find your IP address using Command Prompt in Windows by following these 3 simple steps
- Open Command Prompt: Press the Windows key, type “cmd,” and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
- Enter Command: Type “ipconfig” and press Enter. This command will display a list of network adapters along with their respective IP addresses.
- Locate IPv4 Address: Look for the IPv4 Address under the adapter that corresponds to your active network connection. This address represents your device’s IP address.
For macOS and Linux Users:
You can easily find your IP address using Command Prompt in MacOS and Linux by following these 3 simple steps
- Open Terminal: Navigate to Applications > Utilities > Terminal (macOS) or search for Terminal in the applications menu (Linux).
- Enter Command: Type “ifconfig” and press Enter. This command will display network configuration information.
- Locate IPv4 Address: Find the section corresponding to your active network interface (typically labeled as “en0” for Ethernet or “wlan0” for Wi-Fi) and look for the “inet” entry next to “inet” or “inet addr.” This entry contains your IP address.
Checking IP Address via Network Settings
Another straightforward method to find your IP address involves accessing your device’s network settings.
For Windows Users:
- Open Network Settings: Click on the network icon in the system tray or navigate to Settings > Network & Internet.
- View Connection Properties: Under the network you’re currently connected to, click on “Properties.”
- Find IPv4 Address: Scroll down the list of properties until you find “IPv4 Address.” The value next to it represents your IP address.
For macOS Users:
- Open System Preferences: Click on the Apple menu > System Preferences > Network.
- Select Active Connection: Choose the network interface you’re currently connected to (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) from the list on the left.
- View IP Address: Your IP address will be displayed next to “IP Address” or “IPv4 Address.
For Mobile Devices:
- iOS: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, then tap the information (i) icon next to your connected network to view the IP address.
- Android: Navigate to Settings > Wi-Fi, then tap on the connected network to view its details, including the IP address
Conclusion
In today’s interconnected world, understanding how to find your IP address is a valuable skill that can aid in troubleshooting network issues, setting up networked devices, or configuring remote access. Whether you prefer using command-line interfaces or graphical user interfaces, the methods outlined above provide quick and easy ways to uncover your device’s IP address.
By mastering these simple steps, you’ll have a better grasp of your digital footprint and enhance your ability to navigate the ever-expanding landscape of the internet. So, go ahead, find your IP address, and unlock a deeper understanding of your digital connectivity.
//Read Our Top Stories Here//
