Every device connected to the internet has an IP address. Knowing how to find yours is useful for troubleshooting network issues, setting up remote access, configuring firewalls, or simply understanding your online footprint. This guide covers every major platform.
The Fastest Way: Use an Online Tool
The simplest way to find your public IP address is to visit WheresThatIP.com. Your public IP is displayed instantly, along with your approximate location, ISP, and other details. No software to install, no commands to run.
You can also use our free API or DNS lookup tool for more advanced queries.
Public vs. Private IP Address
Before diving into device-specific instructions, it helps to understand the difference:
- Public IP address — The address assigned by your ISP that identifies you on the internet. All devices on your home network share the same public IP. This is what websites see when you visit them.
- Private IP address — The address your router assigns to each device on your local network (e.g., 192.168.1.5). These are only visible within your network.
Find Your IP on Windows
Public IP
Open any browser and go to WheresThatIP.com. Your public IP is shown at the top of the page.
From the command line, you can also run:
curl https://www.wheresthatip.com/ipPrivate IP
- Press Win + R, type
cmd, and press Enter - Type
ipconfigand press Enter - Look for IPv4 Address under your active network adapter
Find Your IP on Mac
Public IP
Visit WheresThatIP.com in Safari or any browser. Or open Terminal and run:
curl https://www.wheresthatip.com/ipPrivate IP
- Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS)
- Click Network
- Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
- Your private IP address is displayed next to "IP Address"
Or use Terminal:
ifconfig | grep "inet " | grep -v 127.0.0.1Find Your IP on iPhone or iPad
Public IP
Open Safari and go to WheresThatIP.com.
Private IP
- Open Settings
- Tap Wi-Fi
- Tap the info icon next to your connected network
- Your private IP is listed under "IP Address"
Find Your IP on Android
Public IP
Open Chrome and visit WheresThatIP.com.
Private IP
- Open Settings
- Go to Network & Internet (or Connections)
- Tap Wi-Fi and select your connected network
- Your IP address is shown in the network details
Find Your IP on Linux
Public IP
curl https://www.wheresthatip.com/ipPrivate IP
ip addr show | grep "inet " | grep -v 127.0.0.1Or on older systems:
ifconfig | grep "inet " | grep -v 127.0.0.1Find Your IP Using the Command Line (Any OS)
Our free API makes it easy to get your IP from any terminal:
curl https://www.wheresthatip.com/ipThis returns your public IP as plain text — perfect for scripts, automation, or quick checks. See our API documentation for JSON responses and IP lookup endpoints.
What Can Someone Do With Your IP Address?
Your public IP address reveals your approximate location (city-level) and ISP. While it cannot be used to find your exact home address, it can be used to:
- Estimate your geographic region
- Identify your internet service provider
- Block or restrict your access to certain services
- Target ads based on your location
If you are concerned about privacy, learn how to hide your IP address using a VPN or proxy service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my IP address change?
Most home internet connections use dynamic IP addresses, meaning your ISP may assign you a new public IP periodically. Business connections often use static (fixed) IPs. You can check if your IP has changed by visiting WheresThatIP.com at any time.
Is my IP address the same on Wi-Fi and mobile data?
No. Your public IP address is different when you switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data, because they route through different networks and ISPs.
Can I find someone else's IP address?
You can look up information about any public IP address using our IP Lookup tool. However, finding someone's IP address without their knowledge raises privacy and legal concerns.