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How To Find Your IP Address on Your Device – Step by Step Guide

Hello there! You’re probably here because you’ve heard about IP addresses and want to know more, right? Well, let me refresh your memory a bit. An IP address is like your device’s unique name tag when it’s connected to a network. It’s super important for a bunch of things like troubleshooting network issues, setting up internet connections, or accessing specific online goodies.

So, what can you expect from this article? I’m going to walk you through how to find your IP address on your device. Doesn’t matter if you’re a Windows fan, a Mac enthusiast, a Linux lover, an Android user, or an iOS devotee, I’ve got your back. Just follow my lead, and you’ll find your IP address in a snap. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

What’s Different Between Public IP and Private IP?

Public IP and Private IP are two types of IP addresses that are used in networking. While both serve the same purpose of identifying devices on a network, there are several key differences between them.

Public IP address

A Public IP address is a unique address that is assigned by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to a device that is connected to the internet. This IP address is visible to the entire internet and can be used to communicate with other devices on the internet. Public IP addresses are usually used by servers, websites, and other devices that need to be accessible from anywhere on the internet.

Private IP address

On other hand, a Private IP address is a non-unique address that is assigned by a local network to a device. This IP address is used to identify devices on the local network and cannot be used to communicate with devices outside of the network. Private IP addresses are usually used by such devices computers, smartphones, and tablets that are connected to a local network such as a home or office network.

One key difference between Public and Private IP addresses is the way they are assigned. Public IP addresses are assigned by an ISP, while Private IP addresses are assigned by a local network administrator. This means that Public IP addresses are globally unique, while Private IP addresses are only unique within the local network.

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How to Find Your IP Address on iPhone

Find Your IP Address

If you are using an iOS device, there are different ways to find your IP address.

Here are two methods:

Method 1: Finding Through Settings App

  1. Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
  2. Tap on “Wi-Fi“.
  3. Tap on the name of the network you are connected to.
  4. Your IP address will be listed next to “IP Address“.

Method 2: Using Google Search

  1. Open Safari on your iPhone. (Be sure your iPhone is connected to the Internet)
  2. Write “What is My IP” on the search bar and click on search.
  3. Google will show your IP address.

How to Find Your IP Address on Android

If you use an Android device, there are different ways to find your IP address.

Here are two methods:

Method 1: Through Settings App

  1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
  2. Depending on your device, tap on “Wi-Fi” or “Network & Internet“.
  3. Tap on the name of the network you are connected to.
  4. Your IP address will be listed under “IP address“.

Method 2: Search on Google

  1. Open Google Chrome on your Android device. (Make sure your Android device connected to the Internet)
  2. Write “What is My IP” in the Google search.
  3. Google will show your IP address in a second.

How to Find Your IP Address on Windows 11, 10, and 7

There are several ways to find your IP address on a Windows computer.

Here are four methods:

Method 1: Search on Google

  1. Open the browser on your Windows PC. (Make sure your device Connected to Internet)
  2. Search “What is My IP” on Google. (If Google is not your default search engine then first go to Google.com and search.
  3. Instantly Google will show your IP address in the search results.

Method 2: Find Through Command Prompt

  1. Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key + R and typing cmd.
  2. In the Command Prompt, type ipconfig and press Enter.
  3. Your IP address will be displayed under “IPv4 Address” or “Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi” (depending on your connection).

Method 3: Using Control Panel

  1. Open the Control Panel.
  2. Click on “Network and Internet” and then “Network and Sharing Center“.
  3. Click on your active network connection.
  4. Click on “Details“.
  5. Your IP address will be listed under “IPv4 Address” or “IPv6 Address”.

Method 4: Using Windows Settings:

  1. Click on the Windows Start button and select “Settings“.
  2. Click on “Network & Internet” and then select “Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet” depending on your connection.
  3. Click on “Properties“.
  4. Your IP address will be listed under “IPv4 address” or “IPv6 address“.

How to Find Your IP Address on Mac

If you are a MacBook user, you can find your IP address through Google Search, System Preferences or the Terminal.

Here are the steps for each method:

Method 1: Search on Google

  1. Open the browser you use on your Macbook
  2. Search “What is My IP” on Google. (If Google is not your default search engine then first go to Google.com and search.
  3. Instantly Google will show your IP address in the search results.

Method 2: Find with System Preferences

  1. Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen.
  2. Click on “System Preferences“.
  3. Click on “Network“.
  4. Select your active network connection from the left-hand menu.
  5. Click on “Details
  6. Your IP address will be displayed next to “IP Address“.

Method 3: Use Mac Terminal

  1. Open the Terminal app from the Utilities folder in the Applications folder.
  2. Type “ipconfig getifaddr en0” (without the quotes) and press Enter.
  3. Your IP address will be displayed in the Terminal window.

How to Find Your IP Address on Linux

If you are using a Linux operating system, you can find your IP address using either the Google Search, Terminal or the Network Settings.

Here are the steps for each method:

Method 1: Using Terminal

  1. Open the Terminal application.
  2. Type “ifconfig” (without the quotes) and press Enter.
  3. Your IP address will be displayed next to “inet addr” under your active network connection.

Method 2: Using Network Settings

  1. Click on the network icon in the top right corner of your screen.
  2. Click on “Settings“.
  3. Click on the gear icon next to your active network connection.
  4. Click on “IPv4” or “IPv6” tab.
  5. Your IP address will be listed under “Addresses“.

Method 3: Search on Google

  1. Open the browser on your computer
  2. Search “What is My IP” on Google. (If Google is not your default search engine then first go to Google.com and search.
  3. Instantly Google will show your IP address in the search results.

Common IP Address Troubleshooting, and How to Fix

Ever tried to find your IP address and hit a roadblock? Yeah, it can be a bit of a headache. But don’t worry, I’ve got some tips to help you out.

Can’t find your IP address? First off, make sure you’re connected to a network. If you are, check that your network connection is active. Still no luck? Try giving your device or router a quick restart. Sometimes, that’s all it takes.

Noticed your IP address keeps changing? That’s because some networks use dynamic IP addresses that change over time. If you need a static IP address that doesn’t change, you might want to have a chat with your network administrator. Or, you can try setting up a static IP address on your device.

Getting an “IP address is not valid” message? Double-check that you’ve typed the IP address correctly and that it’s in the right format (IPv4 or IPv6). If you’re still stuck, it might be time to call in the cavalry and contact your network administrator.

Find Thoughts

So, that’s a wrap! I hope you’ve found this guide handy. Being able to find your IP address is more than just a cool tech trick. It’s a key skill that can help you troubleshoot network issues and keep your online world secure. The steps I’ve shared should make the process a breeze.

But remember, this is just the start. Keeping your network settings up-to-date and using the latest security measures is just as important. After all, your IP address is a potential target for cyber threats. So, keep your guard up and happy surfing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to know my IP address?

Knowing your IP address can be useful for various reasons, such as troubleshooting network issues, setting up network connections, and accessing network resources.

Does my IP address change?

Yes, unless you have a static IP address, your IP address can change. Most home networks use dynamic IP addresses, which can change each time you connect to the internet.

Can someone track me using my IP address?

While your IP address can provide some information about your general location, it’s not enough to track your exact whereabouts. However, it’s always a good idea to maintain good online security practices to protect your privacy.

How can I hide my IP address?

There are several ways to hide your IP address, such as using a VPN, a proxy server, or the Tor network. These tools can provide you with a different IP address, helping to protect your online privacy.

Is it illegal to track someone’s IP address?

The legality of tracking someone’s IP address varies depending on the context and local laws. In general, it’s considered a breach of privacy to track someone’s IP address without their consent.

Can I change my IP address?

While you can’t change your public IP address yourself, you can use a VPN or proxy to mask it. If you need a static IP address or a new dynamic IP address, you can contact your internet service provider.

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