What is My IP Address?

Your public (visible) IP address when you connect to the internet is shown below. Websites and services use this address to identify you.

What is an IP Address?

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is your device’s numeric identity on the internet. Two important types:

• Public IP: The address your modem/router uses on the internet. Shown above.
• Private IP: The address used inside your home network (e.g. 192.168.1.10).

IPv4 and IPv6

IPv4 uses four groups of numbers (e.g. 88.245.120.55). IPv6 is a longer format for the future. Most home users still use IPv4.

Finding Your Local (Private) IP

Windows CMD: Run ipconfig and look at the "IPv4 Address" line for your active adapter (Ethernet or Wi-Fi). The "Default Gateway" is usually your router’s IP (e.g. 192.168.1.1).

Mac/Linux: Use ifconfig or ip addr in the terminal. Look for the inet address under your active interface.

See Static and Dynamic IP for more and how to check with CMD.

Why Does My Public IP Change?

Most home users get a dynamic public IP from their ISP: it can change when the router reconnects or after a period of time. That’s normal. If you need a fixed public IP (e.g. for hosting a server or remote access), you often have to request a static IP from your ISP, sometimes for an extra fee. Your private (local) IP can also change if your router uses DHCP and you don’t have a reservation; see Static and Dynamic IP for reserving an IP on the router.