How to find your IP address whenever you need it

Even if you don't fully understand what an IP address is or its purpose, it is a useful skill to know how to find an IP address. Whether you want to set up a new 3D printer or don't want to appear ignorant when talking to an Internet service provider, there are several ways to get this information easily.

Please remember these methods in case of emergencies. By the way, you can also learn what this number string is and why it matters.

How to find IP address on any device

Don't be intimidated by your IP address. This set of numbers should be easy to find on your device, and if you can't find it you can always search for it.

[Related: The government will not protect your internet privacy, so here is how to protect your internet privacy by yourself]

On macOS

• Click the Wi-Fi icon in the upper right corner of the navigation bar.
• In the pop-up menu, select Wi-Fi settings .
• At the top of the menu, you will see the network your device is connected to. Click the Details button next to it.
• A window will pop up showing the IP addresses of your device and router.

On iOS and iPadOS

• Open Settings and click Wi-Fi.
• Find the network you are connected to - it will be the first in the list with a blue check mark next to it.
• Click the Information button on the right (blue "i" in a circle).
• You can find your IP address under IPV4 address.

On Windows 11

• Open Start menu.
• Go to Settings and go to Network and Internet.
• Open Wi-FiSet and turn on the properties of the network your device is connected to - it should be the second item in the list.
• Scroll down to find your IPv4 and IPv6 addresses.

There is a reason why Windows computers and some other devices have two IP addresses. Internet Protocol Version 4 (also known as IPv4) was the original system invented in 1980 to identify computers and other devices. But IPv4 has only 32 bits, which means that the number of available addresses is limited and far from enough to meet our interconnected future today. So IPv6 emerged—this 64-bit solution provides more addresses to make room for all new devices that will be available every day. The problem is that the launch of this 1998 protocol took a long time, and some older servers and programs were incompatible with it. This is why some devices use workarounds and have two IP addresses to bridge the gap and avoid any service disruptions.

On Android

As always, remember that Android varies by the brand and model of the device, so the names in these instructions may vary slightly. Here are the methods found on Pixel phones:

• Swipe a finger down from the top of the screen and press the Internet tile to open the Internet settings.
• Click the gear icon next to the network you are connected to.
Scroll down and you will find your IP address under
• Network details.

If this looks a little confusing, you can always unlock your device and ask the Google Assistant: "Hey, Google, what is my IP address?" The platform will open immediately

About mobile phone Menu, you can find your IP address under the Device Identifier .

Using Google

You can ask Google for your IP address at any time, but please note that the engine will display your public address, not your private address. In any browser, type

"What is my IP address" in Google's large search bar, and the engine will display it at the top of the result page.

What is an IP address and why you should care about it

You can easily understand the importance of IP addresses in life, but in our highly interconnected society today, it is best to have at least one idea of ​​what they are.

Generally speaking, IP addresses are a series of unique numbers used to identify devices that can be connected to the Internet. Each device is assigned a private or internal IP address by its manufacturer. If the internet is a town, this will be your home address. When you watch a movie on a streaming service, your device sends a request to any platform you use, and that platform knows where to send a reply (i.e., movie) based on your IP address. This specific data is very useful, which makes it very valuable. Think of it as your social security number and don't leak it.

[Related: This free tool can reveal the identity behind any internet domain name]

But your router also has an IP address - it is assigned by your Internet service provider, called an external or public IP address. This is important because it provides certain details about your location, such as the city and postal code you live in. This information may help hackers get your private IP address, which they can use for a variety of malicious purposes, from spamming you and blocking your information to frame you as a crime. If you are worried about this, you may want to consider getting a VPN or using a VPN built into your device.

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