What Is My IP Address and How Can I Find It on Any Device?

Every device connected to the internet has an IP address, a unique identifier that allows it to communicate with websites, services, and other devices. Whether you’re troubleshooting a network issue, setting up a remote connection, or concerned about online privacy, knowing your IP address can be incredibly helpful.

In this guide, we’ll explain what an IP address is, the difference between public and private IPs, and show you how to find your IP address on any device, including Windows PCs, Macs, iPhones, Android phones, and even routers.

What Is an IP Address?

An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique string of numbers (IPv4) or alphanumeric characters (IPv6) that identifies your device on a network. It allows devices to send and receive data over the Internet or a local network.

There are two main types:

• Public IP Address: Assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and visible online.

• Private IP Address: Assigned by your router and used within your home or office network

How to Find Your IP Address on Any Device?

On Windows:

1. PressWin + R, typecmd, and press Enter.

2. Type ipconfig and press Enter.

3. Look for IPv4 Address (your local IP).
   To find your public IP, search “What is my IP” in a browser.

On macOS:

1. Go to System Settings > Network.

2. Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

3. Your IP address will be listed under “Status” or “Details”.

On iPhone/iPad:

1. Open Settings > Wi-Fi.

2. Tap the i icon next to your network.

3. Your IP address appears under IPv4 Address.

On Android:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.

2. Tap the connected network.

3. View your IP address in the network details.

On Any Device (Public IP):

• Open a browser and visit:

  • WhatIsMyIP.com

  • IPinfo.io

  • Or Google: “What is my IP address?”

On Routers:

1. Enter your router’s IP (e.g., 192.168.0.1) into a browser.

2. Log in with your admin credentials.

3. Navigate to the WAN or Internet section to view the public IP address.

Understanding your IP address helps you manage network settings, improve security, and troubleshoot connectivity issues more efficiently. Whether you’re at home or on the go, these simple steps let you find your IP on virtually any device.

Why You Might Need Your IP Address?

Knowing your IP address can be more useful than you think, especially when managing your network, accessing remote systems, or enhancing your online privacy. Whether you’re a casual user, gamer, IT professional, or remote worker, there are many situations where knowing your IP address is essential.

1. Network Troubleshooting

If you’re experiencing connectivity issues, knowing your IP address can help diagnose problems between your device, router, or internet service provider. Tools like ping, traceroute, and ipconfig rely on your IP to test connections.

2. Remote Access and File Sharing

Your public IP address is often needed to:

• Access your home computer remotely (via SSH, RDP, or VNC)

• Set up remote servers or NAS devices

• Enable file sharing between devices on the same network

3. Online Gaming and Port Forwarding

Many online games and applications require port forwarding, which uses your device’s internal IP address to direct traffic. Without knowing your IP, you won’t be able to configure your router properly.

4. Enhancing Online Security

Understanding your IP address can help protect against unauthorized access. You may want to:

• Monitor unknown devices on your network

• Use a VPN to hide your IP and encrypt traffic

• Block certain IPs for security or parental control

5. Geo-location and Content Access

Your public IP reveals your geographic location to websites and streaming platforms. Knowing this helps if:

• You want to bypass region restrictions with a VPN

• You’re testing localized content or SEO campaigns

6. Setting Up Static IP Addresses

For printers, smart devices, or internal servers, you may need to assign a static IP. This ensures the device always uses the same IP address within your network, helpful for reliability and easier access.

How to Hide or Change Your IP Address?

Hiding or changing your IP address is an effective way to protect your online privacy, bypass content restrictions, and avoid tracking. Whether you’re trying to browse anonymously, access geo-blocked websites, or secure your connection on public Wi-Fi, there are several easy and secure ways to change your IP address.

1. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN is the most popular and reliable way to hide your IP address. It encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server, masking your real IP with a new one based on your chosen location.

Benefits of using a VPN:

• Hide your IP from websites, trackers, and ISPs

• Bypass geo-restricted content (e.g., Netflix, BBC iPlayer)

• Protect your data on public Wi-Fi

• Avoid ISP throttling

Top VPN providers: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, ProtonVPN

2. Connect Through a Proxy Server

A proxy server acts as a middleman between your device and the internet. It replaces your real IP with its own, allowing you to browse anonymously or access restricted content.

Types of proxies:

• HTTP proxies (web-only)

• SOCKS proxies (support more protocols, including P2P)

• Transparent proxies (not recommended for privacy)

Note: Proxies offer less security than VPNs and often don’t encrypt your data.

3. Use the Tor Browser

Tor (The Onion Router) is a free browser that hides your IP address by routing your internet traffic through multiple volunteer-operated nodes around the world.

Why use Tor:

• High anonymity for browsing the deep web or censored content

• Strong privacy with IP masking

• Open-source and free to use

Limitations:

• Slower speeds due to multiple relays

• Not ideal for streaming or downloading large files

4. Restart Your Modem or Router

If your ISP assigns dynamic IP addresses, simply restarting your modem or router may change your public IP address.

Steps:

1. Power off your modem/router

2. Wait 5–10 minutes (or longer)

3. Turn it back on and check if your IP has changed (via whatismyip.com)

Note: This doesn’t guarantee a change and may not work with static IPs.

5. Contact Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

For a static IP change, you’ll need to reach out to your ISP. They can:

• Assign a new static IP address (may involve a fee)

• Convert your static IP to a dynamic one

This is ideal for users hosting servers, configuring remote access, or needing a long-term IP change.

6. Use Mobile Data or a Hotspot

Switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data (4G/5G) changes your IP address, since your mobile carrier assigns a different IP than your home ISP.

You can also:

• Turn on a mobile hotspot

• Connect your device to the hotspot

• Access the web using your phone’s IP

This is a quick workaround for temporary privacy or IP-based access issues.

Why Would You Want to Hide or Change Your IP?

• Protect personal information and browsing habits

• Access region-locked websites and streaming platforms

• Prevent tracking by websites and advertisers

• Bypass network restrictions at school, work, or in censored countries

Changing or hiding your IP address is an essential part of staying secure and private online. Depending on your goals, privacy, access, or security, tools like VPNs, Tor, or even a simple network reset can help you take control of your digital footprint.

Conclusion

Your IP address plays a vital role in how your device connects to the internet and other networks. Whether you’re troubleshooting connectivity issues, setting up a remote desktop, enhancing your privacy, or accessing geo-restricted content, knowing how to find and manage your IP address is an essential digital skill.

We’ve covered everything from the basics of what an IP address is to how you can find it on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and even your router. We’ve also looked at reasons you might need your IP address and methods to hide or change it using tools like VPNs, proxies, and the Tor browser.

By understanding your IP address and how to control it, you’ll improve your online privacy, security, and connectivity across all your devices.