IP is the abbreviation for “internet protocol” and is essentially the address of your device on the Internet. Think of it as the digital equivalent of a zip code. In the following article, we will look at a few ways to find your IP address.
There are two types of IPs, public and private. The public address is a sequence of four numbers in most cases. Without this address, it would be impossible for computer to communicate with the internet.
Your private address is needed to identify your device on a local network. In other words, it is the address that allows other devices connected to router to communicate with your computer.
So, if for some reason you need to know one or both of your IPs, simply follow the steps below.
- Finding a public IP address.
The easiest way is to simply open your browser and navigate to the following website https://www.whatismyip.com/.
The result will be a number of four numbers separated by dots which is your public IP.
- Alternative way to find public IP address.
As there is always the possibility that the site we mentioned above may not work, as a backup solution you can simply do a Google search which will yield the same result.
Of course, details about your public IP are also available on your router. Alternatively, you can browse to your router normally by typing https://192.168.0.1 in your browser and the public IP will be listed in the details on the first page.
- Private IP address in Windows.
To find your home address in Windows, simply open the command window by typing 'cmd' in the start search field.
Once you open the command window, type the following: ipconfig.
The private address will be located under “IPv4 Address”.
- How to find your IP address on MacOS.
If you are a MacOS, press the Apple, navigate to “System Preferences” and select “Network”.
Then select the network you are connected to and under the “Status” option on your right, you will see your private IP listed under “Connected”.
- How to find your private IP address on Linux (Ubuntu).
If your preferred Linux is Ubuntu, as it is for many, go to the “Activities” option at the top left of your screen, type network and select it.
Depending on whether your connection is wireless or wired, select the settings button next to the respective connection. In the window that opens, in the “Details” tab, you can see your IP under “IPv4 Address”.
