What Is My IP Address?

There are several websites that can show you your public IP address directly. Some popular options include:

• WhatIsMyIP.com
• IP Chicken
• IP Lookup

By visiting these websites, they will display your public IP address at the top of the page.

2. Use the Command Line (for local IP address)

If you're interested in your local IP address (the address within your local network), you can check it directly from your computer's command line or terminal.

For Windows:

1. Open Command Prompt by typing cmd in the Start menu and pressing Enter.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   bash

   CopyEdit

   ipconfig
3. Look for the line labeled IPv4 Address under your active network connection. That is your local IP address.

For Mac:

1. Open Terminal (you can find it using Spotlight or in Applications > Utilities).
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   bash

   CopyEdit

   ifconfig
3. Look for the en0 or en1 section (for Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection), and you’ll see the local IP listed as inet.

For Linux:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   bash

   CopyEdit

   ifconfig
   or (in some systems):
   bash

   CopyEdit

   ip addr show
3. The inet line will display your local IP address.

3. What is Public vs Local IP?

• Public IP Address: This is the IP address assigned to your internet connection by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). It’s the address seen by external websites and services when you access them. This is what online tools show.

• Local IP Address: This is used for devices within your own home or office network. It is not visible to the outside world and is assigned by your router to devices like computers, smartphones, and printers.

4. Router Interface

You can also log into your router’s admin interface to find the public IP address provided to your network. Typically, the router interface can be accessed by typing the router’s local IP address (like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) into a web browser and logging in with the credentials provided by your ISP or set by you.

Remember, your public IP address is assigned by your ISP and can change depending on your network setup (e.g., dynamic or static IP address). Your local IP address is unique to your network and helps your devices communicate with each other.