In a typical Home/Office network setup, the Modem/Router connects to the internet using an External IP Address and other devices connect to Modem/Router using their own Private IP Addresses.
The External or the Public IP Address of the Router/Modem is assigned by the ISP (Internet Service Provider), while the Internal or Private IP Address of your phone, computer and other devices is assigned by the Router/Modem.
As it must obvious from the names, your Public IP Address can be seen by others on the internet, while your Internal or the Private IP Address can only be seen by other devices connected to your Home/Office network.
How to Find Your Public IP Address
All that is required to find your External or Public IP Address is to open the web browser on your computer and type “What is my IP Address” and press the enter key on the keyboard of your computer.
Similarly, you can launch the web browser on your iPhone or Android phone and find your Public IP Address by typing “What is my IP Address” in the search bar.
In most cases, both Safari and Google Chrome are likely to list your IPv6 address in the top search result. To find your iPv4 public IP Address, you can trust ip4.me or visit other websites listed in the search results.
How to Find Your Private IP Address
As mentioned above, the Private IP Address of your computer, phone and other connected devices is assigned by the Modem/Router and it can only be seen by devices that are connected to the same network
The private IP address of your Windows computer, MacBook and mobile devices like iPhone and Android phone can be found by using steps as provided below in this guide.
1. Find IP Address of Windows Computer
Follow the steps below to find the Private IP Addresses of your Windows 11/10 computer.
Windows 11: Go to Settings > Network and Internet > click on Properties for the active Network (WiFi or Ethernet) on your computer.
On the next screen, you will be able to see your IP Address next to IPV4 Address entry.
Windows 10: Go to Settings > Network and Internet > select Status in left-pane. In the right-pane, click on Properties button for the active Network on your computer.
On Network Properties screen, you will see your IP Address listed next to iPv4 address entry.
In Addition to the usual 4 string IPV4 address, you will also see your IPV6 IP Address, which will be in the form of a complex combination of letters and numbers.
2. Find IP Address on MacBook
If you are using a MacBook, Mac Mini or iMac, you can follow the steps below to find your Private IP Address.
1. Click on Apple icon in top menu bar and select System Preferences in the drop-down.
2. On System Preferences screen, click on the Network option.
3. Select your Network Type (Ethernet or WiFi) in left-pane. In the right-pane, your Private IP Address will be listed next to IPV4 Address entry.
3. Find Private IP Address on iPhone
On an iPhone, you can follow the steps below to find your Private IP Address.
1. Go to Settings > WiFi > tap on your Wi-Fi Network Name.
2. On the next screen, your Private IP Address will be listed next to IP Address Entry under “IPV4 ADDRESS” section.
4. Find Private IP Address on Android Phone
Similarly, it is also easy to obtain your Private IP Address on an Android Phone.
1. Go to Settings > WiFi > tap on gear shaped Settings Icon.
2. On the next screen, you will be able to see your Private IP Address.
Note: Most users have a Dynamic IP Address that keeps changing unlike a Static IP Address which remains the same and does not change.