How To Find the IP Address on Your Mac

You don’t need to call the Apple helpdesk to find your IP address on a Mac. We make it easy to access the information you need with our expert guide.
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You’ve likely heard of an IP address, but you may not know what it does. An IP address is the internet protocol address of your computer. It’s a unique identifier that allows other networks and devices to recognize your computer. You can compare your IP address to your home address: It’s a unique location dedicated to sending and receiving correspondence.

It’s a good idea to know your computer’s IP address in case you want to make changes to your Wi-Fi username and password or update your security preferences. Keep reading our guide to learn how to find a Mac IP address.

In this article
How to find your local IP address
How to find your public IP Address
Local vs. public IP address
Mac IP address FAQ
Bottom line

How to find your local IP address

Your local IP address is how your router tells the difference between your computer, phone, printer, and other connected devices. This number is your internal IP address for your local network. Here’s how to find your local Mac IP address:

1. Click the Apple menu at the top-left corner of your screen and select System Preferences.

System Preferences drop down of Mac computer

2. Click the Network icon.

Icons of System Preference in Mac Computer

3. Choose the connection you’re using. It is usually the default selection. Your IP address will be on the right, underneath the Status section.

Screenshot of Network settings of Mac with Status showing connected

If you have a router connected, you can also see your router IP address on the same screen.

Did you know you can change your IP address? Find out how using the ipconfig command on Windows or the TCP/IP settings on your Mac in our guide to changing your IP address.

How to find your public IP address on macOS

You can find your public IP address easily online. Locating your public IP address on a Mac can be done using a quick Google search. You can also use another search engine of your choice if desired.

  1. Open your web browser.
  2. Type one of the following URLs into your address or search bar and press enter: whatsmyip.org or whatismyip.com.
  3. You will see a screen similar to this one:

A screenshot from a website that shows your public IPV4 and IPV6 IP addresses.

We know terms like IPv4 address and IPv6 may look like something from a tech manual, but it’s not as complicated as it may seem at first glance. IPv4 is simply the fourth version of the internet protocol, which is the set of rules for communications the internet uses, while IPv6 is the sixth version.

Need to change your location on a Mac? We can help. Check out our guide on how to manage your Mac location services.

Local vs. public IP address

If you’re trying to learn how to find your IP address, you need to know the difference between local and public IP addresses. These are both crucial parts of your computer’s identification information. Your local IP address is the internal one, and the public IP address is the external one. Websites and other users can access your public address, but the local address — your private IP address — is hidden.

Your internet service provider (ISP) assigns your public IP address to your router. The public IP address is similar to using P.O. box for general mail instead of telling everyone your home address. It’s more secure and readily visible. Public IP addresses are also traceable, which can reveal your geographical location. This is why many people use a VPN.

Your private IP address is the one your router assigns to the device. All devices within the same network are assigned a unique, private IP address. This address allows devices on a home network to communicate. If you need to change your Wi-Fi password, you’ll need to know your router’s IP address.

You can also have static or dynamic IP addresses. Find out what dynamic vs. static IP address means and which one you should use.

If you have Wi-Fi network issues, knowing your IP address can help troubleshoot connection problems. Accessing your IP address will help you decide whether you have a router disrupting your access to the internet or if the issue stems from your device or Ethernet cable.

Setting up new devices may also require the use of your IP address. For instance, if you need to connect a printer to your network, your IP address will allow you to see the network identification and help you connect the device to the correct network. There may be times you want someone to have remote access to your network and this will require your IP address for connection.

Mac IP address FAQ


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Can I change my IP address?

You can change your IP address. Many users do this to help strengthen online security. A VPN is also helpful because it will change your IP address automatically. When you access the internet, your VPN will make it look like you’re connected from a different location. It shows a physical location of a VPN server, rather than your actual geographical area.


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Is the MAC address the same as the IP address?

The media access control (MAC) address is not the same as the IP address. Although both addresses uniquely define a device, the MAC address is the physical address identifying a device on a network. The IP address is used for global internet identification of the device.


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Is my IP address linked to the Wi-Fi or the device?

Your IP address is assigned to your device by the ISP company. When you use public Wi-Fi, like the local coffee shop, you’re using a temporary IP address assigned by the coffee shop’s internet service provider.

Bottom line

Your IP address identifies your devices and routers connected to the internet. This is your digital address, which allows other networks and devices to recognize your computer. Being able to find your local and public IP address can help you know how your network performs and how the internet works more efficiently.

Since IP addresses are crucial to online security, many users invest in a VPN service to ensure their information remains safe. In addition to knowing how IP addresses function, learning about the best VPNs may help keep your online activity private and more protected.

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Author Details
Patti Croft is a seasoned writer specializing in technology, with three years of experience. With a B.S. in Computer Science and a background as a technical analyst and security specialist, she covers a range of topics like data security and parental control software.