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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. Your local IP is 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.
Knowing your computer’s IP address is necessary to change your Wi-Fi username and password or update your security preferences. Plus, if you decide to encrypt your internet traffic and web activities with a VPN service, it's helpful to understand your real IP address. Keep reading our guide to learn how to find a Mac IP address on OS X or macOS Ventura.
Your local IP address is how your router tells the difference between your computer, phone, printer, and other connected devices. This number is the internal IP address of your local network. Here’s how to find your local Mac IP address if you're using macOS Ventura:
1. Click the Apple menu at the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings.
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2. Click the Details icon, located in the upper right.
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3. Click IP address to view your IP address on macOS Ventura.
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If you have a router connected, click on Router (below IP address) to see your router IP address.
Here’s how to find your local Mac IP address if your operating system predates Ventura:
1. Click the Apple menu at the top-left corner of your screen and select System Preferences.
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2. Click the Network icon. (It looks like an electrified globe.)
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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.
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You can also see your router IP address on the same screen if you have a router connected.
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.
You will see a screen similar to this one:
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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.
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 a 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 virtual private network (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.
Knowing your IP address can help troubleshoot connection problems if you have Wi-Fi network issues. 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, which will require your IP address for connection.
Yes, you can change your IP address with a virtual private network. Many users do this to help strengthen online security by encrypting their location or web activities. 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 the physical location of a VPN server rather than your actual geographical area.
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.
Your IP address is a unique identifier assigned to your device by the internet service provider (ISP) company. When you switch networks, like when you use public Wi-Fi at a cafe, the shop’s ISP assigns you a temporary IP address. Every time you switch networks, you receive a new IP address.
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.
#1 rated VPN with over 7,000 ultra-secure, high-speed servers in 118 countries
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Excellent all-in-one security product with antivirus, ad blocker, password manager, and more
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