2 Ways To Find Your Public IP Address on Mac or Windows

2 Ways To Find Your Public IP Address on Mac or Windows

An IP address, or Internet Protocol address, is like your home address but for your computer or device when it's online. Just like how the post office needs your home address to deliver mail, the internet needs an IP address to send data and information to the right place.

Whether you're troubleshooting, setting up a server, or simply curious, knowing your public IP address can be very useful. Here are two simple ways to find your public IP address, one using an online tool and the other using your Mac or Windows PC.

1. Using an Online Tool (Mac and Windows)

Visit a website like WhatIsMyIP.com, IP.ME, or IPLocation.io.
These websites automatically detect and display your public IP address as soon as you open the page.

2A. Mac Users

  1. Open System Preferences (you can find this by clicking on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen).
  2. Click on "Network".
  3. Select the network you're connected to (either Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
  4. Click "Details" on the right side of the page. 
  5. Your IP address will be displayed next to "Status".


2B. Windows Users

  1. Open the Control Panel (you can search for it in the Start menu).
  2. Click on "Network and Internet".
  3. Click on "Network and Sharing Center".
  4. Click on your active network connection.
  5. Click on "Details".
  6. Your IP address will be listed next to "IPv4 Address".