What is my IP address? How to find your IP address on PC, Mac and iPhone
LOOKING for a guide on how to check your IP address? It couldn't be easier to do.
We reveal how to find your IP address, what it means, if they're permanent, and if sharing them is safe.
What is an IP address?
To go online, your computer connects to the internet.
The internet is a global network that links computers together, letting them talk to each other, visit websites, and download files.
Using the internet is a matter of sending out data, and receiving information – like a real-world postal system.
And just like the post, you need addresses to make sure all of the info goes to the right places.
This is your IP address – or "Internet Protocol" address.
Your internet service provider (like BT in the UK or AT&T in the USA) will assign you an IP address.
All of your data will then be transmitted through the ISP, which uses your IP address to deliver info to your computer.
Your IP address can link you between websites, reveals your rough location (like the city you're in), and the ISP hosting your connection.
Are IP addresses permanent?
The simple answer is no.
Your IP address changes all the time, so don't get too attached to it.
For instance, different devices used in different places will have different IP addresses.
If you take your laptop to the local Starbucks and use its WiFi, your IP address won't be the same as the one at your house.
And if you turn your router of and on again, your IP address will almost certainly change too.
It doesn't really matter if your IP address changes over time, because it's only important for the instant it's in use.
Is it safe for other people to know my IP address?
Sometimes.
Every website you visit will be able to see your IP address.
That's how they can deliver their pages to your phone or computer – like a package in the post.
They can't tell which device in your house is using the website just from an IP address. And they won't know who you personally are from an IP address either.
You shouldn't offer out your IP address willy nilly however.
If a hacker knows your IP address, they can spam your network with huge amounts of information.
These attacks can slow your connection right down, and leave you unable to stream movies or play online games.
Of course, you can simply restart your router, get a new IP address and put a stop to the attack.
How to check IP address
Checking your IP address is very simple.
The easiest way to check is to simply use a website.
For instance, is one of the more popular sites that will tell you your IP address.
You can also type "IP address" into Google and the top result will display it without requiring any clicks.
If you don't want to use a third-party website to check, you can find your IP address manually too.
On Windows, hit the Start button then type "cmd" and press Enter.
In the Command Prompt window, type "ipconfig" and press Enter.
Your IP address will be next to the line that starts with "IPv4 Address".
On Mac, go to Apple > System Preferences > Network and your IP address will appear in the top right.
And on iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi and choose your network. You'll be able to see the IP address at the top of the window once you've clicked through.
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