How to find your IP address

Looking to find your IP address? It’s like your device’s unique digital signature on the internet. Whether you’re setting up a new laptop or just curious about your network setup, knowing your IP address can be pretty handy. Let’s dive into how you can find it on both Windows and Mac computers.

First things first, what exactly is an IP address? Well, think of it as your device’s ID card on the internet. It’s a string of numbers or characters that helps your device communicate with others online.

Now, there are two types of IP addresses: IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 uses numbers, while IPv6 uses a mix of numbers and letters. Most of the time, you’ll likely be dealing with your IPv4 address.

If you’re on a home Wi-Fi network, you actually have two IP addresses: one for the outside world (public-facing) and another for devices within your network (local). Understanding both can be useful, especially when tinkering with your network settings.

So, let’s get down to finding your IP address:

Using Windows to find an IP address:

• Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select Settings. If you can’t find it, just type “settings” after clicking the Start menu, and it should pop up.
• Navigate to Network & Internet: Once in Settings, go to the Network & Internet section.
• Access Advanced Network Settings: Scroll down until you find Advanced Network settings and click on it.
• Check Hardware and Connection Properties: Look for Hardware and connection properties in the menu and select it.
• Locate Your IP Address: Your IPv4 and IPv6 addresses should be listed there.

READ MORE: How to fix audio problems on Windows

Using MAC to find an IP address::

Now, if you’re using a Mac, here’s how you can find your IP address:

• Open System Preferences: You can find this by clicking on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and selecting System Preferences.
• Go to Network: Look for the Network icon and click on it.
• Select Your Connection: Choose the network connection you’re currently using.
• View Your IP Address: Your IP address should be displayed next to “Status” or “Connection.”

And there you have it! Finding your IP address isn’t rocket science, but it can be super helpful in various situations. So, whether you’re troubleshooting network issues or just satisfying your curiosity, now you know how to find your IP address on both Windows and Mac computers.