Despite your efforts to learn as much as possible about computer use, you must admit that the world of technology and, more generally, of the Internet, is quite vast. Aware that you have several gaps, you regretted not being able to answer a technology question that was asked to you. A friend of yours asked you if you knew how to find out and view your IP address but, unfortunately, you could not answer.
It is precisely this gap that led you to do a search on the Internet and, consequently, to click on this guide of mine. You would really like to remedy your lack and understand, first, what an IP address is. Of course, you would not mind learning more about how to find it too. If you happen to answer this question again, you certainly do not want to be caught unprepared yet.
Well, I am glad of your interest and enthusiasm. If you want to know more about this topic know that you have come across the right tutorial. Sit comfortably and take a few minutes of free time to read this guide. I wish you an enjoyable read.
What is an IP address
You already know what an IP address is, but in case you do not, I will briefly explain its meaning. IP is an acronym that stands for Internet Protocol; so when we talk about an IP address, we are talking about an Internet Protocol address, that is, an identification number (or code) assigned to a device to recognize it among all the others connected to a local network and on the Internet. If this definition is clear to you, let us move on to something more technical, which you will need both personally and to understand how to identify an IP address.
An IP address is a numeric code consisting of four sections separated by periods. Each section can have a number between 0 and 255, so 256 possible numbers. For example, the address that will result is 192.190.180.254. An IP of this type is a 32-bit address and there can be just over four billion different ones.
You can well understand that, considering the entire world population and the number of devices that are constantly connected to the Internet simultaneously, this type of address is now close to the world’s needs. And that is why the IPv4-type IP address, that is, the one I am talking about, will soon be replaced by its “big brother” IPv6, on a 128bit basis.
Also, just for information, an IPv6 address consists of 8 sections of 4 digits each, separated by a colon. For example, an IPv6 address is 2001:0db8:0000:0000:0000:0000:0000:0001.
Now that you know the difference between an IPv4 IP address and an IPv6 one, let us move on to another absolutely important concept to keep in mind.
An IP address can be static or dynamic. The addresses in their structure are completely the same, what changes is how they are managed. In this regard, DHCP is a network protocol that allows you to dynamically assign an IP address to a device whenever it connects to the network. This means that a dynamic IP address, whenever you turn off your router and turn it back on, for example, will be different than before. A static address, on the other hand, as the same adjective suggests, remains unchanged, even restarting, for example, the router of your home.
The last concept I want to talk to you about, before addressing the guide in detail, is the difference between finding a local IP address and a public IP address. The former is usually an address that identifies a device within a local network, while the latter identifies a device on the Internet.
Now that I have explained some concepts concerning the IP address, it will be easy for you to understand what type of address you are looking for and how to look for it.
How to find out and view your public IP address
View public IP address through web services.
To find your public IP address, you simply need to connect to the different web services that show the IP address of the connected device. There are so many of these Web services. I will list some that might be right for you:
- Whatismyipaddress.com – this web service is extremely easy to use. By connecting to the page you will see a wording with the words My IP address is under this heading your public IP address will be shown. However, by clicking on it, you can read much more information about your IP, indicating whether your IP address is static or dynamic.
- IPlocation.net – finally I point out IPLocation, a Web service like those indicated above. What does it do more than the others? It also tells you the type of device that is searching, its operating system, and the browser you are using. You can view the public IP address under IP address.
- Whatismyip.com – as soon as you open the link I provided, you will immediately see your IP address. In fact, you can find it next to the words Your Public IPv4 is. You will also be able to view, if activated by your telephone operator, your IPv6 address, which will be located next to the words Your IPv6 is. You will also be provided with other information, such as your local IP address, the place from which you are connecting and the name of the telephone company with which you have contracted on the Internet.
- Ipfingerprints.com – another useful web service is offered by IPFingerPrints. You will simply have to connect to the website I have provided you to immediately see a geographical map with the location from which you connect and the public IP address at the top, next to the national flag. You will also be shown some data, such as your ISP and your current (often approximate) location.
View public IP address via app.
All the web services I just told you about can be consulted from any device, even from your smartphone. However, you can choose to use apps for your mobile devices to know your public IP address. I therefore suggest you download the following applications:
- My IP address – it is a really simple free Android app. It shows you your public and local IP address, as well as the Gateway address and DNS.
- Network Analyzer Lite – this free app for iOS devices will show you all the information you need on the screen: your public IP address (External IP), the local IP address (IP Adress) and tons of other information related to other network IP addresses, such as Gateway, Subnet mask and DNS.
- IP Tools: WiFi Analyzer – This free app available for Android devices can show you your current public IP address, as well as other data, including your local IP address and the MAC address of your Android device. A lot of other information is then shown on the screen, such as the IP address of the Gateway, the Broadcast address, DNS, and many others. It also has some functions, such as Whois, ping to an address and network scanner to identify all devices connected to the network.
How to find out and view your local IP address
Finding out and viewing your local IP address is quite easy. You can find out through the tools available by default on the computer with Windows or macOS operating system or with those available on mobile devices with Android or iOS.
But before going into the specifics of this part of the guide, I remind you that, as you could read in the previous paragraphs, there are some Web services that can show you your local IP address. An example is given by Whatismyip.com that, as I explained to you, shows your local IP address, along with the public one.
As a result, for this purpose you can choose whether to use a web service, whether to download apps for your Android and iOS devices, like the ones I told you about in the previous paragraph. Alternatively, you can use the tools I tell you about in the following lines.
View your computer’s local IP address.
To find out the local IP address of your computer running Windows, you will need to right-click on the Start menu button (Windows symbol) and then click Run. Then type cmd.exe and then press the Enter key on your keyboard. This will open Windows Command Prompt.
In the window with black background that you see, type the word ipconfig, and then press the Enter button on your keyboard. If you have multiple network adapters installed on your computer (LAN and Wi-Fi for example), locate the one you are currently using.
For example, if you are connected via network cable, you will have to look at the information that is located under the heading Ethernet adapter. Then see the value next to IPv4 address if that’s what you’re looking for. You will also be shown other local IP addresses related to other elements, such as the Gateway, Subnet mask and IPv6.
On computers running macOS, it is just as easy to find out your local IP address. You will have to click with the left mouse button on the symbol with the apple at the top left. Then select System Preferences and then the Network item. Then select the network currently in use from the left sidebar. The information you are looking for should then be on the screen, under the heading IP address. If you do not see them, click Advanced in the bottom right. In the new window, locate IPv4 Address.
View the local IP address of your mobile device.
On mobile devices with iOS operating system, you will have to open the settings of your device (icon with a gear) and tap on the Wi-Fi item. Locate the one you are connected to and tap the [i] icon. In the new screen that appears, find the words IP address. The number code next to it matches your local IP address for the iOS device you are using.
If you are using a device with Android operating system, access the settings (icon with a gear) and tap on the Wi-Fi item. Now tap on the Configure / Advanced item to view your local IP address.