Guide
How to Find Your Local IP Address
Your local IP is the private address your device uses on the current Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or mobile hotspot network.
Last reviewed: June 12, 2026
Quick reference
Where to look
- Windows
- Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi or Ethernet > hardware properties, or run ipconfig in Terminal.
- macOS
- System Settings > Network > active connection > Details, or run ipconfig getifaddr en0 for many Wi-Fi setups.
- Linux
- Run ip addr, hostname -I, or check the network settings panel for the active interface.
- iPhone or iPad
- Settings > Wi-Fi > tap the connected network > IP Address.
- Android
- Settings > Network & internet > Internet or Wi-Fi > current network details. Labels vary by vendor.
- Router
- Open the router admin page and look for connected devices, LAN clients, or DHCP leases.
Guide
Local IP vs public IP
A local IP usually works only on your current network. It is used by your router, printer, phone, laptop, containers, or local services.
ShowIP shows the public address websites can see. That public address is often the router, ISP, VPN, proxy, mobile gateway, or organization network in front of your device.
Guide
When local IPs matter
Local IPs are useful when connecting to a development server, printer, NAS, camera, router, game server, or another device on the same network.
They usually cannot be used by someone outside your network unless port forwarding, VPN access, or another remote access path is configured.
Reference
Key terms
- DHCP
- Automatic local address assignment
- Gateway
- Router address used to leave the local network
- Interface
- A Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN, or virtual network adapter
Examples
Examples
Home LAN
192.168.1.34
Typical local IPv4 address assigned by a home router.
Container bridge
172.18.0.2
Typical private address inside a container or virtual network.
IPv6 local
fe80::/10
IPv6 link-local addresses are scoped to one local network link.
Next steps
Related guides and tools
Questions
FAQ
Is my local IP secret?
It is not globally useful by itself because private ranges are reused on many networks, but it can still be sensitive in local network troubleshooting or screenshots.
Why do I see several local IP addresses?
Each active interface can have its own address. Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPNs, containers, and virtual machines can all add addresses.
Sources