Find Your Public IP (Fastest Method)
Visit our IP lookup tool on your macOS — it instantly shows your public IP address, location, and ISP. No app needed, works in any browser.
Find Your Private IP on macOS
Your private IP is the address your router assigns to your macOS on your local network. Here's how to find it:
Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner.
Click System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS).
Click Network in the sidebar.
Click your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
Click Details — your private IP is shown next to IP address under the TCP/IP tab.
Using Terminal
You can also use Terminal for a quick lookup:
Open Terminal (search for it in Spotlight with
Cmd + Space).Type
ifconfig | grep inet and press Enter.Look for the line with your
192.168.x.x address — that's your private IP.Public vs Private IP: What's the Difference?
The IP shown in your macOS's settings is your private IP — it only works within your local Wi-Fi network. The IP shown on our tool is your public IP — the one websites and services actually see. Learn more about the difference →
Why Would I Need My IP Address?
Common reasons include troubleshooting Wi-Fi connectivity issues, setting up a printer or smart home device, configuring port forwarding for gaming or remote access, verifying your VPN is working (your public IP should show the VPN server's location), and providing your IP to tech support for network diagnostics.