Knowing how to find your IP address on a MacBook can be useful for a variety of reasons. Whether you are setting up a network troubleshooting a connection or accessing a device remotely the IP address helps identify your MacBook on the network. This guide will walk you through how to find both your internal IP address and your external IP address using built-in macOS tools.
You do not need any special software or technical knowledge. The process is simple whether you are connected via Wi-Fi or Ethernet and the steps work on all modern MacBook models including both Intel and Apple Silicon devices.
What Is an IP Address
An IP address or Internet Protocol address is a unique number assigned to your device when it connects to a network. Your MacBook typically has a private IP address used within your home or office network and a public IP address that your internet provider assigns for online activity.
The private IP address is the one used when you want to access or share files with other devices on your network. The public IP address is useful for tasks like setting up remote access or configuring security cameras or smart home devices.
How to Find Your IP Address Using System Settings
To find your private IP address on macOS Ventura or later open System Settings from the Apple menu. Select Network from the sidebar. You will see your active connection listed at the top such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Click the i icon or the name of your connection. Your IP address will be displayed clearly under the heading IP Address.
If you are using an older version of macOS such as Monterey or Big Sur the process is slightly different. Go to System Preferences then choose Network. Select your active connection from the list on the left and your IP address will appear in the middle of the window under Status or Connected.
How to Find Your IP Address Using Terminal
If you are comfortable using Terminal you can also find your IP address by entering a simple command. Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities or search for it using Spotlight.
Type the following command:
ipconfig getifaddr en0
This will display the IP address for your Wi-Fi connection. If you are using Ethernet you may need to replace en0 with en1.
To get more detailed network information type:
ifconfig
This will show a long list of network data including your IP address subnet mask and other connection details. Look for the section that includes inet which is followed by your private IP address.
How to Find Your Public IP Address
To check your public IP address open Safari or any web browser and go to a site like “what is my IP.” Your public IP address will appear at the top of the page. This is the address seen by websites and external devices.
Alternatively you can open Terminal and type:
curl ifconfig.me
This will return your public IP address directly in the Terminal window.
Keep in mind that your public IP address may change if you restart your router unless you have a static IP set by your provider.
When You Might Need Your IP Address
You may need your MacBook’s IP address when setting up file sharing network printing or screen sharing. It is also helpful when managing smart home devices or creating a local server.
If you are working in IT or learning networking skills knowing where to find your IP address is a fundamental step in diagnosing problems and configuring systems.
Final Thoughts
Finding your IP address on a MacBook is quick and easy once you know where to look. Whether you use System Settings or Terminal the process gives you access to both your private and public IP addresses. These details are essential for many network-related tasks and understanding them can help you take better control of your home or office connectivity.