How to check your computer IP
In the Internet age, knowing the IP address of your computer is a basic need for many users. Whether it is for network configuration, remote access, or troubleshooting network problems, it is very important to know how to view IP addresses. This article details how to view your computer's IP address across different operating systems and provides structured data for quick reference.
1. What is an IP address?

IP address (Internet Protocol Address) is a unique identifier assigned to each networked device and is used for locating and communicating on the network. IP addresses are divided into two formats, IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 consists of four groups of numbers (such as 192.168.1.1), while IPv6 uses a more complex hexadecimal format.
2. How to check your computer’s IP address
Here are the detailed steps to check your IP address in different operating systems:
| operating system | View method |
|---|---|
| Windows | 1. Open the command prompt (Win+R, enter cmd). 2. Enter the commandipconfigand press Enter. 3. Look for the "IPv4 Address" or "IPv6 Address" field. |
| macOS | 1. Open System Preferences > Network. 2. Select the currently connected network (such as Wi-Fi). 3. Click "Advanced" > "TCP/IP" to view the IP address. |
| Linux | 1. Open a terminal. 2. Enter the commandifconfigorip addr showand press Enter. 3. Look for the "inet" or "inet6" field. |
3. Check the public IP through online tools
If you need to check the public IP (that is, the IP address assigned by the Internet service provider), you can quickly obtain it through the following online tools:
| Tool name | Access method |
|---|---|
| WhatIsMyIP | Visit https://www.whatismyip.com |
| IP.cn | Visit https://www.ip.cn |
4. Types of IP addresses
IP addresses are divided into two types: public IP and private IP:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Public IP | Assigned by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and used to uniquely identify a device on the Internet. |
| Private IP | When used within a local area network, such as a home or office network, it usually starts with 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x. |
5. Frequently Asked Questions
1.Why does my IP address change?
Dynamic IP addresses (DHCP) change periodically, while static IP addresses are fixed. Most home users use dynamic IPs.
2.How to hide or change IP address?
IP addresses can be hidden or changed through a VPN or proxy server for enhanced privacy protection.
3.What are the risks of IP address leakage?
IP address leakage may lead to geographical location exposure or cyber attacks, and it is recommended to use firewall and VPN protection.
6. Summary
Checking your computer's IP address is a simple but important skill. Whether through the command line, system settings or online tools, users can quickly obtain IP information. Understanding the types and uses of IP addresses can help you better manage network connections and security.
If you have other questions about IP addresses, please leave a message in the comment area to discuss!
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