An IP (internet protocol) address is a unique string of numbers that is given to every device that is internet-enabled. This includes your iPhones, laptops, desktop computers, game consoles, and more. But one of the most frequently asked questions is, “How do you find an IP address on an iPhone?”
Here, we’ll explain all you should know about your IP address and show you how to find it on not just an iPhone but a Mac, Windows, and Android.
What Exactly is an IP address?
To connect to the internet, all devices use a public IP address, and to connect to your local network, they use a private IP address. While each device has its own private IP address, they also use the public address assigned to the router on your network. Your internet service provider (ISP) typically assigns a single public IP address to your router, which means that all of your network devices should have the same public address.
If you want to connect your device to your network’s router, set up a printer, or create a server, you’ll need its private IP address. Because this address is only used in your local network, these numbers are reused in other networks, making it impossible for bad actors to track you down.
When you try to connect to your home network while you’re away, your public IP address is frequently used. Your public IP address can reveal information about your internet service provider as well as your approximate location. Because hackers can abuse your public IP address, it’s not a good idea to share it with anyone you don’t know.
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However, concealing your public IP address is impossible because your ISP uses it to connect your devices to the various sites and services you access via the internet. This is why some people browse the web using a virtual private network (VPN), which masks your IP address by routing your internet activity through a secure VPN server. A VPN can help you access region-blocked content and hide your browsing activity from your ISP, in addition to hiding your IP address and approximate location.
Finally, when you look at information about your IP address (which we’ll show you how to do shortly), you may notice that you have both an IPv4 and an IPv6 address. When compared to IPv4, an IPv6 address contains a longer string of numbers and letters and allows for the creation of more unique IP addresses. Both addresses continue to identify your device; however, IPv6 is not yet fully supported by all devices and networks.
While your device usually finds the IP address it requires when configuring a server or connecting to an external device, knowing how to find it is still a good idea. To begin, we’ll look for the private IP addresses of devices running the most popular operating systems: macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. Other devices, such as televisions or printers, are best served by consulting the user manual.
Why Is Knowing Your iPhone’s IP Address Important?
Knowing how to find your iPhone’s IP address is critical for ensuring the security of your online data. Enter the VPN or virtual private network. A VPN changes your real IP address, so if you know your iPhone’s IP address, you’ll be able to tell if your VPN was successful. If you aren’t already using a VPN to protect your data, check out the best VPNs for iPhones.
What is My Public IP Address?
Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) assigns your public IP address to your home network. It’s how they figure out which customer wants which website and connect them accordingly. When you enter the URL of a website that you want to visit, your IP address is sent with the request.
What is My Local IP address?
Your router determines your local IP address by assigning a unique local IP address to each device on your home network, such as computers, phones, tablets, and smart devices. Because it cannot be seen outside of your network, your local IP address is more private.
Public vs Local IP Address: Which Is More Secure?
Because it is not visible to the outside world, your local IP address is more secure than your public IP address. If you’re tinkering with your home network, such as setting up a local gaming server or troubleshooting printing issues, you usually only need to know your local IP. Your public IP address is not nearly as secure because it is visible whenever you visit a website.
Everything you do online, including your browsing history, online purchases, and messages you send, can reveal your public IP address. The advertisements you see are frequently location-specific. Advertisers, as well as hackers and other cybercriminals, can target you because your public IP address reveals a great deal about your online activity.
Many people are upset that so many details of their seemingly private dealings online can be easily revealed. In that case, they can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to hide their public IP address and remain anonymous online.
How to Find the IP Address of Your iPhone
Proceeding into settings is the simplest way to find your iPhone’s IP address.
- Navigate to the Settings menu.
- Select Wi-Fi.
- Scroll down to the lowercase i next to the Wi-Fi network you’re currently connected to, which stands for Information.
- Scroll all the way down to IPv4 Address. The IP address will be available.
Without Wi-Fi
Without Wi-Fi, you’ll have to manually configure a new IP address to find your iPhone’s IP address.
- Navigate to the Settings menu.
- Select Wi-Fi.
- Scroll to your Wi-Fi network and click the circle with a lowercase i.
- Click Configure IP under IPv4 Address.
- Select Manual.
- Fill in your new IP address.
What Can Your IP Address Be Used For?
You may be wondering what would happen if your IP address fell into the wrong hands now that you’ve discovered it. What could an IP address be used for?
Let’s start with the information revealed by an IP address, which is essentially just your city and ZIP code. While this information isn’t particularly useful on its own, a quick Google search could reveal a wealth of additional PII, or personally identifiable information, about you. Someone could steal your identity if they know your location and personal information, such as your full name, mailing address, and phone number.
Apart from identity theft, there are some other consequences of someone obtaining your IP address and personal information:
- As you browse the web, you may encounter targeted advertisements and spam.
- A DDoS attack could be launched against you.
- Certain services or online games may be unavailable.
- Employers can monitor your online activity.
- Someone could sue you for infringement of intellectual property.
How to Protect Your IP Address
The best way to protect your IP address is to use a VPN to change it. To set up a VPN, follow these steps:
- Choose one of the best VPNs, preferably one of the best iOS VPNs.
- Select a subscription plan.
- Create a user account.
- Navigate to the App Store.
- Look for the VPN.
- Install the VPN.
- Follow the installation instructions.
- Open the VPN app once it has been installed on your iPhone.
- Enter your username and password to log in.
- Select a server to which to connect.
- Connect by clicking the “Connect” button.
How to Find an IP Address on an Android Device
On Android, go to Settings, then Connections (on a Samsung) or Network & Internet (on a Pixel). (For this section, we’ll use a Samsung S22 Plus running Android 13 and a Pixel 6 running Android 13 as examples; other phones may differ.)
Tap Wi-Fi or Internet, then tap the cog icon next to the name of your Wi-Fi network. Scroll down to find your IP address by selecting View More.
How to Find IP Address on a MacOS System
Basically, your IP address will be displayed directly beneath the “Status” section, but here is how to find your way there.
Start by clicking the Apple logo in the upper left corner of the menu bar and selecting System Preferences > Network. Select your connection from the panel on the left side of the menu and your IP address will be displayed directly below the Status section.
How to Find IP Address on a Windows System
On Windows, go to the Start menu and then select the Settings icon to find your IP address. Select Network & Internet, then Properties beneath your current connection. Scroll down until you see your IP address listed alongside “IPv4 address” or “IPv6 address.”
How to Find Your Public IP Address
It is even easier to find your public IP address than your private address. Simply enter “What is my IP” or “my IP address” into Google, and the search engine will display your IP address at the top of the page. You can also use websites like WhatIsMyIPAddress.com to find out your IP address automatically.
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