Finding your IP address on a Mac is a straightforward process, yet the specific steps depend entirely on whether you need the internal local address or the external public address assigned by your internet service provider. The local IP identifies your device on your private home or office network, while the public IP is the address the wider internet sees. This guide walks you through both scenarios using the System Settings or Terminal applications.
Understanding Local vs. Public IP Addresses
Before you begin the search, it helps to understand the two distinct types of addresses. Your Mac possesses a Local IP, also known as a private IP, which is used for communication within your internal network, typically assigned by your router via DHCP. This address usually starts with 192.168 or 10. Conversely, your Public IP is the singular address your entire household or office shares to interact with the internet. Finding the public address requires checking an external server, as your Mac does not inherently know this specific number.
Method 1: Using System Settings (The GUI Approach)
The most visual and user-friendly method involves navigating through macOS System Settings. This approach is ideal for users who prefer point-and-click interactions over typing commands. The interface provides a clear breakdown of your network configuration without needing to delve into the terminal.
Steps for Apple Silicon and Recent Intel Macs
Open the Apple Menu located in the top-left corner of your screen.
Select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
In the sidebar, click on Network .
Ensure the active connection is selected in the left sidebar, such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Click the Details button located at the bottom right.
Navigate to the TCP/IP tab. Here, you will find the IPv4 Address, which is your local IP address.
Locating the Public Address
While the TCP/IP tab shows your local address, System Settings does not display the public IP directly. To find that number, you will need to cross-reference the information you have or use a web browser. Note the Local IP you found, then open your preferred web browser and search for "What is my IP?" The result page will display the public address provided by your ISP.
Method 2: Using the Terminal (The Command Line Approach)
For users who prefer efficiency or are troubleshooting complex network issues, the Terminal offers a direct line to the data. This method reveals the local IP instantly and can be combined with a web query to find the public address. It eliminates the need to navigate through multiple graphical layers.
Finding the Local IP via Terminal
To retrieve your local IP address using commands, follow these steps:
Open the Terminal application, which you can find in Applications > Utilities, or by using Spotlight Search.
Type the following command and press Return : ipconfig getifaddr en0
If you are connected via Ethernet, you might need to use en1 or another interface identifier. If en0 returns nothing, try en1 or en2 .
Finding the Public IP via Terminal
Once the terminal is open, you can bypass local network details entirely by querying an external service. Type one of the following commands into the terminal window and press Return:
curl ifconfig.me
