Whether you're troubleshooting a network issue, setting up a VPN, or just curious — knowing how to find your IP address on a Mac is a useful skill. This guide covers every method, from the fastest one-click option to Terminal commands.
The Fastest Way: Use an IP Lookup Tool
The quickest way to find your public IP address on any Mac is to visit nodedata.io/whoami. Just open it in your browser and your IP address appears instantly — no settings menus, no commands needed.
Method 1: Check Your IP via System Settings (macOS Ventura & Later)
- Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner
- Select System Settings
- Click Network in the sidebar
- Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
- Click Details
- Your IP address appears next to IP Address
Method 2: Check Your IP via System Preferences (macOS Monterey & Earlier)
- Click the Apple menu ()
- Open System Preferences
- Click Network
- Select your active connection on the left
- Your IP address is displayed on the right side of the panel
Method 3: Find Your IP Address Using Terminal
Open Terminal (Applications → Utilities → Terminal) and run one of these commands:
For Wi-Fi:
ipconfig getifaddr en0For Ethernet:
ipconfig getifaddr en1To see all network interfaces at once:
ifconfig | grep "inet "Method 4: Check IP from the Menu Bar
- Hold the Option (⌥) key and click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar
- Your IP address will appear in the dropdown alongside other network details
How to Find a Device's IP Address from its MAC Address
If you know a device's MAC address and want to find its IP address on your local network, you can use Terminal:
- Open Terminal (Applications → Utilities → Terminal)
- Run the following command:
arp -aThis lists all devices currently connected to your local network, showing both their IP address and MAC address side by side. Find the MAC address you're looking for and the IP address next to it is your answer.
IPv4 vs IPv6 — Why Do I See Two IP Addresses?
If you open Network settings or run ifconfig in Terminal, you might notice two different IP addresses listed — one that looks like 192.168.1.42 and another that looks like fe80::1c2d:4e5f:6a7b:8c9d.
The first is an IPv4 address — the traditional format that most networks still use. The second is an IPv6 address — a newer format designed to handle the growing number of internet-connected devices. Both are assigned to your Mac simultaneously on most modern networks. For everyday purposes like troubleshooting or sharing your IP, the IPv4 address is what people typically mean.
Does This Work on macOS Sequoia and Sonoma?
Yes. All methods in this guide work on macOS Sequoia (15), macOS Sonoma (14), macOS Ventura (13), and macOS Monterey (12). The System Settings layout was introduced in Ventura — if you're on Monterey or earlier, use the System Preferences method instead.
Local IP vs. Public IP — What's the Difference?
| Local IP | Public IP | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Your device's address on your home/office network | Your address on the internet |
| Who sees it | Your router and local devices | Websites and online services |
| Example | 192.168.1.42 | 216.73.216.158 |
| How to find it | System Settings or Terminal | Browser-based IP tool |
The methods above show your local IP. To find your public IP — the address websites actually see — you'll need a browser-based tool or Terminal command.
Why Would You Need Your IP Address on a Mac?
- Network troubleshooting — diagnosing connectivity issues
- Remote access setup — configuring SSH or screen sharing
- VPN verification — confirming your VPN is masking your real IP
- Gaming or server hosting — port forwarding and firewall rules
- Security checks — seeing what information your IP reveals about you
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my IP address change on a Mac?
Your local IP may change when you reconnect to a network (unless set to static). Your public IP can also change when your ISP reassigns it, or when you switch networks.
How do I find my IP address in Mac Terminal?
Run ipconfig getifaddr en0 for Wi-Fi, or ipconfig getifaddr en1 for Ethernet. This returns your local network IP address.
What is my current public IP address on Mac?
Your current public IP is 216.73.216.158. Visit nodedata.io/whoami for your full details including location, ISP, and browser information.
Can I find another device's IP address on my Mac?
Yes. Open Terminal and run arp -a to list all devices connected to your local network along with their IP addresses.