How to See Your IP Address on Mac

Yes, websites and other applications can find your location from your IP address. If you're concerned about your online privacy, this is important information to know. In this article, we'll explore how to find both the external or public IP address and internal or local IP addresses on your Mac.

What's an IP Address?

Before we dive into finding your IP addresses, let's quickly define what an IP address is. An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network. This includes your Mac, router, printer, phone, and more.

There are two types of IP addresses: external or public IP addresses and internal or local IP addresses.

External or Public IP Addresses

Your external or public IP address is the one that identifies you and your online actions. It can be used for various purposes such as sending targeted advertisements, blocking or allowing specific content through your internet service provider (ISP), and providing information about your location and ISP to websites. Your external IP address is visible to everyone on the internet and is seen by every site you visit.

To find your external or public IP address using Google:

1. Open a web browser on your Mac.

2. Type 'what's my ip' in the search bar.

3. Press Enter.

4. Your external IP address will be displayed at the top of the search results.

Internal or Local IP Addresses

Your internal or local IP addresses are assigned within your network, managed by your router (in your home). Each device connected to this network has its own internal or local IP address. These addresses are only visible inside your home network and are not visible to the outside world.

To find your internal or local IP address on your desktop:

1. Open the Terminal application on your Mac.

2. Type 'ifconfig' (without quotes) and press Enter.

3. Look for the 'inet' section, which displays your internal or local IP address.

In this article, we've covered how to find both external or public IP addresses and internal or local IP addresses on your Mac. Understanding your IP addresses is essential for maintaining your online privacy and security. Remember that your external IP address can be seen by everyone on the internet, while your internal or local IP addresses are only visible inside your home network.

By following these simple steps, you'll be able to find both your external and internal IP addresses on your Mac and take control of your online presence.

How to see ip address on mac