How to Find IP Address on Mac

Your IP address is a important piece of information that helps identify your device on a network, whether for troubleshooting, security, or remote access. If you're a Mac user and need to find your IP address—whether it's your local (private) or public IP—there are several easy methods to do so.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process on how to find an IP address on a Mac using system settings, the Terminal, and online tools.

Let’s get started!

What Is The IP Addresses on Your Mac

Your Mac, like any device that connects to the internet, uses IP addresses to communicate. It has two types of IP addresses: a local IP address and a public IP address. Knowing the difference between them is important for setting up your network.

Your local IP address, also called a private IP address, comes from your router. It's unique to your home or office network. It helps your Mac work with other devices in the same network, like printers and PCs.

On the other hand, your public IP address is given by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This address acts as an identifier for your Mac on the wider internet. It shows your location and helps websites send you the information you ask for.

How to Find Your IP Address on Mac

Finding your Mac's IP address is easy. You can use different ways depending on what you like and how comfortable you are with technology. Whether you want a simple method or prefer using command-line tools, macOS makes it easy to get this information.

Let’s look at the two main ways to find your Mac's IP address: through System Preferences, which is the user-friendly setting area of your Mac, and through the Terminal, which is a command-line tool for advanced users.

Using System Preferences for IP Information

System Preferences lets you easily find your Mac's local IP address. You don't have to use any complicated commands. This method shows you step by step how to get this information, which is great for all kinds of users.

  1. Click the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen.
  2. Select "System Settings."
  3. In the new window, navigate to the "Network" section.
  4. You'll see a list of network connections, such as Wi-Fi and Ethernet.
  5. Select the network you're currently using (e.g., your Wi-Fi network).
  6. Click "Details." A new window with network information will appear.
  7. Go to the "TCP/IP" tab.
  8. Your Mac's local IP address will be displayed next to "IPv4 Address.

Leveraging Terminal to Discover IP Details

For users who are okay with the command line, you can easily find your local and public IP addresses using the Terminal in macOS. This requires you to enter some commands and read the results.

First, open Terminal.

  • Press Command (⌘) + Space to open Spotlight Search and type "Terminal."
  • Or navigate to "Applications" > "Utilities" > "Terminal."

To find your local IP address, follow these steps:

  • Type this command and press "Enter": ipconfig getifaddr.
  • This will display your Mac’s local IP address.

To find your public IP address, use the following command:

  • Type curl ifconfig.me and hit "Enter."
  • The result will display your public IP as given by your ISP.

How To Prevent Others From Seeing Your IP Address on a Mac

Mac logo on a computer with plants around it

Your IP address is important for connecting to the internet. However, it can also show details about what you do online and where you are. Your internet service provider can see your browsing history, and websites may use your IP to show ads and content aimed at you. This can create some privacy issues. But, there are ways to improve your privacy and keep your public IP address hidden.

One good way to do this is by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet data and sends it through a server in a location you pick. This hides your real IP address and makes it look like you are browsing from somewhere else. This not only protects your browsing habits but also lets you access content that might be blocked in your area.

Other options include using the Tor browser, which is free and made for privacy, or using a proxy server, which helps connect your device to the internet in a safer way.

How To Protect Your IP Address

Protecting your IP address is important for your online privacy and safety. By taking steps now, you can lower the risks that come from showing your digital location and browsing history. A well-rounded approach using both tech tools and smart habits can help keep you safer online.

Using tools like VPNs is good, but you should also update your router's firmware often. This helps fix any known security issues. Being careful when using public Wi-Fi can stop possible IP address leaks too. Also, using strong and unique passwords for your online accounts can help protect your devices and personal information even more.

Tips for Keeping Your IP Address Secure

Here are some simple tips to help you protect your IP address and keep your online privacy safe:

  • Use a Mac VPN: A VPN is the best way to hide your IP address and secure your internet traffic. Pick a trusted VPN provider and connect to a server you like to browse without being tracked.
  • Secure your router: Update your router's firmware to get the newest security updates. It’s also smart to change the default password on your router to stop others from connecting to your network.
  • Be careful on public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi often has weak security, which means it can be easy for someone to see your IP address. If you need to use public Wi-Fi, turn on your VPN to protect your connection.
  • Watch for phishing attempts: Phishing emails and sites can trick you into giving away personal details, which includes your IP address. Be careful when clicking on links or downloading files from places you don’t know.

Using these tips can help you create a safer online space and protect your important data from threats.

The Role of VPNs in IP Privacy

VPNs are very important for keeping your IP private. They create a secure tunnel for your internet traffic. When you connect to a VPN, your data gets encrypted. It travels through a server controlled by the VPN provider. This makes your real IP address hidden, and it uses the VPN server's IP instead.

This way, websites and online services will see only the VPN server's IP. They won't know your real location or browsing activity. Your ISP and others cannot see your information. By encrypting your data, VPNs keep your online privacy safe, even when using unsecured public Wi-Fi.

Also, VPNs give you more freedom by helping you bypass geo-restrictions. If you travel or want to access streaming content that is blocked in your area, you can connect to a VPN server in another location. This allows you to unblock websites and access the internet without restrictions.

Comparing IP Addresses to MAC Addresses

Apple/iOS/MacOS Safari App

While both IP addresses and MAC addresses serve as unique identifiers within a network, they differ significantly in their function and scope. Understanding these distinctions is essential for grasping the fundamentals of network communication.

An IP address, as explained previously, acts as a logical address that identifies a device's connection within a network. In contrast, a MAC (Media Access Control) address serves as a physical address assigned to a device's network interface card (NIC) by its manufacturer. This address is permanently embedded in the hardware and is used for communication within the same network segment.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Finding and understanding your Mac's IP address is usually easy. However, sometimes you might face network connection problems. You can identify and fix some issues on your own without being a tech expert if you know common problems and their fixes.

One problem that happens a lot is when two or more devices share the same IP address. This is called an IP address conflict. It can stop devices from communicating and cause connection issues. Another problem is having an outdated IP address, which can also cause connectivity troubles.

Resolving IP Conflict Errors

IP address conflicts happen when more than one device on your local network has the same IP address. This can cause confusion and makes communication difficult. It often occurs because of wrong network settings or issues with the DHCP server that gives out IP addresses.

The main sign of an IP address conflict is trouble connecting to the internet, or having a shaky connection. If you think there is a conflict, the first thing you should do is restart your router. This usually resets the IP address assignments, letting devices get new, unique IPs.

If the issue doesn't go away, you can set a static IP address for your Mac. This helps your device keep the same IP, which reduces the chance of conflicts. Make sure to pick an IP address that is out of the DHCP pool of your router to prevent more problems.

Renewing Your IP Address on a Mac

Renewing or changing your IP address can help fix connection problems caused by an old or wrong IP. macOS offers easy and advanced ways to renew or change your IP, so different users can find something that works for them.

Using system preferences:

  • Go to System Preferences and select Network.
  • Choose your connected network.
  • Click on "Advanced" and select the "TCP/IP" tab.
  • Click "Renew DHCP Lease" to get a new IP address from your router.

Using Terminal:

  • Open Terminal.
  • Type the following command prompt and press Enter: sudo ipconfig set en0 DHCP
  • If prompted, enter your Mac's password.
  • This command will request a new IP address from the DHCP server on your network.

How do I refresh my IP address on a Mac?

Refreshing your Mac’s IP address is a helpful way to fix network problems. If your internet is slow, you keep losing connection, or you can't reach websites, trying to renew your IP address might help restore your internet access.

You can refresh your IP address in two ways: using System Preferences or the Terminal. The System Preferences method is easy to use. On the other hand, the Terminal method is more direct with command-line steps. Both ways ask your router's DHCP server for a new IP address. This can help fix any issues with your current IP settings.