To find the address another device uses to reach your computer on the same network, look up its local IP address: on Windows, open the active Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection’s settings; on a Mac, open Network details and TCP/IP; on a Chromebook, open the connected Wi-Fi network’s information panel. If you need your internet-facing address or an address for a shared service, those are different values—use the matching instructions below.
First, identify which network address you need
“Network address” can mean several things. Choosing the right one depends on what you are trying to do.
- Local IP address: Identifies your computer within its current local network. Use it for many local troubleshooting tasks or to connect from another device on that network.
- Public IP address: Identifies your network to services on the wider internet. It is not necessarily the same as your computer’s local IP. Google Fiber distinguishes public IP lookup from LAN settings in its app.
- Computer name or local hostname: A human-readable identifier that may work with compatible devices and services on your local network. It is not an IP address.
- Service address: A formatted address for a particular shared resource, such as a file share. It can include a protocol, computer name or IP address, and share path.
- MAC address: A separate network-interface identifier, not the IP address used to locate the computer on the network.
If you are troubleshooting, check the connection you are actually using. Wi-Fi and Ethernet can have different addresses, and your computer may show details for more than one connection.
Find the local IP address on Windows 10 or Windows 11
- Open Settings > Network & internet.
- For Wi-Fi, select Wi-Fi, then select the connected network. For a wired connection, select Ethernet.
- Read the value beside IPv4 address. You can also open Properties near the connected network to view its details.
This is the address assigned to the computer on that network connection; it is not necessarily the public IP address websites see. Microsoft’s Windows network settings guidance covers address lookup and IP assignment.
#1 Best Overall
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Find the IP address on a Mac
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > Network.
- Select the connection you want to check, such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet, then choose Details.
- Open TCP/IP to view the IP configuration.
Apple explains the Mac’s DHCP and manual IP settings. If the network is set to use DHCP, the router or network assigns the address automatically. Do not switch to manual configuration unless the network administrator or internet provider has supplied the settings to use.
Find the IP address on a Chromebook
- Select the status area at the bottom right of the screen.
- Select the connected Wi-Fi network, then its information control.
- Read the listed IP and IPv6 addresses. The value labeled Wi-Fi is the MAC address, not the IP address.
Google’s Chromebook Wi-Fi instructions describe this network information panel.
Rank #2
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz speeds up to 867 Mbps and 2.4 GHz speeds up to 300 Mbps, delivering 1200 Mbps of total bandwidth¹. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
- Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Advanced Security with WPA3 - The latest Wi-Fi security protocol, WPA3, brings new capabilities to improve cybersecurity in personal networks
Find a public IP address or a router-assigned LAN address
If someone asks for the address your network presents to the internet, they mean the public IP—not the local IP shown in your computer’s connection settings. Use your internet provider’s app or router interface to find the public address; the exact controls vary by provider and router.
To see the local address assigned to a device by a Google Fiber router, Google Fiber’s instructions use the GFiber app’s LAN settings. The router assigns device addresses and may assign a different one when a device disconnects and reconnects. See Google Fiber’s instructions for finding an IP address in the GFiber app.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
Find a Mac’s computer name or an address for sharing
Computer name and local hostname
On a Mac, open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Sharing to view the computer name. The local hostname is a distinct identifier used on the local network by compatible services. Apple describes it as based on the computer name, with .local appended and spaces replaced by hyphens. Apple’s guide to Mac computer names and network addresses explains the distinction.
Service-specific address
For a sharing or remote-access service, open System Settings > General > Sharing and select the information button beside the enabled service. Depending on the service, the address may include a protocol, a DNS name or IP address, and a path. For example, an SMB share can use a format such as smb://DNSname/sharename or smb://IPaddress/sharename. Apple explains network addresses for shared computers.
Rank #4
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕: Powered by Wi-Fi 7 technology, enjoy faster speeds with Multi-Link Operation, increased reliability with Multi-RUs, and more data capacity with 4K-QAM, delivering enhanced performance for all your devices.
- 𝐁𝐄𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫: Delivers up to 2882 Mbps (5 GHz), and 688 Mbps (2.4 GHz) speeds for 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming & more. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance, and obstacles like walls.
- 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐆𝐢𝐠 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝟐.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟑×𝟏𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐋𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬: Maximize Gigabitplus internet with one 2.5G WAN/LAN port, one 2.5 Gbps LAN port, plus three additional 1 Gbps LAN ports. Break the 1G barrier for seamless, high-speed connectivity from the internet to multiple LAN devices for enhanced performance.
- 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭-𝐆𝐞𝐧 𝟐.𝟎 𝐆𝐇𝐳 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐝-𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫: Experience power and precision with a state-of-the-art processor that effortlessly manages high throughput. Eliminate lag and enjoy fast connections with minimal latency, even during heavy data transmissions.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 - Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft. for up to 60 devices at a time. 4 internal antennas and beamforming technology focus Wi-Fi signals toward hard-to-reach areas. Seamlessly connect phones, TVs, and gaming consoles.
An address alone does not grant access: the service may also require permission, a username, and a password.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
- Full Gigabit Ports - Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
- Boosted Coverage - Four external antennas equipped with Beamforming technology extend and concentrate the Wi-Fi signals
- MU-MIMO technology - (5GHz band) allows high speeds for multiple devices simultaneously
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
If the address does not work
- Check the scope: A local IP is for the local network; it is not automatically reachable from the wider internet.
- Check the active connection: Look up the Wi-Fi address if the computer is using Wi-Fi, or the Ethernet address if it is wired.
- Confirm the address again: DHCP-assigned local addresses can change after a device reconnects, so an older address may no longer point to the computer.
- Use the required format: A file-sharing service may require a prefix such as
smb://and a share name, rather than a bare IP address. - Check access rights: The target service may require an account or explicit permission in addition to a valid address.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →
