Every computer on a network has a unique IP address, which is the computer equivalent of a postal address. While you don’t normally have to worry what your IP address is, or even have to use them directly day-to-day, there are times when you do need to know. For example, if you want to share files from your computer, knowing it’s IP address is vital, and you may need to find out your router’s IP address if you want to access its settings. Here we’ll show you how to find out this information from any computer.
Windows
Click on the Start button, type ‘adapter’ and select View network connections. From the list, click on the live network connection icon (it will be blue) and, from the toolbar, click View status of this connection. If you can’t see this option, you may have to click the ‘>>’ icon in the toolbar first. Click the details box and a new dialog box will pop up. The IPV4 address listed is your computer’s address. Your router’s IP address is the IPv4 Default Gateway.
Mac
Open up System Preferences from the Apple menu and select network. Choose your active connection, which will be coloured green. For wired (Ethernet) connections, you’ll see your IP address listed under IP Address, and your router’s address is listed under Router. For Wireless connections click Advanced, then click TCP/IP. You’ll see your IP Address and Router addresses listed there.
iPhone/iPad
Go to Settings, Wi-Fi and click the ‘I’ icon next to the network you’re connected to (it’s at the top of the list and has a tick next to it. Your IP address and router’s IP address are clearly marked.
Android
Android, annoyingly, only shows you your device’s current IP address, but it won’t show you your router’s address. To get this information, you need an app, such as Network Info II. Once you’ve installed it, connect to your Wi-Fi network, run the software and tap the WiFi tab. You’ll see your address under IP and your router’s address is the Gateway.
