How do I determine my computer's IP address?

On this page:

• Windows
• Mac OS or Mac OS X
• Via the web
• In IU housing, offices, or labs

Windows

The method for finding the IP address of a Windows computer depends on which version of the operating system is installed. See In Windows, how do I check my computer's IP address?

Note: If you are using PPP with a modem at home, your IP address will change each time you log in; the linked instructions will report your current address while you are connected to the Internet.

Mac OS or Mac OS X

To find the IP address of a Mac OS or Mac OS X computer:

OS X 10.5

1. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences... . In System Preferences, from the View menu, select Network.
   
   
2. In the Network preference window, click a network port (e.g., Ethernet, AirPort, Modem). If you are connected, you'll see its IP address under "Status:".

OS X 10.3 or 10.4

1. From the Apple menu, select Location and then Network Preferences... .
   
   
2. In the Network Preference window, next to "Show:", select Network Status. You'll see your network status and your IP address displayed.

OS X 10.2.x

1. From the Apple menu, select Location and then Network Preferences... .
   
   
2. In the Network Preference window, next to "Show:", select how you're connected to the Internet (e.g., Built-in Ethernet, AirPort, Internal Modem).
   
   
3. Click the TCP/IP tab; the IP address is next to "IP Address:".

OS X 10.1.x and earlier

1. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences... .
   
   
2. In the System Preferences window, click Sharing. If you don't see its icon, click Show All first.
   
   
3. Your IP address will be at the bottom of the window.

Mac OS 9.x or earlier

1. From the Apple menu, select Control Panels, and then select TCP/IP.
   
   
2. You'll see your IP address in the TCP/IP window.

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Via the web

If you are connected to the Internet, visit ShowIPAddress.com. The site will display your IP address and other information about your system. If the page does not display, you may not have a working Internet connection and should try one of the above methods.

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In IU housing, offices, or labs

In Indiana University housing, UITS uses DHCP to assign a different (i.e., dynamic) IP address to your computer each time you turn it on. If you have a problem connecting to the news server, or otherwise suspect a problem with DHCP or DNS, contact your campus Support Center.

If your workstation is in a university office or lab, your computer should have an IP address that never changes (i.e., a static IP address). Usually, your local support provider (LSP) registers your computer and assigns the IP address. If this has not happened, email:

Include your computer's hostname, which can include letters, numbers, and hyphens (-); no other characters are allowed. For recommended IU naming conventions, see At IU, what naming conventions are recommended for Windows computers and groups?

Also include:

• The primary user or administrative contact; include the full name, and IU username or email address (if it's your workstation, you are the primary user)
• Your department
• Your computer's manufacturer and model, and the operating system installed (e.g., Windows XP)
• The building and room number where your computer is located

If UITS receives your request before 3pm on a business day, your computer should be in the name server the following morning. If requests arrive after 3pm, UITS will process them the following business day.

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Also see:

• What is an IP address?
• What does TCP/IP mean?
• In Windows, how do I check my computer's IP address?