Contents
Method 1: find your local IP in System Settings
This is the clearest route when you simply want to locate your Mac local IP without using commands.
- Open System Settings.
- Go to Network.
- Select the connection you are using: Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Click Details.
- Open TCP/IP.
- Check the IPv4 address of the active connection. That is usually the local IP you need.
Useful path: System Settings → Network → active connection → Details → TCP/IP. If you see an address such as 192.168.1.23 or 10.0.0.12, you are looking at a local IP.
Method 2: find your Mac local IP with Terminal
If you want a faster answer and are comfortable with commands, Terminal works well.
# Wi-Fi on many Macs
ipconfig getifaddr en0
# Another possible interface
ipconfig getifaddr en1If one of the commands returns an address such as 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x, that is usually the local IPv4 of the interface you queried.
Tip: if nothing appears, it does not mean your Mac has no IP. That interface may be inactive, or your connection may use a different interface number.
How to know which IPv4 address is the right one
A Mac can show several interfaces or addresses, especially if you use Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPNs, or extra adapters.
If you browse through Wi-Fi
Use the IPv4 address of the active Wi-Fi connection.
If you use a cable
Use the IPv4 address of Ethernet or the adapter that is actually connected.
Typical local formats
192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x, or 172.16-31.x.x.
Do not confuse it
A much longer address separated by colons is usually IPv6, not the IPv4 most users are looking for.
If you want the concept behind this address in one clean guide, read what a local IP is.
What to do if Terminal returns nothing
- Check that your Mac is actually connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Try another interface, such as en1.
- Use the System Settings method, which is easier to interpret.
- If you still cannot find it, check whether the connection is receiving an IP address automatically.
If the issue looks related to address assignment, the guide on what DHCP is may help.
Why a website shows a different IP
Your Mac has a local IP inside your network, but websites usually see your public IP. That is why the address in System Settings may not match the one shown by a webpage.
Fast rule: Mac or Settings = local IP. Website = public IP.
You can compare both in local IP vs public IP or check your outward-facing address directly on what is my IP.
Next step depending on what you need
Compare local IP and public IP
Useful if a website shows an address different from the one you see on your Mac.
Understand what a local IP is
The foundation for knowing why your Mac has its own internal network address.
Understand why it can change
DHCP explains how routers automatically assign many local IP addresses.
See your public IP
Helpful when you want to compare it immediately with your Mac local IP.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find the local IP on a Mac?
On macOS, open System Settings, go to Network, choose the active connection, click Details, and review TCP/IP.
How do I find my Mac local IP with Terminal?
You can try ipconfig getifaddr en0 on many Macs using Wi-Fi. If nothing appears, try another interface or use System Settings.
Which IP address should I look at on macOS?
Most people need the IPv4 address of the active connection. It often looks like 192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x, or 172.16-31.x.x.
Why does a website show a different IP?
Because the website usually shows your public IP, while your Mac also has a local IP inside the private network.
Can the local IP on a Mac change?
Yes. It can change if your router assigns addresses automatically through DHCP.