How to Find Your Mac’s IP Address

Your Mac’s IP address isn’t just a random string of numbers. It tells your computer’s location, which is probably your location. How do you find your Mac’s IP address? We’ve made it as easy as possible.

What Is an IP Address?

An internet protocol address, otherwise known as an IP address, is a Mac’s (or any device’s) identifying number. It comes from either the internet service provider or the router, and lets the Mac communicate inside and outside of its network. IP addresses are necessary for the Mac to receive information, but they also reveal the Mac’s location via its region and postal code.

Do We Need IP Addresses?

Devices like Macs need IP addresses to connect to other devices, whether they’re in-network (on the same router) or out-of-network (on different routers). IP addresses are also associated with specific websites; for every domain name out there, there’s also a unique IP address. So yes, IP addresses are necessary if you want to use the internet.

Public vs. Private IP Addresses

Not to confuse you too much, but your Mac actually has two different IP addresses: a public IP address, also known as an external IP, and a private IP address, or internal. Both addresses reveal your network’s location, but that’s where the similarities end.

When we talk about hiding your IP address, we are referring to your public IP address. By changing your public IP address, you change your location, meaning you can change your Netflix region, change your Hulu location, or even change your Tinder location. Whether it’s dipping into a new country’s library or chatting with cuties across the sea, it all starts with finding your IP address.

Which Is More Secure?

Private IP addresses are more secure than public IP addresses because even without a VPN, no one can see your private IP address but you (and your internet service provider, of course).

How to Prevent Others From Seeing Your IP Address

If you don’t want someone seeing your location, hiding your IP address is a necessity, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. Our preferred method is to connect to a VPN, but we’ll explain some alternatives as well.

• VPNs: Not only do they hide your IP address, but VPNs hide your browsing activity as well, giving you even more anonymity online. Learn how to set up a VPN in just a few minutes, or dive into how much VPNs cost.
• Tor: Most people use Chrome as their web browser,2 but another option is Tor, open-source software that hides your IP address and browsing history. By clearing your cookies after you’re off each website, Tor prevents you from seeing those creepy targeted ads that follow you around everywhere you go. Download Tor for macOS for free on the Tor Project website.3
• Proxy: Finally, a proxy server is a device that hides your IP address and is usually free, but note that it won’t hide your web activity. On a Mac:
  1. Open the Safari app.
  2. Click Preferences.
  3. Click Advanced.
  4. Click Change Settings.
  5. Enter the information from your network administrator.
  6. Click OK.

  Not sure if you should use a VPN or a proxy? Learn about the differences and similarities between VPNs and proxy servers.

IP Addresses vs. MAC Addresses

Doing your research, you may have come across something called a MAC address, and no, that’s not the same as your Mac computer. What are the differences between MAC addresses and IP addresses, you ask?

In essence, you don’t have to worry about hiding your MAC address, as third parties can’t find it.

What Information a MAC Address Shows

A MAC address reveals your physical address as opposed to your logical address that operates in your network layer. While a logical address is virtual, a physical address is a real location.

Do We Need Both?

Yes, you need both MAC and IP addresses to use your Mac. But don’t worry; they both come automatically, so they’re not something you’ll need to worry about on a daily basis, aside from hiding your IP address with a VPN or proxy.

How to Find Your MAC Address

Nevertheless, if you want to find your MAC address on your Mac, take these steps:

1. Open System Preferences.
2. Click Network.
3. Click Advanced.
4. The last line will show your MAC address.

Recap

That’s probably more information than you ever wanted to know about finding your Mac’s IP address, but once you’re done with that, protect your Mac further with macOS antivirus software. And yes, Macs need antivirus, even with their built-in protection. VPNs are only the beginning!