The IP address of your Android device is like a digital passport in networks: it identifies the gadget on the local home network or on the entire Internet. Without this address, it is impossible to connect to Wi-Fi, set up remote access, diagnose Internet problems, or even block unwanted connections. But if on computers checking the IP takes a couple of clicks, on smartphones the path to this information is often hidden behind several layers of menus - or even requires special commands.

In this article we will look at getting an IP address on Android: from standard settings to advanced tools like all current methods getting an IP address on Android: from standard settings to advanced tools like Terminal Emulator or ADB. We will pay special attention to the differences between local (internal) and external (public) IP, as well as nuances for devices with root access. If you've ever encountered the phrase “enter your IP” when setting up a router, surveillance camera or game over a local network, this guide will help you avoid mistakes and save time.

1. Local vs external IP: what is the difference and which one do you need?

Before looking for an IP address, it is important to understand which external IP you need. An error at this stage may lead to you, for example, trying to connect to your home camera via external IP —and wondering why it doesn’t work from another network.

Local (private) IP is assigned to the device within your home or office network. It looks like 192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x or 172.16.x.x and is used for:

  • 🔧 Router settings (access via 192.168.1.1 or similar)
  • 🎮 Connections to local servers (for example, for games over Wi-Fi)
  • 📷 Management of smart devices (cameras, printers, NAS)
  • 🖥️ Remote desktop within the same network

External (public) IP — this is the address under which your network is visible on the Internet. It is issued by the provider, and it is needed for:

  • 🌍 Access to home devices from outside (via port forwarding)
  • 🔒 VPN or remote access settings
  • 🛡️ Checking geolocation blocking (for example, to bypass regional restrictions)
⚠️ Attention: External IP can be dynamic (change with each connection) or static (fixed). If you need a permanent address for a server or camera, check with your provider about the possibility of purchasing a static IP.

If you are not sure which IP to look for, answer the question: “Do I need to connect to the device from another network (for example, from work to home camera)? If yes, look for an external IP. If the setup takes place within the same network, a local one will suffice.

📊 Why do you need the IP address of an Android device?
Setting up a router
Connecting to a local server
Remote access to the camera
Game over Wi-Fi
Diagnostics of Internet problems
Other

2. Method 1: Standard Wi-Fi settings (without applications)

The easiest method is to look at the IP directly in the network connection menu. It works on all devices, including Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi/POCO, Google Pixel and others, but the path to the settings may be slightly different.

Instructions for most versions of Android:

  1. Open Settings → Network and Internet (or Connections on Samsung).
  2. Select Wi-Fi → find your network in the list and tap on its name (not the switch!).
  3. In the window that opens scroll down to the block Network information or Advanced.
  4. Find the line IP address (or IPv4 address). This is your local address.

On some firmware (for example, MIUI on Xiaomi) the path may look like this:

Settings → Wi-Fi → ⚙️ (gear icon next to the network) → View more → IP address

If you have Android 12+, the interface can be simplified: after tapping on the network, a window with IP, subnet mask and gateway will immediately open.

⚠️ Attention: In some public networks (hotels, airports) local IP can be assigned using the protocol IPv6 (for example, fe80::xxxx). If this is what you need IPv4, try connecting to a different network or use the methods in the following sections.

☑️ What to do if the IP is not displayed in the settings

Done: 0 / 4

3. Method 2: Through information about the router (for local IP)

If the IP is not displayed on your smartphone or you want to see addresses all devices on the network, look at the router control panel. This is especially useful if you configure static IP for a specific gadget (for example, for a server or camera).

How to find the IP of an Android device through a router:

  1. Find out the IP of your router - usually it is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (written on the device sticker).
  2. Enter this address in the browser on your computer or phone (connected to the same network).
  3. Log in (default logins/passwords: admin/admin, admin/1234 or see the sticker).
  4. Find the section DHCP, Local network or Connected devices (the name depends on the router model).
  5. In the list of devices, find yours by name (for example, Redmi Note 11 or Galaxy S23) - its IP will be next to it.

Examples of popular interfaces routers:

Router modelSection from IP devicesExample path
TP-Link ArcherDHCP → DHCP ClientsAdditional settings → Network → DHCP
ASUS RT-AXNetwork map → ClientsLocal network → DHCP server
KeeneticDevicesMain menu → Devices
Xiaomi Mi RouterConnected devicesSettings → Local network

If your device is not shown in the list, check:

  • 🔄 Is it connected to Wi-Fi (and not a mobile network).
  • 🔒 Is your router firewall blocking it? its appearance in the list.
  • 📱 Does your Android hide the device name (in settings About phone → Device name).
💡

If you often set up a network, pin the router tab in the browser or add it to the main screen of your smartphone. This will save time the next time login.

4. Method 3: Applications for viewing IP (TOP-5 with pros and cons)

If standard methods seem complicated or you often work with networks, it is easier to install a specialized application. We tested dozens of utilities and selected those that:

  • ✅ Do not require. root access.
  • ✅ Do not show ads at critical moments.
  • ✅ Display both local and external IP.
  • ✅ Work on Android 10–14.

Comparative table of the best applications:

ApplicationProsConsLink (Play Market)
IP Tools: Network Utilities Shows IPv4/IPv6, MAC address, DNS, ping The interface is overloaded with functions com.eknoes.iptools
Network Analyzer Scans the network, shows open ports Free version is limited net.analyzer.lite
Fing Convenient network scanner, detects device models Requests registration for some functions com.overlook.android.fing
IP & Network Info Minimalistic design, data export No network scanning com.ks mob.ipinfo
PingTools Network Utilities Full set of network tools (tracerroot, WHOIS) Difficult for beginners com.eknoes.pingtools

How to use (using an example IP Tools):

  1. Install the application and open it.
  2. On the main screen you will see a block Local network with your IPv4 address.
  3. For external IP, go to the tab Internet.
  4. Tap on the IP to copy it to the clipboard.
⚠️ Attention: Some apps (for example Fing) may request access to location or contacts. This is not necessary to view IP - refuse these permissions if they are not needed for your tasks.
How to check if a network application is spying?

Open Settings → Applications → Permissions and check what rights the app requests. If the utility for viewing IP requires access to SMS, contacts or camera, this is suspicious. Remove it and select an alternative from the table above.

5. Method 4: Terminal and ADB (for advanced users)

If you prefer to work with the command line or you need IP to automate tasks (scripts, debugging), you can use the built-in Android tools: Terminal Emulator or ADB.

Method 1: Via Terminal Emulator (without root)

  1. Install the application Termux or Terminal Emulator for Android.
  2. Enter command: 
    ip route show | grep -Eo 'src [0-9.]+' | grep -Eo '[0-9.]+'

    The result is your local IP.

  3. For external IP use: 
    curl ifconfig.me

    or

    wget -qO- ifconfig.me

Method 2: Via ADB (for debugging)

If you enabled USB debugging and installed ADB Tools on the PC:

  1. Connect the phone to the computer and do: 
    adb shell ip route

    In the output, find the line with src —this is your IP.

  2. For external IP: 
    adb shell curl ifconfig.me

These methods are useful if:

  • 🤖 You write scripts to automate network tasks.
  • 🐞 You debug an application that needs an IP.
  • 🔧 You work with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).
⚠️ Attention: Commands curl and wget may not work on some firmware without root access. In this case, use applications from Method 3.
💡

Terminal and ADB. maximum control over network settings, but require knowledge of commands. For a one-time IP check, it is easier to use standard settings or applications.

6. Method 5: Find out the external IP through the browser (the most universal method)

If you need public (external) IP, the fastest way is to use online services. They work on any device, including Android. do not require installation of apps.

How to check external IP:

  1. Open a browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge).
  2. Go to one of the services:
    • ifconfig.me — minimalistic, shows only IP.
    • whatismyipaddress.com —with additional information (provider, city).
    • 2ip.ru —Russian-language service with port checking.
    • ipinfo.io —produces JSON with data (useful for developers).
  • Your external IP will be displayed on the main page page.

    • Important: If you are connected via mobile data (4G/5G), the external IP will belong to your operator, not the device. For local tasks (setting up a router, playing games over Wi-Fi), this IP is useless - use the methods from the previous sections.

    What else can you find out through these services:

    • 🌐 Your approximate location (city, country).
    • 🔌 Open ports (on some sites).
    • 🛡️ Information about the provider (for example, PJSC Rostelecom).
    • 🕵️ Proxy/VPN information (if you use it).
    💡

    If you often check external IP, add one of the services (for example ifconfig.me) to your browser bookmarks. This way you will save time on entering the address.

    7. Method 6: Special widgets for the main screen

    If you need Constantly monitor IP (for example, for a server or remote access), it is convenient to use widgets. They display the current address directly on the home screen, without the need to open applications.

    The best widgets for IP:

    • 📱 IP Widget —shows local and external IP, updated every 5 minutes.
    • 🔄 Network Info II Widget —with extended data (MAC, gateway, DNS).
    • 🌐 IP Tools Widget —a compact widget with ping and network speed.

    How to add a widget:

    1. Install one of the applications above.
    2. Tap and hold an empty space on the home screen.
    3. Select Widgets → find the application widget (for example, IP Widget 4x1).
    4. Drag it to the screen and configure the data displayed (for example, IPv4 only).

    Benefits widgets:

    • ⏱️ Instant access to IP without opening applications.
    • 🔄 Automatic update when changing network.
    • 🎨 Customization of appearance (color, size).
    ⚠️ Attention: Widgets consume additional energy as they periodically poll the network. If you notice an increase in battery consumption, reduce the refresh frequency in the widget settings.

    8. Method 7: For devices with root access (advanced capabilities)

    If your Android has root access, you can get advanced network information, including:

    • 🔗 Full list of network interfaces (wlan0, rmnet_data).
    • 🔄 Dynamically assigned IP (DHCP leases).
    • 🛡️ Hidden routing settings.

    Commands for Terminal Emulator (requires root):

    # View all network interfaces and their IP

    su
    

    ifconfig
    


    View routing table
    

    su
    

    ip route show
    


    View DHCP leases (leased IP)
    

    su
    

    cat /data/misc/dhcp/dhcpcd*.lease

    What can be done with root access:

    • 🔧 Assign static IP manually (even if the router does not support DHCP reservation).
    • 🔄 Change the MAC address (spoofing) to bypass network restrictions.
    • 📡 Configure port forwarding directly on the device.

    Example of assigning a static IP via ifconfig:

    su

    ifconfig wlan0 192.168.1.100 netmask 255.255.255.0
    

    route add default gw 192.168.1.1

    ⚠️ Attention: Incorrect network settings with root access can lead to loss of Internet connection. Before experiments, save the current configuration with the command ifconfig > /sdcard/network_backup.txt.
    How to return network settings after a failure?

    If the Internet is lost after the changes, reboot the device or run in the terminal: 

    su

    netcfg wlan0 dhcp

    This will reset the Wi-Fi settings to automatic reception IP.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about IP on Android

    ❓ Is it possible to find out the IP of another device on my network without its consent?

    Technically yes: through network scanning (applications like Fing or Network Analyzer) you can see all connected devices with their IP. However:

    • This may violate privacy law (for example, in the EU under GDPR).
    • Some devices (with a firewall or hidden MAC) may not appear in the list.
    • For accessing the device via IP will still require a login/password.

    Use this feature only for legal purposes (for example, setting up your gadgets).

    ❓ Why is my local IP constantly changing?

    This is normal behavior if you have DHCP enabled on your router. To assign an IP to a device:

    1. Go to the router settings (see Method 2).
    2. Find the section DHCP reservation or Binding IP to MAC.
    3. Add a rule for the MAC address of your Android device (you can find it in Settings → About phone → General information).

    After this, the router will always give the same IP to your gadget.

    ❓ How to hide your external IP on Android?

    If you need to change or hide your public IP (for example, to bypass blocking or anonymity), use:

    • 🔒 VPN: applications like ProtonVPN, NordVPN or Warp from Cloudflare will replace your IP with the server address.
    • 🌍 Proxy: set up a proxy in Settings → Network and Internet → VPN/Proxy (less reliable than VPN).
    • 🦊 Tor Browser: changes IP with each new connection (but slows down the speed).

    Remember: even with a VPN, some services can determine your real location using other data (for example, GPS or Google account data).

    ❓ Why do I have IPv6 instead of IPv4?

    Many modern networks (especially mobile operators) are switching to IPv6 due to the lack of IPv4 addresses. If you need IPv4:

    • Try connecting to another network (for example, home Wi-Fi instead of mobile data).
    • Enable in the router settings support dual stack (IPv4 + IPv6).
    • Use applications that can work with IPv6 (most modern ones support both protocols).

    IPv6 looks like 2a02:6b8:b0b0:xxxx::xxxx and is incompatible with some older devices/games.

    ❓ Is it possible to determine the exact location of the device by IP?

    No, by IP you can only find out:

    • 🏙️ Approximate city (sometimes district).
    • 📡 Providerthat issued the address.
    • 🌍 Country (usually determined precisely).

    For an exact location (house, street), other data is required:

    • 📍 GPS (if enabled).
    • 📶 Cell tower data.
    • 📱 Information from your Google account (if you are logged in).

    Services like ipinfo.io or iplocation.net show only approximate geolocation by IP.