The IP address of your Android smartphone is like a digital passport on the Internet. It is needed to set up a router, remotely access a device, solve connection problems, or even protect against hackers. But how to find it if you are not an IT specialist? Spoiler: it's easier than it seems.
In this article we will look at 5 working methods from standard settings to advanced methods using the terminal. You will learn how to distinguish local IP (within your home network) from external (which is seen by sites), why the address may change, and what to do if it is not visible at all. The instructions are relevant for all versions of Android - from Android 8 Oreo to Android 15 (if your smartphone has already received the update).
Don't worry, if you are a beginner: each method is accompanied by screenshots (interface descriptions) and explanations. And if you need to not only find out the IP, but fix it statically or hide it via VPN, weโll also talk about that at the end.
1. How to find the local IP address through Android settings
The fastest way is to look at the Wi-Fi or mobile network settings. Local IP (for example 192.168.1.102) is assigned to your phone within your home or office network. It is needed for connecting to printers, surveillance cameras or setting port forwarding on a router.
Instructions for Android 10 and later:
- ๐ถ Open
Settings โ Networks and Internet(on some smartphones -Connections). - ๐ Select the active connection:
Wi-FiorCellular network. - ๐ ๏ธ Tap the gear icon (โ๏ธ) next to the name of your network.
- ๐ Scroll down to the section
Network informationorAdditional- there will be a line IP address.
On smartphones Samsung Galaxy the path may be different: Settings โ Connections โ Wi-Fi โ [your network] โ Network managementU Xiaomi i Redmi look for Settings โ Wi-Fi โ Advanced โ IP address.
โ ๏ธ Attention: If you are connected to mobile data (4G/5G), the local IP may not be displayed - it is replaced by the address assigned by the operator. In this case, use the methods from section 3 or 4.
โ๏ธ What to check if the IP is not displayed
2. How to find an external (public) IP address
External IP is the address under which your phone (or the entire router) is visible on the Internet. It is used by websites, services, and even attackers to determine your location. You cannot find it out through Android settings - you will have to use third-party services.
Methods:
- ๐ Open the browser and go to one of the services:
- 2ip.ru (shows IP, provider and city)
- WhatIsMyIPAddress (with map geolocation) (technical details for IT specialists) data-i="91">๐ฑ Install the application
- IPinfo (technical details for IT specialists)
- ๐ค Ask the voice assistant:
Ok Google, what's my IP?โ he will announce the public address. - ๐ฑ Install the application IP Tools or Network Analyzer (they will show both local and external IP in one window).
Important: External IP can be dynamic (changes with each connection) or static (fixed). If you need a permanent address, contact your provider for the "static IP" service.
3. Advanced method: terminal and ADB
If you like to delve into the system or standard methods do not work, you can find out the IP via terminal (without root access!). An application suitable for this is Termux (free in Google Play) or ADB (Android Debug Bridge) on your computer.
Instructions for Termux:
- Install Termux from Google Play.
- Run the application and enter the command:
ifconfig | grep "inet addr"For new versions of Android, use:
ip route - In the output, find the line with
wlan0(Wi-Fi) orrmnet_data(mobile network) - there will be an IP nearby.
For ADB (if the phone is connected to a PC):
- Enable
Debugging USBinSettings โ System โ For Developers. - Connect your phone to the computer and run in the command line:
adb shell ip route
โ ๏ธ Attention: Commandsifconfiginetcfgmay not work on Android 10+ due to security restrictions. In this case, useip routeor the applications from section 4.
What to do if Termux does not show the IP?
If after entering the command you see empty output or an error, check:
1. Are you connected to the network (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
2. Is Termux version updated (type `pkg update`).
3. Is your antivirus blocking access to the network (disable it temporarily).
If the problem persists, use the applications from the next section.
4. Applications for IP and network monitoring
If you donโt want to remember commands or delve into settings, install one of the specialized applications. They will show not only IP, but also network speed, open ports and even data leaks.
Top 3 applications:
| Application | Functions | Link |
|---|---|---|
| IP Tools: Network Utilities | Local/external IP, ping, traceroute, port scanner | Google Play |
| Network Analyzer | IP, LAN scanner, DNS test, device detection on the network | Google Play |
| Fing | IP, network scan, router security check | Google Play |
How to use:
- Install any application from table.
- Open it and allow access to the network (if prompted).
- On the main screen it will be displayed local IP (in the section
Wi-FiorLocal network). - For external IP, go to section
InternetorPublic IP.
In the application Fing you can not only see your IP, but also detect all devices on your network (including โextraโ gadgets that can connect without your knowledge).
5. How to assign a static IP on Android
By default, the router assigns it to your phone dynamic IP โit can change with each connection. If you need permanent address (for example, for port forwarding or remote access), you can fix it manually.
Instructions:
- Find out
MAC addressyour phone (in the Wi-Fi settings or through the app IP Tools). - Go to the router control panel (usually at
192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1). - Find the section
DHCP reservation(orIP to MAC binding). - Add a new rule: specify
MAC addressphone and desiredIP(for example,192.168.1.100). - Save the settings and reconnect to Wi-Fi.
Alternative method (on the phone):
- Open Wi-Fi settings and select your network.
- Click
Change network โ Advanced โ IP settings. - Select
StaticinsteadDHCP. - Enter data:
IP address: for example,192.168.1.100(last digit - from 100 to 254).Gateway: usually192.168.1.1(router address).Network mask:255.255.255.0.DNS 1/2:8.8.8.8(Google) or1.1.1.1(Cloudflare).
โ ๏ธ Attention: When When manually setting up a static IP, make sure that the selected address does not conflict with other devices on the network. For example, if the router distributes IP in the range192.168.1.2โ192.168.1.99, take the address higher100.
Static IP is needed only for specific tasks (servers, remote access, port forwarding). For normal use, dynamic IP is preferable - it is automatically updated and does not require manual settings.
6. Why the IP address may not be displayed and how to fix it
Sometimes the IP address is not visible in settings or applications. Let's look at the main reasons and solutions:
- ๐ No network connection: Check if Wi-Fi or mobile data is turned on. Reboot the router.
- โ๏ธ DHCP failure: The router does not assign an IP automatically. Solution:
- Forget the network on the phone (
Wi-Fi Settings โ [network] โ Delete). - Connect again.
- Forget the network on the phone (
If the problem persists:
- Check your router settings: is it enabled
DHCP server(should be in sectionLANorLocal network). - Update the firmware of the phone and router.
- Reset the network settings on the phone:
Settings โ System โ Reset โ Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.
How to check whether the router issues IP addresses?
Connect another gadget (laptop, tablet) to the same network. If it also does not have an IP, the problem is in the router. If there is an IP, there is a problem with the phone (check the settings or reset them).
7. How to hide or change the IP address on Android
If you need hide your real IP (for example, to bypass blocking or anonymity), use:
- ๐ VPN: Applications like ProtonVPN, Windscribe or Surfshark replace your IP with a server address in another country.
- Pros: simplicity, traffic encryption.
- Cons: Internet speed may decrease.
- ๐ถ๏ธ Tor Browser: Anonymizes only traffic inside the browser (does not affect other applications).
- ๐ Proxy: Manually configured in Wi-Fi settings (section
Advanced โ Proxy), but less reliable than VPN. - Install the application (for example, ProtonVPN).
- Register (most VPNs offer a free plan).
- Select a country and connect - your IP will change.
- Disable unnecessary network services.
- Use strong passwords for Wi-Fi and accounts.
- Update the firmware of your phone and router.
- On the computer, open the command line (
Win + R โ cmd). - Enter
arp -a- you will see a list of devices with their IP and MAC addresses. - Find the MAC address of your phone in the list (you can find it in the phone settings).
- Use the application IP Tools (section
IPv6). - Or enter in Termux the command:
ip -6 addr show
How to set up VPN:
โ ๏ธ Attention: Free VPNs and proxies can sell your data or display advertising. For serious tasks (for example, working with banking applications), use proven paid services.
Frequently asked questions
Can I find out the IP address of someone else's phone?
No, if the person is not connected to your local network. The external IP of another user can only be seen if he sends it himself or if you own the site/server to which he connects. Any offers to โfind out the IP by phone numberโ are a scam.
Why does my external IP change every day?
This is normal: for most users. providers prescribe dynamic IP, which is updated with each new connection (or once every 24 hours). If you need a permanent address, order a "static IP" service (usually paid) from your provider.
Can someone hack my phone knowing its IP?
The IP itself does not give access to the phone, but if open on it vulnerable ports (for example, for remote control), an attack is theoretically possible. To protect yourself:
How to find the IP address of a phone through a computer?
If the phone is connected to the same network as the PC:
What is IPv6 and how to find it on Android?
IPv6 is a new standard for IP addresses (for example,
2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334), which is gradually replacing IPv4. see it:Most home networks still operate on IPv4, but IPv6 is already supported by many providers.