There I was, sipping on my third cup of coffee for the day, when an email notification sprung up on my laptop. It was from a friend, and the subject line read: “How to find the IP address on a smartphone?” It took me back to the time when I had a similar question, and I found myself diving into the vast ocean of internet protocols and addresses. After all, navigating the world of IP addresses can seem like a daunting task. But, fear not, I’ve been there, done that, and am here to share the knowledge.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the simple process of finding your IP address on both Android and iPhone devices. Why would you need to do this, you ask? Well, it comes in handy for troubleshooting network issues, setting up a secure connection, or sometimes even when dealing with customer support.
1. Use Your Cellular Data Network:
The process of finding your IP address using cellular data involves using either a website or Google.
Via Google: Open up your web browser and search for “What is my IP”. Google will display your public IP address at the top of the search results. It’s straightforward, isn’t it?
Via Website: Websites like IP Chicken or WhatIsMyIPAddress can tell you your public IP address. Navigate to the website, and you’ll find your IP displayed at the top of the page.
Remember to disconnect from any Wi-Fi network before you perform these steps to ensure you’re finding your cellular IP address and not your Wi-Fi IP address.
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2. Use Terminal Emulator (for Android):
This method is for tech-savvy folks who are comfortable with command-line interfaces. First, download and install the Termux app from the Google Play Store.
Once installed, open the app and you’ll be greeted with a terminal interface. Here, type the command “ifconfig” and press enter. You’ll see a bunch of information, but what you’re interested in is the entry that begins with “wlan0.” The IP address will be displayed after “inet.” It typically looks something like “192.168.x.x”.
3. Use a Website:
This method is quite straightforward and universal. Using your phone’s web browser, navigate to a website like IP Chicken or WhatIsMyIPAddress. These sites automatically detect and display your public IP address.
4. Access Your Router’s Admin Page:
Every router is a little different, but the general process is the same. First, you’ll need to access your router’s admin page. This usually involves typing the router’s IP address into your web browser’s address bar – often something like “192.168.1.1” or “192.168.0.1”.
Once you’re in, you’ll need to log in. If you don’t have this information, it’s often on the bottom of the router or in the router’s manual.
Now, look for a section called “DHCP Client list,” “Connected devices,” or something similar. Here, you’ll see a list of all devices connected to your network. Look for your Android or iPhone in this list (it might display by the device name), and you’ll find your IP address listed alongside it.
5. Use Google:
Just like when using cellular data, you can find your public IP address via Google while connected to Wi-Fi. Simply open your browser and type “What is my IP” into the search bar. Google will then display your public IP address at the top of the search results.
