An IP address is a unique number assigned to computers and other devices that direct-access the internet. There are several ways to find someone’s IP address, including using our free tool and the old-school method of searching a command prompt in Windows or, for macOS users, launching System Preferences then clicking Network.

While an search IP address doesn’t reveal a person’s name or home address, it does tell you their general location. And paired with other data (such as online cookies and metadata), that can be useful.

Our search IP address tool displays a person’s public IP, which is different than their private IP (the one they use to connect to the internet). A person can also look up their own IP by typing it into the field on our homepage.

Why IP Lookup Tools Are Essential for Online Security

You can also find someone’s IP by checking the header of an email. However, this isn’t always reliable and is more effective for companies than it is for individuals. And it can be illegal to do so for the purposes of harassment and cyber crimes.

The three methods we’ve outlined in this article are the simplest and most legitimate ways to search someone’s IP address. While you won’t get their name or street address with these tools, they work well for companies and can be a great help in tracking down malicious software or scammers. And while it’s not exactly legal to track an individual based on their IP address, it is possible to find information about them through shady practices and a gray area of the law.