How to Find the IP Address of Your Raspberry Pi

Ben
Ben
@benjislab

Finding the IP address of your Raspberry Pi is crucial for network troubleshooting, remote access, and managing your device as part of a network. This guide covers several methods to locate the IP address of your Raspberry Pi effectively, whether it’s connected via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

Method 1: Using the Terminal on Raspberry Pi

If you have direct access to your Raspberry Pi, the simplest way to find its IP address is by using the terminal:

  • Open the Terminal: You can access the terminal via the desktop or by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.
  • Enter the Following Command:
hostname -I

This command will display the IP address(es) assigned to your Raspberry Pi. It may show multiple IP addresses if your Pi is connected to multiple networks.

Method 2: Using Your Router's Admin Interface

If you cannot access your Raspberry Pi directly, you can find its IP address through your router’s admin interface:

  • Access the Router: Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Log in with your credentials.
  • Find Connected Devices: Look for a section like ‘Device List’ or ‘Attached Devices’. Here, you will see a list of all devices connected to your network, including your Raspberry Pi. The list will typically show device names, IP addresses, and MAC addresses.

Method 3: Using a Network Scanning Tool

Another effective way to find your Raspberry Pi’s IP address is by using a network scanning tool. This is especially useful if you have multiple devices on your network:

  • Download a Network Scanner: Tools like Angry IP Scanner or Advanced IP Scanner can scan your network and list all devices and their IP addresses.
  • Scan Your Network: Run the tool from another computer on the same network. Ensure the scanner is set to scan the entire subnet your network is on.
  • Identify Your Raspberry Pi: Look for your Raspberry Pi in the list of devices. It might be identified by its hostname (if set) or by the manufacturer’s name in the MAC address description.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer using command-line tools directly from your Raspberry Pi, checking through your router's interface, or employing a network scanner, each method provides a reliable way to find your device's IP address. Knowing the IP address of your Raspberry Pi enhances your ability to manage and troubleshoot your device, ensuring smooth operation within your network environment.