How to Find the IP Address of Raspberry Pi - Raspberry Pi BD

Whether you are accessing your Raspberry Pi remotely or need to connect it to a network, knowing its IP address is crucial. This guide will show you several methods to find the IP address of your Raspberry Pi, whether it’s using the terminal, your router, or mobile apps. Let’s get started!

Why Do You Need the IP Address of Your Raspberry Pi?

The IP address of your Raspberry Pi is essential for:

• Remote Access: Access your Raspberry Pi over the network via SSH, VNC, or any other remote access tool.
• Networking: Connect your Raspberry Pi to other devices in your home or office network.
• Configuration: Set up services like a web server, FTP server, or home automation systems that require knowing your device’s IP.

Method 1: Find the IP Address Using the Terminal

One of the easiest ways to find the IP address of your Raspberry Pi is by using the terminal. Follow these steps:

1. Open a terminal on your Raspberry Pi (or connect via SSH if you’re using a remote device).
2. Type the following command to display the network information:

hostname -I

3. This will show the IP address assigned to your Raspberry Pi on your local network.

If you have more than one network interface (e.g., Ethernet and Wi-Fi), you may see multiple IP addresses. The one you’re looking for is typically the one associated with your current active interface (Ethernet or Wi-Fi).

Method 2: Find the IP Address Using the Router’s Admin Page

If you can’t access your Raspberry Pi directly, you can log into your router’s admin page and check the connected devices. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open a web browser and type in the IP address of your router (usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) in the address bar.
2. Enter the admin username and password (check your router’s manual if you’re unsure).
3. Once logged in, look for a section called “Device List,” “LAN Status,” or “Connected Devices” (the name varies by router model).
4. Search for your Raspberry Pi by its hostname (usually “raspberrypi” by default) or MAC address. The corresponding IP address will be listed next to it.

Once found, note down the IP address of your Raspberry Pi to access it remotely.

Method 3: Using a Mobile App (Fing)

If you prefer a more mobile approach, you can use a network scanning app like **Fing** to find the IP address of your Raspberry Pi. Fing is available for both Android and iOS devices. Here’s how to use it:

1. Install **Fing** from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Open the app and run a network scan to discover all devices connected to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Look for your Raspberry Pi in the list of devices. It will show up as “raspberrypi” by default or with any custom hostname you’ve set.
4. The app will display the IP address of your Raspberry Pi next to the device name.

Using Fing is particularly helpful when you’re unable to access your router’s admin page or if you need a quick mobile solution.

Method 4: Check the IP Address Using a Monitor and Keyboard

If you have a monitor and keyboard connected to your Raspberry Pi, you can check the IP address directly from the desktop interface:

1. Open the terminal on your Raspberry Pi.
2. Run the following command to see the IP address:

ifconfig

3. Look for the “inet” line under the interface you’re using (usually “eth0” for Ethernet or “wlan0” for Wi-Fi). The IP address will be listed next to it.

This method is especially useful if you have a GUI installed and prefer to use the desktop environment instead of SSH.

Method 5: Use Avahi (Bonjour) to Find Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi supports **Avahi** (Bonjour), which allows you to access the device by its hostname without knowing its IP address. If you have Avahi enabled on your Raspberry Pi, you can access it like this:

• On macOS or Linux, open the terminal and type: ping raspberrypi.local
• On Windows, you might need to install additional software like Bonjour Print Services or use a tool like **ZeroConf** to access the Raspberry Pi by its hostname.

Avahi is a great option for those who prefer not to remember IP addresses or are working in a local network environment.

Conclusion

There are multiple ways to find the IP address of your Raspberry Pi, whether you’re using the terminal, your router’s admin page, a mobile app, or even Avahi. Choosing the method that works best for your setup can help you easily access your Raspberry Pi for remote control, network setup, or development. With this knowledge, you can confidently start interacting with your Raspberry Pi remotely and take full advantage of its capabilities.