How To Find Smart Home Device IP on Your Network
Smart Home devices that connect to a home network directly using WiFi or network cable will automatically be assigned an IP address by your router. Below are some methods of finding out what IP address has been assigned.
Methods to Find a Smart Device’s IP Address
Below are the two easiest methods for finding the IP address of you smart devices. There are other methods, but they require more in depth technical knowledge.
Check your router’s DHCP client list
Log in to your router’s admin panel using a web browser (typically at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.1.254) and look for a section called “Connected Devices” or “DHCP Clients.” You’ll see each device listed by name, MAC address and IP address.
Scan your network
Download and install and IP scanner (do a Google search for ‘IP scanner’) on your computer or get a smartphone IP a scanner app. Run the scanner and it will search your network for all the devices connected and report back the name, MAC address and IP address
Information: A MAC address is a hardware address. Every device has a unique MAC address. It is usually printed on the underside an look something like: 5C:01:2C:43:4D:03
Types of IP Address
DHCP (Dynamic IP)
A DHCP server (your router) automatically assigns IP addresses from a pool whenever devices connect. It’s simple and requires no manual setup, making it ideal for most smart devices.
Fixed (Static) IP
- Manual static IP on the device
Some devices allow you to set an IP address directly in their settings, common in smart hubs and gateways. - DHCP reservation in the router
You assign a fixed IP to a device’s MAC address through the router’s DHCP settings. This combines the benefits of a consistent IP without the need to configure each device manually.
Why Use Fixed IPs on Smart Devices
- Easy access if the IP address is always the same
- Simplifies port forwarding for remote access
- Avoids devices “losing” their IP address after reboots or power cycles.
| Network Method | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| DHCP (Dynamic) | Automatic, changing addresses | General smart devices |
| DHCP reservation | Fixed IP via router, centrally managed | Smart hubs and gateways, IP cameras |
| Manual static IP | Set on the device itself | Smart Hubs and Gateways |
Final Advice
The DHCP address automatically assigned by your router works fine for most smart home devices. For other devices that you need to connect to e.g. hubs, network, use DHCP reservation in your router. This assigns the same DHCP address to the smart device every time and saves messing about setting up a fixed IP on the device configuration
WiFi Smart Home Products
