Networking · 4 min read · By WhatsMyIPv4 Team · Updated June 24, 2026

How to Run a Traceroute

Traceroute maps every hop your data passes through on the way to a server, and how long each one takes. It's the go-to tool for working out where a slow or failing connection breaks down.

It can't run in a browser because it needs low-level network access, but it's built into every operating system. Here's how to use it.

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Windows

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and open Command Prompt.
  2. Type: tracert example.com (replace with the site or IP you want to trace).
  3. Press Enter and wait for the hops to list. Each line is one router along the path.

Mac

  1. Open Terminal (press Cmd + Space, type Terminal, press Enter).
  2. Type: traceroute example.com
  3. Press Enter and watch the hops appear.

Linux

  1. Open a terminal.
  2. If needed, install it first, for example: sudo apt install traceroute
  3. Run: traceroute example.com

How to read the results

  • Each numbered line is one hop, a router between you and the destination.
  • The three times are how long each test took to reach that hop, in milliseconds.
  • A sudden jump in time, or rows of asterisks, points to where the delay or block happens.
  • Asterisks alone aren't always a problem; some routers just don't reply to the probes.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I run traceroute in my browser?

Traceroute needs low-level network access that browsers and most web servers don't allow, for security reasons. You run it from your own computer's terminal instead, which only takes a moment.

What's the difference between tracert and traceroute?

They're the same tool with different names. Windows calls it tracert, while Mac and Linux call it traceroute. The output means the same thing.

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