Your router's IP address is usually printed on a sticker on the device itself, or you can find it through your computer's network settings in under a minute

The IP address of your router — sometimes called the gateway address — is the number your devices use to talk to the router and access the internet. You need it when you want to log in to change your Wi-Fi password, adjust security settings, or troubleshoot connection problems. The fastest way to find it is to look at the physical router. If that's not practical, your computer can tell you the address through its network settings.

This is not the same as your internet-facing IP address (the one websites see when you visit them). Your router's IP address is internal — it only works on your home network. It typically looks like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, though some routers use different numbers.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the physical router first: the IP address is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom, often next to the Wi-Fi name and password.
  • On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig, then look for the "Default Gateway" number in the results.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings > Network, select your Wi-Fi connection, and click Details to see the router address listed as "Router".
  • If you cannot find the address through either method, restart the router and try again, or contact your internet provider for the default address.

Check the physical router first

Most routers have a sticker on the back, bottom, or side that lists the default IP address along with the Wi-Fi network name and password. Look for a line that says "Gateway", "Router Address", or simply an IP address in the format 192.168.x.x. This is the quickest method and works even if your computer is not connected to the network.

If the sticker is worn or missing, the router's manual or the manufacturer's website will have the default address. Search for your router model number (usually printed on the same sticker) plus "default IP address" to find it quickly.

Find the address on Windows using Command Prompt

Open Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key, typing cmd, and pressing Enter. Type ipconfig and press Enter. A list of network information will appear.

Look for the section labeled with your active network connection (usually "Ethernet" if you are wired, or "Wireless LAN adapter" if you are on Wi-Fi). Find the line that says "Default Gateway" — the number next to it is your router's IP address. Write it down or take a screenshot before closing the window.

Find the address on Mac using System Settings

Click the Apple menu and select System Settings. Navigate to Network in the left sidebar. Select your active Wi-Fi connection from the list on the right, then click the Details button.

A new window will open showing your network details. Look for the line labeled "Router" — the IP address next to it is what you need. You can also find this information by clicking the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar, holding Option, and clicking your connected network name to see a quick summary.

What to do if you cannot find the address

If the sticker is missing and the command-line methods do not work, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Once it restarts, try the Command Prompt or System Settings method again. Sometimes the connection needs to be re-established for the gateway address to appear.

If you still cannot locate it, contact your internet service provider with your router model number. They can tell you the default IP address for that device. You can also try typing common defaults like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 directly into a web browser — one of them will usually open your router's login page.

Why you might need this address

Once you have the IP address, you can type it into a web browser to access your router's settings page. This is where you change your Wi-Fi password, update security settings, restart the router remotely, or check which devices are connected to your network. You will need to log in with a username and password — usually "admin" and "admin" by default, though you may have changed this when you first set up the router.

Knowing this address also helps when troubleshooting network problems. If devices are dropping off the network or running slowly, you can log in and check the router's status, restart it, or look at the connected devices list to spot problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my router's IP address the same as my internet IP address?

No. Your router's IP address (like 192.168.1.1) is internal and only works on your home network. Your internet IP address is assigned by your internet provider and is what websites see when you visit them. You can find your internet IP by searching "what is my IP" in a web browser.

Can I change my router's IP address?

Yes, but it is not usually necessary. You can change it by logging into the router's settings page and looking for LAN settings or network configuration. Changing it can cause problems if you do not know what you are doing, so only do this if you have a specific reason.

What if I forgot my router login password?

Most routers have a reset button you can hold for 10 to 15 seconds to restore factory defaults. This will erase all your custom settings and return the password to the default (usually "admin"). Check your router's manual for the exact reset procedure, as it varies by model.

Do I need the router IP address to connect to Wi-Fi?

No. You only need the Wi-Fi network name and password to connect devices to your network. The router IP address is only needed if you want to log in and change settings on the router itself.