The quickest way to find your router's IP address

Your router's IP address is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device itself. Look for a line that says "Default Gateway" or an address that looks like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If the sticker is missing or worn, you can find it through your computer or phone in under a minute using built-in tools — no special software needed.

The address you're looking for is called the default gateway. It's the IP address your devices use to communicate with the router. Once you have it, you can type it into a web browser to access your router's settings and change your password, update firmware, or troubleshoot connection problems.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's IP address is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, and it's often printed on a sticker attached to the device.
  • On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig, then look for the "Default Gateway" line under your active network connection.
  • On Mac, go to System Preferences, select Network, choose your connection, and click Advanced to find the router address listed as "Router".
  • On iPhone or Android, open Settings, find your Wi-Fi network details, and look for the gateway or router address in the network information.
  • Once you have the address, type it into any web browser's address bar to log into your router's control panel.

Finding your router IP on Windows

Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key, typing "cmd", and pressing Enter. A black window will open. Type ipconfig and press Enter. A list of network information will appear on your screen.

Look for the section labeled with your active network connection — usually "Ethernet" if you're plugged in with a cable, or "Wireless LAN adapter" if you're on Wi-Fi. Under that section, find the line that says "Default Gateway". The address next to it (usually something like 192.168.1.1) is your router's IP address. You can now close Command Prompt and use that address in your browser.

Finding your router IP on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older versions). Click "Network" in the sidebar. Select the network connection you're using — either "Wi-Fi" or "Ethernet" — and then click the "Advanced" button in the bottom-right corner.

A new window will open with several tabs at the top. Click the "TCP/IP" tab. You'll see a line labeled "Router" with an IP address next to it. That address is what you need. Write it down or remember it, then close this window and open your web browser.

Finding your router IP on iPhone or iPad

Open the Settings app and tap "Wi-Fi". Find the network you're connected to and tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i" inside) next to the network name. A details screen will appear showing information about your connection.

Look for a line labeled "Router" or "Gateway". The IP address shown there is your router's address. Some older iOS versions may label this differently or show it under "IPv4 Address" information, but the router address will be nearby in the same section.

Finding your router IP on Android

Open the Settings app and tap "Wi-Fi" or "Network and Internet", depending on your phone model. Find the network you're currently connected to and tap and hold on it, then select "Manage" or "View Details". A menu will open showing your connection information.

Look for a field labeled "Gateway" or "Router". The IP address shown is your router's address. On some Android phones, you may need to scroll down or tap "Advanced" to see this information. If you don't see it in Wi-Fi settings, try opening Settings, going to "About Phone", and looking for "IP Address" or "Network" information.

What to do once you have the IP address

Open any web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar at the top — for example, 192.168.1.1 — and press Enter. A login page will appear asking for a username and password. The default credentials are usually "admin" for both username and password, though some routers use different defaults printed on the sticker with the IP address.

Once you're logged in, you'll see your router's control panel. From here you can change your Wi-Fi password, update the router's firmware, restart the device, check connected devices, or adjust other network settings. If you forget your router's password, you can usually reset it by holding a small reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds, which will restore all settings to factory defaults.

Troubleshooting if you can't find the IP address

If the commands above don't show a default gateway, check that you're connected to the network. Disconnect and reconnect to your Wi-Fi, wait a few seconds, and try the steps again. If you're using a wired connection, make sure the ethernet cable is plugged in firmly on both ends.

If you still don't see a default gateway listed, your router may not be responding. Try restarting your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in and waiting for the lights to stabilize. Once it's fully restarted, run the commands again. If the problem continues, contact your internet service provider — they can tell you the correct IP address for your specific router model or send a technician to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to know my router's IP address?

You need it to log into your router's settings panel, where you can change your Wi-Fi password, restart the router, update firmware, or troubleshoot connection problems. Without the IP address, you can't access these controls from a web browser.

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

No. Your router's IP address is a local address used only on your home network. Your internet IP address (the one your internet service provider assigns) is different and is used to identify your home on the wider internet. 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's not recommended unless you have a specific reason. You can change it by logging into your router's settings panel, finding the LAN settings, and entering a new address. Changing it may cause devices to lose connection temporarily until they reconnect to the network.

What if I forgot my router's login password?

You can reset your router to factory settings by holding the reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all your custom settings and return the password to the default (usually "admin" and "admin"). You'll need to set up your Wi-Fi password again after resetting.

Does every device on my network have the same router IP address?

Yes. The router's IP address is the same for all devices connected to it — that's how they all know where to send information to reach the router. Each device has its own separate local IP address, but they all use the same router address as their gateway.