Your router has its own IP address, separate from the one your internet provider assigns

Your router's IP address is the internal address it uses to communicate with devices on your home network — your phone, laptop, smart TV, and anything else connected to WiFi or ethernet. It is different from your public IP address, which is what websites see when you visit them. You need the router's address to log in and change settings like your WiFi password, security settings, or which devices can connect.

The router's address is almost always printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device itself. If you cannot find it there, you can look it up on your computer or phone in under a minute using built-in tools. The address typically looks like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — a series of four numbers separated by periods.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's IP address is printed on a label attached to the physical device, usually on the back or bottom.
  • On Windows, you can find it by opening Command Prompt and typing ipconfig, then looking for the "Default Gateway" line.
  • On Mac or Linux, open Terminal and type ip route or netstat -nr to see the same information.
  • On iPhone or Android, go to WiFi settings, tap your network name, and look for the "Router" or "Gateway" field.
  • Once you have the address, type it into any web browser's address bar to reach your router's login page.

Check the physical router first

Before you open any software, flip your router over or look at the back. Most routers have a label with the model number, serial number, and default IP address printed directly on them. This is the fastest way to find what you need.

The label usually says something like "Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1" or simply lists the address as "192.168.0.1". Write down the address exactly as it appears. If the label is worn or missing, move to the next method.

Find it on Windows using Command Prompt

Open the Start menu and type cmd or command prompt. Click the result to open a black window with white text. Type the word ipconfig (all one word, no spaces) and press Enter.

A list of information will appear. Look for the section labeled with your network adapter name — usually something like "Ethernet adapter" or "Wireless LAN adapter". In that section, find the line that says Default Gateway. The number next to it is your router's IP address. It will look like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.

Find it on Mac or Linux using Terminal

Open Terminal (on Mac, search for it in Spotlight; on Linux, right-click the desktop or use your application menu). Type ip route and press Enter. Look for a line that starts with "default via" — the number immediately after that word is your router's address.

If that command does not work, try netstat -nr instead. Look for the line with "default" in the first column. The number in the second column is your gateway address. Both commands show the same information in slightly different formats.

Find it on your phone's WiFi settings

On iPhone: Go to Settings, tap WiFi, then tap the name of your network (the one you are currently connected to). Scroll down and look for a field labeled "Router" or "Gateway" — the IP address appears there.

On Android: Go to Settings, tap WiFi or Network, then tap the name of your connected network. Look for "Gateway" or "Router IP" in the list of network details. Some Android versions call this field "DHCP Server" instead.

Log in once you have the address

Open any web browser on a device connected to your network. Type the IP address into the address bar at the top — for example, 192.168.1.1 — and press Enter. You will see a login page asking for a username and password.

The default username and password are usually printed on the same label where you found the IP address, or in the router's manual. Common defaults are "admin" for both username and password, or "admin" and "password". If those do not work, check the manufacturer's website or the manual that came with the router. Once you log in, you can change WiFi settings, update security, or adjust any other network configuration.

What to do if you cannot find the address

If the label is missing and the commands above do not show a clear gateway address, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Run the command again while it is starting up — sometimes the information appears more clearly during boot.

If you still cannot find it, contact your internet service provider or the router manufacturer with the model number (usually visible on the device even if the label is damaged). They can tell you the default address for that specific model. You can also check the manufacturer's website by searching for the model number plus "default IP address".

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your router's IP address (like 192.168.1.1) is only used on your home network. Your public IP address is assigned by your internet provider and is what websites see. You can find your public IP by searching "what is my IP" in any search engine.

Can I change my router's IP address?

Yes, but it is not necessary for most people. You can change it in the router's settings after you log in, but the default address works fine. Changing it can cause problems if you do not know what you are doing, so only do this if you have a specific reason.

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

You need it to log in and change settings like your WiFi password, security level, or which devices can connect. You also need it if you want to set up port forwarding, change your DNS settings, or troubleshoot network problems.

What if my router's address is not 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1?

Some routers use different addresses like 10.0.0.1 or 192.168.100.1. The command prompt or Terminal method will show you the exact address your router uses. Check the label on the device if the commands do not make it clear.

Is it safe to share my router's IP address with someone?

The IP address itself is not sensitive — anyone on your network can see it. But do not share your router's username and password with people you do not trust, since they could change your WiFi settings or access your network.