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

Your router has its own IP address — a number that identifies it on your home network. This is different from the IP address your internet provider assigns to you. You need the router's address to log in and change settings like your WiFi password, security options, or which devices can connect.

The fastest way is to look at the physical router. Most routers have a sticker on the bottom or back that lists the address as "Default Gateway" or just "IP Address" — it looks like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If that sticker is missing or worn away, you can find the same number through your computer in seconds.

Key Takeaways

  • The router's IP address is usually printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of the device, labeled as "Default Gateway" or "IP Address".
  • On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig, then look for the line that says "Default Gateway" — that number is your router's address.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings, click Network, select your WiFi connection, and click Details — the router address appears as "Router".
  • Once you have the address, type it into your web browser's address bar to reach your router's login page.

Finding the address on the physical router

Turn your router over or look at the back panel. Most routers have a label that lists several pieces of information: the model number, serial number, and the default IP address. The address is usually listed as "Default Gateway", "IP Address", or sometimes just "Gateway".

The number will be four groups of digits separated by periods, like 192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1. Write this down or take a photo — you'll need it to log in. If the sticker is missing, faded, or your router is an older model, move to the next method.

Finding the address on Windows

Open the Command Prompt. The fastest way is to click the Windows Start button, type cmd, and press Enter. A black window will open.

Type the word ipconfig and press Enter. The window will display several lines of information about your network connections. Look for the section labeled with your WiFi network name or "Ethernet" if you're using a wired connection. In that section, find the line that says "Default Gateway" — the number next to it is your router's IP address.

Finding the address 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 left sidebar.

Select your WiFi network from the list on the left, then click the Details button. A new window opens. Look for the line labeled "Router" — the IP address next to it is what you need. Close this window and you're done.

Using the address to log into your router

Once you have the IP address, open any web browser and type it into the address bar at the top — for example, 192.168.1.1 — then press Enter. A login page will appear asking for a username and password.

The default username and password are usually printed on the same sticker where you found the IP address, or in the router's manual. Common defaults are "admin" and "admin", or "admin" and "password", but this varies by manufacturer. If the defaults don't work, check the router's documentation or the manufacturer's website.

What to do if you can't find the address

If the sticker is completely missing and the Command Prompt or System Settings method doesn't show a clear result, try these addresses in your browser one at a time: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, 10.0.0.1, or 192.168.100.1. One of these is almost always the default for home routers.

If none of those work, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait two minutes for it to fully start up, then try the address again. If you still can't reach the login page, your router may have been configured with a non-standard address by a previous owner or technician — contact your internet provider's support line for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your router's IP address is a private number used only on your home network. Your internet IP address is assigned by your internet provider and is visible to websites you visit. They are completely separate.

Will finding my router's IP address let me change my WiFi password?

Yes. Once you log into your router using its IP address, you can access the settings page where you can change your WiFi name, password, security type, and other network options. The exact steps vary by router model, but the settings are usually in a section labeled "Wireless" or "WiFi".

Can I change my router's IP address?

Yes, but there's usually no reason to. The default address works fine for home networks. If you do change it, write down the new address immediately — if you forget it, you may have trouble logging back in. Most people leave it at the factory default.

What if I forgot my router login password?

Most routers have a small reset button you can hold for 10 to 15 seconds to restore factory defaults. This erases all your custom settings and returns the password to the default listed on the sticker. After reset, you'll need to set up your WiFi name and password again from scratch.