The fastest 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 just an address in the format 192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1. If the sticker is missing or unreadable, 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 local address your devices use to communicate with the router, and it's different from your public IP address (the one your internet provider assigns). You need the default gateway to log into your router's settings, change your Wi-Fi password, or troubleshoot connection problems.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's IP address is usually on a sticker attached to the device, listed as the default gateway.
  • On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to find the default gateway listed under your network connection.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings, select Network, choose your connection, and look for the router address under TCP/IP.
  • On iPhone or Android, the router address appears in Wi-Fi settings under the network details or advanced options.
  • Once you have the address, type it into a web browser to access your router's login page.

Finding your router's IP on Windows

Open the Start menu and type Command Prompt into the search box, then press Enter. A black window will open. Type the word ipconfig and press Enter. A list of network information will appear.

Look for the section labeled with your network connection name (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 — something like 192.168.1.1 — is your router's IP address. Write it down or copy it.

If you see multiple network sections and aren't sure which one is active, look for the one that shows an "IPv4 Address" starting with 192.168 or 10.0. That's the one connected to your router.

Finding your router's IP on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. In the sidebar, click Network. On the right side, you'll see your current network connection listed (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Click on it.

A details panel will open. Look for a button or tab labeled Details or Advanced. Click it. In the window that appears, find the TCP/IP tab at the top. Under that tab, look for the line labeled Router. The address shown there is your router's IP address.

If you don't see a Details button, the router address may already be visible on the main network screen under "Router" or "Gateway". On newer Mac systems, you may need to click the "i" information icon next to your network name instead.

Finding your router's IP on iPhone

Open the Settings app and tap Wi-Fi. Find the Wi-Fi network you're currently connected to and tap the "i" information icon next to its name. A details screen will open.

Scroll down to find the section labeled Router or Gateway. The IP address shown there is your router's address. On some iPhone models, this information appears under "IPv4 Address" or "DNS" sections — look for an address that starts with 192.168 or 10.0.

Finding your router's IP on Android

Open the Settings app and go to Network & Internet or Connections (the exact name varies by phone brand). Tap Wi-Fi. Find your current network in the list and tap it or look for a settings icon next to it.

A details screen will appear. Look for Gateway, Router, or DHCP Server. The address listed there is your router's IP. If you don't see this information on the main screen, tap Advanced or More Details to expand additional options.

What to do once you have the address

Open any web browser on a device connected to your Wi-Fi network. 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 should appear.

You'll be asked for a username and password. These are usually printed on the same sticker where you found the IP address, or they may be the defaults for your router brand (often "admin" and "admin", or "admin" and "password"). Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website if you're unsure. Once logged in, you can change Wi-Fi settings, update security, or adjust other network features.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the IP address I found doesn't work?

Try the address again, making sure you typed it exactly as shown. If it still doesn't load, your device may not be connected to that router. Check that you're on the correct Wi-Fi network. You can also try common default addresses like 192.168.0.1 or 10.0.0.1 if your router uses a different range.

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

No. Your router's IP address (the default gateway) is a local address used only within your home network. Your internet IP address is assigned by your provider and is visible to websites you visit. You can find your internet IP by searching "what is my IP" in any search engine.

Can I change my router's IP address?

Yes, but it's not usually necessary. You can change it by logging into your router's settings and editing the LAN IP address in the network configuration. Changing it may disconnect your devices temporarily, so only do this if you have a specific reason.

Why do I need my router's IP address?

You need it to access your router's settings page, where you can change your Wi-Fi password, update security settings, restart the router, or troubleshoot connection problems. It's also useful for network troubleshooting and checking which devices are connected.