Your router's IP address is the number you type into your browser to reach its settings page

Your router has two addresses. One is the address your internet provider assigned to you — that's your public IP, and it's what websites see. The other is the private IP address that lives only on your home network — that's what you need to log into your router and change its settings, restart it, or check what devices are connected.

The private IP address usually looks like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, though some routers use different numbers. You find it by checking your router itself, your computer's network settings, or your router's manual. Once you have it, you type it into any web browser's address bar, and you'll land on your router's login page.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's private IP address is printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device, usually labeled as "Default Gateway" or just the IP address itself.
  • On Windows, you can find it by opening Command Prompt and typing ipconfig, then looking for "Default Gateway" in the results.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings, click Network, select your Wi-Fi connection, and look for "Router" in the details.
  • Once you have the address, type it into your browser's address bar (like you would a website URL) to reach your router's login screen.

Check the physical router first

The fastest way is to look at the router itself. Flip it over or look at the back panel — there's usually a white or silver sticker with printed information. On that sticker, you'll see a line labeled "Default Gateway," "IP Address," or sometimes just a number that looks like 192.168.1.1.

If the sticker is worn or missing, check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website. Search for your router model (you'll find it printed on the device too) plus the words "default IP address," and you'll usually find it in the documentation.

Find it on Windows using Command Prompt

Open Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key, typing cmd, and pressing Enter. A black window will open. Type ipconfig and press Enter. You'll see a list of network information.

Look for the section labeled "Wireless LAN adapter" or "Ethernet adapter" — whichever one you're using to connect. Under that section, find the line that says "Default Gateway." The number next to it is your router's IP address. It will be something like 192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1.

Find it on Mac using System Settings

Click the Apple menu and select System Settings. Click Network in the left sidebar. Select the Wi-Fi network you're connected to, then click Details. Look for the line labeled "Router" — the number next to it is your router's IP address.

If you're using an older version of macOS, the path might be System Preferences instead of System Settings, but the steps are the same.

Log in once you have the address

Open any web browser — Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, it doesn't matter. Click the address bar at the top and type your router's IP address exactly as it appears, then press Enter. You should see a login screen asking for a username and password.

If you've never changed these, they're usually the defaults printed on that same sticker on your router. Common defaults are admin for both username and password, or admin and password. If those don't work, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's support page for that model.

What to do if you can't reach the login page

If you type the IP address and nothing loads, first check that you're connected to your router's network — look at your Wi-Fi list and make sure you're on the right network name. Then try the address again, making sure you didn't add "http://" or "www" in front of it. Type only the numbers and dots, nothing else.

If it still doesn't work, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting two minutes for it to fully boot. Then try the address again. If you're still stuck, try a different browser — sometimes one browser has cached an old version of the page.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your router's IP address is private and only works on your home network. Your internet IP address is public and is assigned by your internet provider. Websites see your public IP, not your router's private one. 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 you usually shouldn't. It's set to a default for a reason — if you change it and forget the new one, you'll have trouble logging back in. If you do change it, write it down somewhere safe. Most people never need to change it.

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

You need it to log into your router's settings page. That's where you change your Wi-Fi password, restart the router, see what devices are connected, update the router's software, or troubleshoot connection problems. Without the IP address, you can't reach that page.

What if I forgot my router's login password?

Most routers have a small reset button you can hold down for 10 to 15 seconds to restore factory defaults. This erases your Wi-Fi password and any custom settings, so use it only as a last resort. After resetting, you'll log in with the default username and password from the sticker, then set up your network again from scratch.