Your router's IP address is printed on the device itself or found through your computer's network settings

Your router has two addresses: the one your internet provider assigns (your public IP, which changes) and the one it uses inside your home network (your private IP, which stays the same). The private IP is what you need to log in to your router's settings page — usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You can find it three ways: check the sticker on the router, look in your computer's network settings, or check your device's connection details.

Most people need this address when they want to change their Wi-Fi password, update router firmware, or troubleshoot a connection problem. Knowing where to find it saves you a support call.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's private IP address is printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device, usually in the format 192.168.x.x.
  • On Windows, you can find it by opening Command Prompt and typing ipconfig, then looking for "Default Gateway" under your active connection.
  • On Mac, go to System Preferences > Network, select your Wi-Fi connection, and click Advanced to see the router address listed as "Router".
  • On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the network you're connected to, and look for "Router" in the IP Address section.

Check the physical sticker on your router

The easiest method 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 network information printed on it. You're looking for a line that says "Default Gateway" or just an IP address in the format 192.168.x.x (where x is a number). Some routers also print this on the front or side.

If the sticker is worn or missing, move to the next method. The address doesn't change unless you manually alter it, so this information is reliable even if the sticker is old.

Find it on Windows using Command Prompt

Open Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key, typing cmd, and pressing Enter. Type ipconfig and press Enter. A list of network information appears. Look for the section labeled with your active connection (usually "Ethernet" if you're plugged in, or "Wireless LAN adapter" if you're on Wi-Fi).

Find the line that says "Default Gateway" — the address next to it is your router's IP. It typically looks like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Write it down or take a screenshot before you close the window.

Find it on Mac using System Preferences

Click the Apple menu and select System Preferences (or System Settings on newer macOS versions). Click Network. Select the Wi-Fi network you're currently connected to from the list on the left. Click the Advanced button in the bottom right corner.

A new window opens. Click the TCP/IP tab at the top. Look for the line labeled "Router" — the address next to it is what you need. This is your router's private IP address on your home network.

Find it on your phone or tablet

On iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi. Tap the name of the network you're connected to (the one with the checkmark). Scroll down to the IP Address section. Look for "Router" — the address listed there is your router's IP.

On Android: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi. Long-press the network you're connected to and select "Manage" or "View Details". Look for "Gateway" or "Router" in the list. The address shown is your router's IP. The exact steps vary by phone manufacturer, but the information is always in the Wi-Fi details section.

What to do once you have the address

Once you have your router's IP address, open a web browser on any device connected to your Wi-Fi and type the address into the address bar (for example, 192.168.1.1). Press Enter. You'll be prompted to log in with a username and password — these are usually printed on the same sticker as the IP address, or they're the defaults "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and "password".

From the router's settings page, you can change your Wi-Fi password, update the router's firmware, restart the device, or adjust other network settings. If you can't log in, check the sticker again or look up your specific router model online — different manufacturers use different default credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need my router's IP address?

You need it to log into your router's settings page, where you can change your Wi-Fi password, restart the device, update firmware, or troubleshoot connection problems. Without this address, you can't access these controls.

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

No. Your router's private IP (192.168.x.x) is used only inside your home network. Your public IP is assigned by your internet provider and is what websites see when you browse. They're different things.

Can I change my router's IP address?

Yes, but you shouldn't unless you have a specific reason. You can change it in the router's settings page, but doing so can confuse devices on your network. If you do change it, write down the new address so you can find the settings page again.

What if I can't find the IP address using these methods?

Check the router's manual or look up your router model online — the default IP is usually listed. If the sticker is missing and the commands don't work, your router may have been set up with a non-standard IP address. Contact your internet provider or the router manufacturer for help.