Your router's IP address is printed on the back or bottom of the device

The simplest way to find your router's IP address is to look at the physical device itself. Flip your router over or look at the back panel — you will see a sticker with information printed on it. This sticker usually shows the model number, serial number, and the default IP address, often listed as "Default Gateway" or just shown as a number like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.

Write down this address or take a photo of the sticker. This is the number you type into your web browser's address bar to log into your router and change settings like your Wi-Fi password or network name.

If the sticker is worn off or missing, or if your router's IP address has been changed from the default, you will need to find it another way. The method depends on whether you are using Windows, Mac, or a mobile device.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's IP address is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device, listed as the default gateway.
  • On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig, then look for the line labeled "Default Gateway" — that number is your router's IP address.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings, click Network, select your Wi-Fi connection, and look for "Router" in the details.
  • On iPhone or Android, open your Wi-Fi settings, tap the network you are connected to, and scroll down to find the gateway address.
  • Once you have the IP address, type it into any web browser's address bar to reach your router's login page.

Finding your router's IP on Windows using Command Prompt

Open Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key and typing cmd, then press Enter. A black window will open with a blinking cursor.

Type ipconfig and press Enter. A list of information will appear. Look for the section labeled "Default Gateway" — the number next to it is your router's IP address. It will look something like 192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1. This is the address you need.

You can now close Command Prompt and open any web browser. Type the IP address into the address bar at the top (the same place you would type a website name) and press Enter. Your router's login page will appear.

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.

You will see your Wi-Fi network listed. Click on it, then look for a button or section labeled Details or Advanced. In the window that opens, scroll down until you find a line that says Router — the number next to it is your router's IP address.

Open a web browser, type this IP address into the address bar, and press Enter to reach your router's login page.

Finding your router's IP on iPhone or Android

On iPhone: Open Settings, tap Wi-Fi, and look for the network you are currently connected to. Tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i" inside) next to the network name. Scroll down and look for Router or Gateway — the number shown is your router's IP address.

On Android: Open Settings, tap Wi-Fi, and tap the network you are connected to. Look for Gateway or Router IP in the list of details shown. The number displayed is your router's IP address.

Once you have the address, you can type it into a web browser on any device to reach your router's login page. Note that you will need your router's username and password to log in — these are usually printed on the same sticker as the IP address, or they may be the defaults "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and "password".

What to do if you cannot find the IP address

If none of these methods show a result, or if the address you find does not work, your router's IP address may have been changed from the default. This sometimes happens if someone else set up the network or if the router was reconfigured.

The most reliable way forward is to reset your router to its factory defaults. Look for a small recessed button on the back or bottom of the router labeled Reset. Use a paperclip or pen to press and hold this button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. Once it comes back up, the IP address will be back to the default shown on the sticker.

Be aware that resetting the router will erase any custom settings you or someone else made — your Wi-Fi network name and password will return to the factory defaults, which are usually printed on the sticker as well.

Why you need the router's IP address

The router's IP address is the gateway to your router's settings page. Once you log in using this address, you can change your Wi-Fi password, rename your network, restart the router, check which devices are connected, and adjust security settings.

You do not need the IP address for everyday internet use — your devices find it automatically. You only need it when you want to change something about how your network works or troubleshoot a connection problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your router's IP address is a local number that only works on your home network — it is how your devices talk to the router. Your internet IP address is assigned by your internet provider and is how the outside world identifies your connection. You can find your internet IP by searching "what is my IP" in any web browser.

Can I change my router's IP address?

Yes, but it is not usually necessary. You can change it by logging into the router's settings page and looking for LAN settings or network settings. If you change it, write down the new address or you may have trouble logging back in. Most people leave it at the default.

What if I forgot my router's login password?

Reset the router to factory defaults using the reset button. This will erase your custom Wi-Fi password and network name, but it will let you log in again using the default username and password printed on the sticker. You can then set a new password.

Do I need to know the IP address to connect to Wi-Fi?

No. Your devices find the router automatically when you select your Wi-Fi network name and enter the password. The IP address is only needed if you want to log into the router's settings page to make changes.