Your router has its own address on your home network

Your router's IP address is a number that identifies it on your home network — something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You need this address to log in to your router's settings page, where you can change your Wi-Fi password, restart the device, or troubleshoot connection problems. The address is almost always printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the router itself, but if that sticker is worn or missing, you can find it in seconds from any device connected to your network.

The method depends on what device you're using — Windows, Mac, phone, or tablet — but each one takes less than a minute and requires no special knowledge.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's IP address is usually printed on a physical sticker on the device itself; check the back or bottom first.
  • 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, open System Settings, go to Network, select your Wi-Fi connection, and click Details — the router address appears as "Router".
  • On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap Wi-Fi, select your network name, and scroll down to see the router address labeled "Router".
  • On Android, open Settings, go to Wi-Fi, tap your connected network name, and look for "Gateway" in the network details.

Finding the address on the router itself

Before you use your computer or phone, flip the router over or look at the back. Most routers have a white or silver sticker with printed information including the model number, serial number, and default IP address. The IP address is usually labeled as "IP Address", "Default Gateway", or sometimes just printed as a number like 192.168.1.1.

If the sticker is there and readable, write down the address and you're done. If the sticker is missing, faded, or illegible, move to the method for your device type below.

Finding it on Windows

Open the Start menu and type Command Prompt. Click on the Command Prompt app to open a black window with white text.

Type the word ipconfig and press Enter. A list of information will appear. Look for the section labeled with your Wi-Fi network name or "Ethernet" if you're plugged in with a cable. In that section, find the line that says Default Gateway. The number next to it — usually something like 192.168.1.1 — is your router's IP address.

Finding it 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 Wi-Fi network name from the list on the left. On the right side, click the Details button. A new window opens. Look for the line labeled Router — the number next to it is your router's IP address.

Finding it on iPhone or iPad

Open the Settings app and tap Wi-Fi. Make sure you're connected to your home network, then tap the network name itself (not the arrow next to it).

Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. You'll see a section with network details. Look for the line labeled Router — the number shown is your router's IP address.

Finding it on Android

Open the Settings app and go to Wi-Fi or Network & Internet (the exact name varies by phone brand). Tap your connected network name to see its details.

Look for a line labeled Gateway or Router. The number shown is your router's IP address. On some Android phones, you may need to tap Advanced or More Details to see this information.

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 network. Type the address into the address bar at the top — for example, 192.168.1.1 — and press Enter.

You'll be taken to your router's login page. Most routers ask for a username and password. If you haven't changed these, they're usually printed on that same sticker on the back of the router, or you can look up the default credentials for your router model online. After you log in, you can change your Wi-Fi password, restart the router, check connected devices, or adjust other settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I type the IP address and nothing happens?

Make sure you're connected to your home Wi-Fi network, not a mobile hotspot or a neighbor's network. If you're connected and the page still won't load, try a different browser or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If the address on the sticker doesn't work, try 192.168.0.1 instead — some routers use one, some use the other.

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

No. Your router's IP address is only used on your home network. Your internet IP address (the one your internet provider assigns) is what websites see when you browse. You can find your internet IP address by searching "what is my IP" in any search engine.

Can I change my router's IP address?

Yes, but it's not necessary and can cause problems if you don't know what you're doing. Most home networks work fine with the default address. If you need to change it, log into your router's settings page, look for "LAN Settings" or "Network Settings", and follow your router's instructions carefully.

What if I forgot my router login password?

Most routers have a small reset button on the back. Holding it down for 10 to 15 seconds resets the router to factory defaults, which erases your Wi-Fi password and returns the login to the default username and password printed on the sticker. After reset, you'll need to set up your Wi-Fi again from scratch.