Your router's IP address is printed on a sticker on the device itself, or you can find it through your computer or phone in under a minute

The easiest way is to look at the physical router. Most routers have a sticker on the bottom or back that lists the default IP address — usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Write it down or take a photo. If that sticker is missing or worn away, you can find the same address through your computer's network settings without touching the router at all.

You need this address to log into your router's control panel, where you can change your Wi-Fi password, see which devices are connected, or adjust security settings. Knowing how to find it is the first step to managing your own network instead of calling your internet provider for help.

Key Takeaways

  • The router's IP address is printed on a sticker attached to the physical device, usually on the bottom or back panel.
  • On Windows, you can find it by opening Command Prompt and typing ipconfig, then looking for the "Default Gateway" line.
  • On Mac or Linux, open Terminal and type netstat -nr | grep default to see the router's address.
  • On iPhone or Android, go to Wi-Fi settings, tap the network name, and look for "Router" or "Gateway" in the network details.
  • Once you have the address, type it into a web browser's address bar to reach your router's login page.

Finding the address on the router itself

Turn the router over or look at the back. Most routers have a white or silver sticker that lists several pieces of information: the model number, the serial number, and the default gateway or IP address. It will be four numbers separated by periods, like 192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1. This is the address you type into a web browser to reach the router's settings page.

If the sticker is missing, faded, or illegible, do not assume you are stuck. The address is also stored in your computer or phone's network settings, and you can pull it from there in seconds. The sticker is just the fastest route if it is readable.

Finding the address on Windows

Open the Start menu and type cmd or command prompt. Click the Command Prompt app when it appears. A black window will open with a blinking cursor.

Type ipconfig and press Enter. You will see a list of network information. Look for the section labeled "Ethernet adapter" or "Wireless LAN adapter" — whichever one you are using to connect to the internet. In that section, find the line that says Default Gateway. The number next to it is your router's IP address. It will look like 192.168.1.1 or similar.

Write down or screenshot that number. You can close the Command Prompt window after that.

Finding the address on Mac or Linux

Open the Terminal app. On Mac, you can find it by pressing Command + Space, typing terminal, and pressing Enter. On Linux, look for Terminal in your applications menu.

Type netstat -nr | grep default and press Enter. The output will show a line with several numbers. The first set of numbers on that line is your router's IP address. It will typically be 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 10.0.0.1. Close Terminal when you have written it down.

Finding the address on your phone

On iPhone: Open Settings, tap Wi-Fi, and tap the name of the network you are connected to. Scroll down to see network details. Look for a field labeled "Router" or "Gateway" — the number shown there is your router's IP address.

On Android: Open Settings, go to Wi-Fi, and tap the network you are connected to. Look for "Gateway" or "Router" in the network details. Some Android versions call this field "IP gateway" instead. The number shown is your router's address.

What to do once you have the address

Open a web browser on any device connected to your Wi-Fi. Type the IP address into the address bar at the top — for example, 192.168.1.1 — and press Enter. You will see a login page asking for a username and password.

The default username and password are usually printed on that same sticker on the router, or in the router's manual. Common defaults are admin/admin or admin/password, but this varies by manufacturer. Once you log in, you can see all connected devices, change your Wi-Fi name and password, update security settings, or restart the router if it is acting up.

If you have changed the password before and do not remember it, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding a small reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all your custom settings and return the router to its original state, so only do this if you are prepared to set everything up again.

Why you might need this information

Knowing your router's IP address lets you take control of your own network. You can change your Wi-Fi password without calling your internet provider, see which devices are connected and remove ones you do not recognize, update the router's firmware to patch security holes, or adjust settings that affect how fast your connection is.

It also helps when troubleshooting. If your internet is slow or dropping out, you can log into the router and restart it, or check whether too many devices are connected at once. If a device is not connecting to Wi-Fi, you can see whether the router recognizes it and adjust the settings to fix the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I type the IP address and nothing happens?

Make sure you are connected to that router's Wi-Fi network — you cannot reach the login page if you are on a different network or using mobile data. Also check that you typed the address correctly, with no spaces or extra characters. If it still does not work, try restarting the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

Is the IP address the same as my Wi-Fi password?

No. The IP address is the address of the router itself, like a street address for a building. The Wi-Fi password is what you type into your phone or laptop to connect to the network. They are completely separate. You need the IP address to reach the router's settings page, where you can change the Wi-Fi password if you want to.

Can someone else see my router's IP address?

Yes, anyone connected to your Wi-Fi network can see it by checking their network settings the same way you did. This is normal and not a security risk — the IP address is not a secret. What matters is the password to log into the router's settings page, which you should keep private and change from the default if you have not already.

What if my router has two IP addresses listed?

Some routers show both an IPv4 address (four numbers like 192.168.1.1) and an IPv6 address (longer, with letters and colons). For most home networks, use the IPv4 address — it is the standard one. IPv6 is newer and less commonly used in home setups, so start with the four-number version.