Your router's IP address is usually printed on a sticker on the device itself, or you can find it through your computer's network settings in under a minute
The easiest place to look first is the physical router. Most manufacturers print the default IP address on a label on the bottom or back of the device — it often looks like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If you can see that sticker and it's legible, you're done. Write it down or take a photo.
If the sticker is missing or worn away, you can find the IP address through your computer or phone by checking what gateway address your device is using to connect to the network. This takes a few clicks and works the same way whether you're on Windows, Mac, or a phone.
Once you have the IP address, you type it into a web browser's address bar (the same place you'd type a website URL) and you'll land on your router's login page. From there you can change your Wi-Fi password, see which devices are connected, or adjust other network settings.
Key Takeaways
- Check the physical sticker on your router first — the IP address is usually printed there as the default gateway.
- On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig, then look for the line labeled "Default Gateway" under your active connection.
- On Mac, go to System Preferences > Network, select your Wi-Fi connection, and click Advanced — the router IP appears under TCP/IP.
- On iPhone or Android, go to Wi-Fi settings, tap your network name, and scroll down to see the router address listed as "Router" or "Gateway".
- Once you have the IP address, type it into your browser's address bar to reach your router's login page.
Finding the IP address on Windows
Open Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key, typing cmd, and pressing Enter. A black window will open with a blinking cursor.
Type ipconfig and press Enter. You'll see a list of network information. 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). In that section, find the line that says "Default Gateway" — the number next to it is your router's IP address.
Write down that number or take a screenshot. You can close Command Prompt after that.
Finding the IP address on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Preferences (or System Settings on newer versions). Look for Network and click it.
On the left side, select the Wi-Fi connection you're currently using. Click the Advanced button in the bottom-right corner. A new window opens — click the TCP/IP tab at the top. You'll see a field labeled "Router" with an IP address next to it. That's your router's address.
Close the windows when you're done. You now have the information you need to log into your router.
Finding the IP address on your phone
On iPhone: Open Settings, tap Wi-Fi, and find the network you're connected to. Tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i") next to the network name. Scroll down and you'll see "Router" listed with an IP address.
On Android: Open Settings and go to Wi-Fi or Network. Tap the network you're connected to and hold it until a menu appears. Select "Manage" or "View Details" (the exact wording varies by phone). Look for "Gateway" or "Router" in the list — that's your router's IP address.
Phone screenshots are helpful because you can reference them later without having to repeat these steps.
What to do once you have the IP address
Open any web browser on a device connected to your Wi-Fi network. In the address bar at the top (where you'd normally type a website like google.com), type the IP address you found — for example, 192.168.1.1 — and press Enter.
Your router's login page will load. You'll be asked for a username and password. The default credentials are often printed on that same sticker on your router, or in the manual that came with it. Common defaults are admin/admin or admin/password, but this varies by manufacturer.
Once logged in, you can change your Wi-Fi password, see what devices are connected, restart the router, or adjust other settings. If you've never logged in before, you may be prompted to create a new password — do this, because it secures your router from unauthorized access.
Why you might need your router's IP address
The most common reason is to change your Wi-Fi password. You can do this through your router's settings page, which is more reliable than trying to change it through your phone's Wi-Fi menu.
You might also need it to troubleshoot a connection problem, restart the router remotely, check which devices are using your network, or adjust security settings like your firewall. Some people also need it to set up port forwarding if they're running a server or gaming console that needs special network access.
If you're not sure what you're looking for once you're logged in, most routers have a help section or manual available on the login page itself.
If you can't find the IP address
If the sticker is completely gone and you can't access your computer or phone's network settings, you have two options. The first is to restart your router — unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. During startup, some routers briefly display the IP address on a small LED screen, though most don't.
The second option is to check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website. Search for your router model number (usually on the device itself) plus "default IP address" and you'll find the standard address for that model. Most routers in the same product line use the same default IP.
If you've already changed the IP address from the default and can't remember it, you may need to perform a factory reset on the router. This erases all your settings and returns it to defaults, so only do this if you're comfortable reconfiguring your Wi-Fi network afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my router's IP address the same as my internet IP address?
No. Your router's IP address (like 192.168.1.1) is internal — it's only used by devices on your home network to talk to the router. Your internet IP address is assigned by your internet provider and is how the outside world identifies your home connection. You can find your internet IP by searching "what is my IP" in a browser.
Can I change my router's IP address?
Yes, but there's usually no reason to. You can change it through the router's settings page if you need to avoid a conflict with another device, but the default address works fine for most people. If you do change it, write down the new address somewhere safe — you'll need it to log back in.
What if I type the IP address and nothing loads?
Make sure you're connected to your Wi-Fi network, not a different one. Double-check that you typed the IP address correctly — even one wrong number will fail. If it still doesn't load, try restarting your router and waiting a minute for it to fully boot up, then try again.
Do I need to know my router's IP address to use Wi-Fi?
No. You only need it if you want to log into your router's settings to change something like your password or network name. For everyday Wi-Fi use, you don't need to know it at all.