Your gateway IP address is the address you type into your browser to reach your router's settings page

The gateway IP address is the numerical address of your router on your home network. When you open a web browser and type something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, you are entering your gateway IP address. This takes you to a login page where you can change your Wi-Fi password, see which devices are connected, update your router's firmware, or adjust security settings.

Most home routers use one of two standard gateway addresses: 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Your router's manual or the sticker on the back of the device will tell you which one yours uses. If neither of those works, there are straightforward ways to find the correct address on any device in your home.

Key Takeaways

  • Your gateway IP address is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, printed on your router's sticker or manual.
  • You can find your gateway address on Windows by opening Command Prompt and typing ipconfig, then looking for "Default Gateway".
  • On Mac or Linux, open Terminal and type netstat -nr | grep default to see your gateway address.
  • On iPhone or Android, go to Wi-Fi settings, tap your network name, and look for "Router" or "Gateway" in the network details.
  • Knowing your gateway address lets you change your Wi-Fi password, check connected devices, and update your router's security settings.

How to find your gateway address on Windows

Open Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key and typing cmd, then press Enter. Type ipconfig and press Enter. A list of network information will appear. Look for the line that says "Default Gateway" — the number next to it is your gateway IP address, usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.

Write down this address or take a screenshot. Open any web browser, type the address into the address bar (the same place you would type a website name), and press Enter. You should see a login page asking for a username and password. If you have never changed these, they are often "admin" for both, but check your router's manual to be sure.

How to find your gateway address on Mac or Linux

Open Terminal. On Mac, press Command and Space, type terminal, and press Enter. On Linux, right-click the desktop and select "Open Terminal" or use your applications menu. Type netstat -nr | grep default and press Enter. The first column of numbers that appears is your gateway IP address.

Alternatively, on Mac you can go to System Preferences, click Network, select your Wi-Fi connection, and click Advanced. The gateway address appears under the TCP/IP tab. Once you have the address, open a web browser and type it into the address bar the same way you would on Windows.

How to find your gateway address on a phone or tablet

On iPhone, go to Settings, tap Wi-Fi, and tap the name of your network (the one with the checkmark). Scroll down and look for "Router" or "Gateway" — the IP address listed there is your gateway. On Android, go to Settings, tap Wi-Fi, long-press your network name, and tap "Manage". Look for "Gateway" in the network details.

Once you have the address, open Safari (iPhone) or Chrome (Android) and type the gateway address into the address bar. You will see the router login page. Note that some routers do not allow you to change settings from a phone browser — you may need to use a computer instead.

What to do if the standard addresses do not work

If 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1 both fail to load, use the Command Prompt or Terminal method above to find the correct address. Some routers use different addresses like 192.168.100.1 or 10.0.0.1. The method above will show you exactly what your router uses.

If you still cannot reach the login page, check that you are connected to your Wi-Fi network (not a mobile hotspot or guest network). Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in, then try again. If the page loads but you cannot remember your password, look for a small reset button on the router itself — holding it for 10 seconds will reset the router to factory defaults, though this will erase any changes you made.

What you can do once you reach your gateway

Once you log in to your gateway, you can change your Wi-Fi password, see a list of all devices connected to your network, update your router's firmware (the software that runs the router), and adjust security settings like WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. You can also set up a guest network, change your network name, or restart the router from this page.

Different routers have different layouts, but most organize these options into tabs or a menu on the left side. Your router's manual will show you where each setting is located. If you are not sure what a setting does, it is usually safe to leave it alone unless you have a specific reason to change it.

Why you should not share your gateway address or password

Your gateway address itself is not secret — anyone on your Wi-Fi network can find it using the same methods above. However, the username and password to log in are important to keep private. If someone has access to your router settings, they can change your Wi-Fi password, see which devices are connected, or alter security settings.

If you think someone has logged into your router without permission, change the admin password when ready. Go back to the gateway login page, find the administration or security settings, and update the password to something strong and unique. You can also check the list of connected devices to see if anything unfamiliar is there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my gateway address the same as my IP address?

No. Your gateway address is your router's address on the network. Your device (computer, phone, tablet) has its own separate IP address, usually something like 192.168.1.5 or 192.168.1.100. You can see your device's IP address in the same Command Prompt or Terminal output where you found the gateway.

Can I change my gateway IP address?

Yes, but it is not recommended unless you have a specific reason. You can change it in your router's settings under LAN or Network settings. If you change it, you will need to remember the new address to log back in. Most people should leave it at the factory default.

What if I forgot my router's admin password?

Press and hold the small reset button on the back of your router for about 10 seconds until the lights blink. This resets the router to factory defaults, including the password. You will need to set up your Wi-Fi network again from scratch, but you will be able to log in with the default username and password from your manual.

Do I need to know my gateway address for everyday internet use?

No. Your gateway address is only needed if you want to change router settings like your Wi-Fi password or network name. For normal browsing, email, or streaming, you do not need to know it or access it.