Your router has its own address on your home network, separate from your internet address

Your router's IP address is a number like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — it's the address you type into a web browser to reach the router's settings page. This is different from your public IP address (the one websites see when you visit them). You need the router address to change your WiFi password, update firmware, or adjust security settings.

The address is almost always printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router. If that sticker is missing or unreadable, you can find it through your computer or phone in under a minute using one of four methods below.

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 address.
  • On Mac or Linux, open Terminal and type netstat -nr | grep default to find the same information.
  • On iPhone or Android, go to WiFi settings, tap your connected network name, and look for "Router" or "Gateway" in the network details.
  • Once you have the address, type it directly into your web browser's address bar — do not search for it.

Check the physical sticker first — it saves time

Flip your router over or look at the back panel. Most routers have a label with the model number, serial number, and default IP address printed on it. The address usually appears next to "IP Address", "Default Gateway", or sometimes just as a number like "192.168.1.1".

If the sticker is there and readable, write down the address and skip to the section on accessing your router settings. If the sticker is missing, faded, or the number doesn't work when you try it, use one of the command-line methods below.

Find it on Windows using Command Prompt

Open the Start menu and type cmd or Command Prompt. Click to open it. At the prompt, type ipconfig and press Enter. A list of network information will appear.

Look for the section labeled with your WiFi network name or "Ethernet" if you're plugged in with a cable. Find the line that says 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. Write it down or take a screenshot.

Find it on Mac or Linux using Terminal

Open Terminal (on Mac, search for it in Spotlight; on Linux, right-click the desktop or use your process menu). Type this command exactly: netstat -nr | grep default and press Enter.

The output will show a line with several numbers. The first number in that line is your router's IP address. On some systems, you may see route -n instead if the first command doesn't work — both show the same information. Copy or write down the address that appears first in the default route line.

Find it on your phone's WiFi settings

On iPhone: Go to Settings, tap WiFi, then tap the network name you're connected to. Scroll down and look for "Router" or "Gateway" — the IP address appears next to it.

On Android: Go to Settings, tap WiFi or Network, then tap the connected network name. Look for "Gateway" or "Router IP" in the advanced options. Some Android versions label this differently, so scroll through the network details until you see a number that looks like an IP address (four groups of numbers separated by dots).

What to do once you have the address

Open any web browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, it doesn't matter. Click the address bar at the top and type your router's IP address directly. Do not use a search engine; type it the same way you would type a website URL.

Press Enter. Your router's login page should appear. You will be asked for a username and password. The default is usually admin for both, but check your router's sticker or manual if that doesn't work. Once logged in, you can change your WiFi password, update security settings, or check for firmware updates.

Why this matters for your home network security

Accessing your router settings lets you change the default password (which many people never do), enable WPA3 or WPA2 encryption if it's not already on, and turn off WPS (WiFi Protected Setup), a feature that makes your network easier to break into. You can also see which devices are connected and remove any you don't recognize.

The router's settings page is also where you learn about a firmware update is available. Manufacturers release updates to patch security holes, so checking once every few months is worth the minute it takes. If an update is waiting, install it and let the router restart — this usually takes two to five minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if none of these methods show an IP address?

Make sure you're connected to your WiFi network, not a guest network or a different one. If you're using Ethernet (a cable), the address will still appear in Command Prompt or Terminal. If you see no Default Gateway line at all, restart your router and try again — sometimes the connection needs to be re-established.

Is it safe to type my router's IP address into a browser?

Yes. You're connecting to your own device on your home network, not the internet. No one outside your home can access it this way. Just make sure you're on your own WiFi or plugged into your own router with a cable, not a public network.

What if I try the IP address and nothing happens?

The address might be wrong, or your router might not be responding. Restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait two minutes for it to fully start up, then try the address again. If it still doesn't work, try a different address from the sticker — some routers have multiple addresses listed.

Can I change my router's IP address myself?

Yes, but there's no reason to unless you have a specific networking reason. Changing it can break devices that rely on the default address. If you want to change your WiFi password or network name instead, that's done in the same settings page and is much safer.

Do I need to do this every time I want to change my WiFi password?

No. Once you know the address, you can bookmark it in your browser or write it down. You only need to find it once. After that, just type it in the address bar whenever you need to access your router settings.