Your default gateway is the router's address on your network

Your default gateway is the IP address of your router — the device that connects your home network to the internet. When your computer or phone needs to send data outside your local network, it sends that data to the gateway first. Finding this address takes less than a minute and requires no special tools.

You need the gateway address to log into your router's settings, change your Wi-Fi password, update security settings, or troubleshoot connection problems. The address is usually printed on a sticker on the router itself, but if that sticker is missing or unreadable, you can find it through your device's network settings in a few clicks.

Key Takeaways

  • Your default gateway is your router's IP address, typically something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, and is printed on a sticker on the router.
  • On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig, then look for the line labeled "Default Gateway" in the results.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings, select Network, click your connection, then look for "Router" in the TCP/IP tab.
  • On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, select Wi-Fi, tap the network name, and scroll down to find the router address.
  • Once you have the address, type it into a web browser to reach your router's login page.

Check the router itself first

The easiest place to find your default gateway is on the router. Look for a sticker on the bottom, back, or side of the device. The sticker usually lists the model number, serial number, Wi-Fi network name, and default password. It also shows the gateway address, often labeled as "Gateway", "Router Address", or "Default Gateway".

The address is almost always 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, depending on the router brand. If you find the sticker, write down the address and skip to the "Log into your router" section below. If the sticker is worn, missing, or illegible, use your device's network settings instead.

Find the gateway on Windows

Open Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key, typing cmd, and pressing Enter. A black window will open. Type ipconfig and press Enter. The window will display a list of network information.

Look for the section labeled "Ethernet" or "Wireless LAN adapter" depending on whether you are connected by cable or Wi-Fi. Under that section, find the line that says "Default Gateway" followed by a series of numbers. That number is your router's address. It will look something like 192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1. Write it down or take a screenshot.

Find the gateway on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Click Network in the left sidebar. Select the network connection you are using — either "Wi-Fi" or "Ethernet" — and click the Details button or the connection name itself.

Click the TCP/IP tab at the top of the window. Look for the line labeled Router. The address next to it is your default gateway. If you do not see a TCP/IP tab, your connection may not be active — make sure you are connected to your network first.

Find the gateway on iPhone or iPad

Open Settings and tap Wi-Fi. Find the network you are connected to and tap the information icon (the small circle with an "i" inside it) next to the network name. A details screen will open.

Scroll down to find the line labeled Router. The address shown is your default gateway. This method works on any iPhone or iPad running iOS 15 or later. If you are using an older version, the router address may not be visible in Settings — use a Windows or Mac device instead.

Find the gateway on Android

Open Settings and go to Wi-Fi or Network & Internet, depending on your phone's version. Tap the network you are connected to and hold your finger on it until a menu appears. Select Manage or View Details.

Look for a line labeled Gateway, Router, or Default Gateway. The address shown is your router's IP address. If you do not see this information, your phone may not display it in Settings — use a Windows or Mac device instead.

Log into your router with the gateway address

Once you have the gateway address, open a web browser on any device connected to your network. Type the address into the address bar — for example, 192.168.1.1 — and press Enter. A login page will appear.

Enter your router's username and password. The default is often admin for both, but check the sticker on your router or your router's manual to be sure. Once you log in, you can change your Wi-Fi password, update security settings, restart the router, or make other changes. If you cannot log in, restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting two minutes for it to fully start up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I see multiple default gateways in ipconfig?

You may see different gateways for Ethernet and Wi-Fi if your computer is connected to both. Use the gateway for the connection type you actually use. If you are on Wi-Fi, use the gateway under "Wireless LAN adapter". If you are on Ethernet, use the gateway under "Ethernet".

Is the default gateway the same as my IP address?

No. Your device's IP address is unique to that device — for example, 192.168.1.50. The default gateway is your router's address — for example, 192.168.1.1. Your device uses the gateway to reach the internet, but they are different addresses.

Why does my gateway address start with 10.0.0 instead of 192.168?

Different routers use different address ranges. Some use 192.168.x.x, others use 10.0.0.x, and some use 172.16.x.x. All are valid. The exact range depends on your router's manufacturer and settings, but the process for finding and using the address is the same.

Can I change my default gateway address?

You can change it through your router's settings, but there is no reason to unless you are troubleshooting a network conflict. Changing it can break your network if done incorrectly. Leave it at the factory default unless a technician or your router's manual tells you otherwise.

What if I forget my router login password?

Most routers have a reset button you can hold for 10 to 15 seconds to restore factory settings. This will erase your Wi-Fi password and any custom settings, so use this only as a last resort. Check your router's manual for the exact reset procedure, as it varies by model.