Your router's IP address is printed on the sticker underneath it, or you can find it in your computer's network settings in under a minute

The easiest way to locate your router's IP address is to look at the physical device itself. Flip your router over or look at the bottom and back — you will see a sticker with information printed on it. The IP address is usually listed as "Default Gateway" or straightforward "IP Address" and looks like four numbers separated by periods, such as 192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1. Write this down or take a photo.

If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can find the same address through your computer or phone in seconds. The method differs slightly depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or another operating system, but the information is always in your network settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's IP address is printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of the device itself, usually labeled as "Default Gateway" or "IP Address".
  • On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig, then look for the line that says "Default Gateway" — that number is your router's IP address.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings, select Network, click your active connection, and look for "Router" in the TCP/IP section.
  • Once you have the IP address, type it into any web browser's address bar to log into your router and change your password or network settings.

Finding the IP address on Windows

Open the Command Prompt process on your Windows computer. The fastest way is to press the Windows key and type cmd, then press Enter. A black window will open.

Type ipconfig and press Enter. A list of information will appear. Look for the section labeled with your network connection name (usually "Ethernet" if you are plugged in with a cable, or "Wireless LAN" if you are on Wi-Fi). Under that section, 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 192.168.0.1.

Finding the IP address on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. In the sidebar, click Network.

Select the network connection you are currently using — either Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on how your Mac is connected. A details panel will open on the right. Look for the TCP/IP section and find the line labeled Router. The number next to it is your router's IP address.

Finding the IP address on a phone or tablet

On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, then Wi-Fi. Tap the name of your network, then scroll down and look for Router. The IP address will be listed there.

On an Android phone, go to Settings, then Network and Internet or Wi-Fi (the exact name varies by manufacturer). Tap your connected network and look for Gateway or Router. The number shown is your router's IP address.

What to do once you have the IP address

Once you have your router's IP address, you can type it directly into the address bar of any web browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. Press Enter, and you will be taken to your router's login page.

From there, you can change your Wi-Fi password, update your network name, adjust security settings, or restart the router if it is not working properly. You will need the router's username and password to make changes. These are usually printed on the same sticker where you found the IP address, or they may be the defaults that came with your router model.

Why you might need this information

Finding your router's IP address becomes necessary when you want to change your Wi-Fi password, update your network name, or troubleshoot connection problems. It is also the first step if you want to check your router's security settings or see which devices are connected to your network.

If you are setting up a home network for the first time, or if you inherited a router from a previous owner, logging in through the IP address lets you take control of the device and make sure it is configured the way you want it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot find the sticker on my router?

Use the Command Prompt (Windows) or System Settings (Mac) method instead. Both will show you the router's IP address in seconds. If you have multiple routers on your network, the method will show you the primary one you are currently connected to.

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

No. The IP address is the address of the router itself — it is how your devices find and communicate with the router. Your Wi-Fi password is what you type in to connect to the network. Both are usually on the sticker, but they are separate things.

Can I change my router's IP address?

Yes, but you should not unless you have a specific reason. Changing it can confuse your devices and break your network. Most home users never need to change it. If you want to change your Wi-Fi password or network name instead, that is done in the same login page and is much simpler.

What if the IP address I find does not work when I type it in the browser?

Make sure you are typing it exactly as it appears, with the periods in the right places. Also make sure you are connected to the same network — if you are on a different Wi-Fi network or using mobile data, you will not be able to reach the router. Try again while connected to your home network.