Your gateway address is the IP address of your router — the device that connects your home network to the internet

Every device on your home network needs a way to send data outside that network. That path goes through your router, and your router's address on your local network is called the gateway address. You need this address if you want to change your router's settings, troubleshoot connection problems, or check which devices are connected to your network.

The gateway address is almost always 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, depending on your router's manufacturer. You can find the exact address in three ways: check a sticker on your router, look at your device's network settings, or check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website.

Key Takeaways

  • Your gateway address is printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router, usually next to the default username and password.
  • On Windows, you can find it by opening Command Prompt and typing ipconfig, then looking for "Default Gateway" in the results.
  • On Mac or Linux, open Terminal and type netstat -nr | grep default to see your gateway address.
  • On iPhone or Android, go to your Wi-Fi settings, tap the network name, and look for "Router" or "Gateway" in the network details.
  • Once you have the address, type it into your web browser's address bar to log into your router and change settings.

Check the sticker on your router

The fastest way is to look at your router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom that lists the default gateway address, along with the default username and password you need to log in.

The sticker usually says "Gateway", "Router Address", or "Default Gateway" followed by an IP address like 192.168.1.1. If your router is wall-mounted or hard to reach, take a photo of the sticker with your phone so you have the information without moving the router again.

Find it on Windows

If you cannot see the sticker or it is worn off, you can find your gateway address through your computer's network settings.

On Windows, right-click the Start button and select "Terminal" or "Command Prompt". Type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the section labeled with your network name (usually under "Ethernet adapter" or "Wireless LAN adapter"). The line that says "Default Gateway" shows your router's address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.

Find it on Mac or Linux

On a Mac, open Terminal (search for it in Spotlight or find it in Applications > Utilities). Type netstat -nr | grep default and press Enter. The first column of results shows your gateway address.

On Linux, open a terminal and type the same command: netstat -nr | grep default. If that does not work, try ip route show instead — the address after "via" is your gateway.

Find it on your phone

On iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the network you are connected to, and scroll down. You should see "Router" or "Gateway" with an IP address next to it.

On Android, go to Settings > Network and Internet > Wi-Fi, tap the network name, and look for "Gateway" in the advanced options. Some Android versions call it "Router" instead.

What to do once you have the address

Once you have your gateway address, open a web browser on any device connected to your network and type the address into the address bar — for example, 192.168.1.1 — then press Enter. Your router will ask you to log in with a username and password.

If you do not know the login, check the sticker on your router again. The default is often "admin" for both username and password, but this varies by manufacturer. If the default does not work, look up your router's model number (also on the sticker) and search for the default login online, or check the manual that came with it.

Once you are logged in, you can see which devices are connected, change your Wi-Fi password, update your router's software, or adjust security settings. Do not change settings unless you know what they do — a wrong change can disconnect your network or weaken your security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I type the gateway address and nothing happens?

Make sure you are connected to your home Wi-Fi network, not a mobile hotspot or a different network. If you are connected and still see an error, try the other common address: if 192.168.1.1 does not work, try 192.168.0.1. If neither works, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then try again.

Can I change my gateway address?

You can change the IP address your router uses on your local network, but this is rarely necessary and can cause problems if you do not know what you are doing. Most people should leave it at the default. If you think you need to change it, contact your internet provider or router manufacturer first.

Is my gateway address the same as my public IP address?

No. Your gateway address (like 192.168.1.1) is only visible to devices on your home network. Your public IP address is what websites see when you visit them, and it is assigned by your internet provider. You can find your public IP by searching "what is my IP" in a web browser.

Why do I need to know my gateway address?

You need it to log into your router and change settings like your Wi-Fi password, security options, or to see which devices are connected. You also need it if you are troubleshooting network problems or setting up advanced features like port forwarding.