Your router has its own address on your network, and you reach it by typing that address into a web browser
Every device on your home network — your phone, laptop, printer, security camera — has an IP address. Your router itself has one too. To change your WiFi password, update your router's security settings, or see which devices are connected, you need to reach your router's settings page by entering its IP address into a browser's address bar.
The most common router IP address is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You type one of these into your browser the same way you would type a website address. If neither works, your router's manual or a sticker on the device itself will show the correct address.
This is not the same as your internet-facing IP address (the one your internet service provider assigns to your home). This is your local IP address — the one that only works inside your own network.
Key Takeaways
- Most routers use 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 as their local IP address; type it directly into your browser's address bar.
- If the standard addresses do not work, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router or look up your router model online.
- You will be asked for a username and password when you reach the login page — the default is often admin/admin, but change it when ready if it still is.
- Once logged in, you can change your WiFi name and password, see connected devices, and adjust security settings.
- Never share your router's IP address or login credentials with anyone you do not trust to change your network settings.
Finding your router's IP address on Windows
Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key and typing cmd, then press Enter. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the line that says "Default Gateway" — that address is your router's IP address on your local network.
Write down or copy that address. Close the Command Prompt and open any web browser. Paste the address into the address bar at the top and press Enter. You should see a login page.
Finding your router's IP address on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions). Click Network on the left side. Select your WiFi network from the list, then click Details or Advanced. Look for the line labeled Router — that is your router's IP address.
Open a web browser, paste that address into the address bar, and press Enter. You should see a login page.
Finding your router's IP address on a phone or tablet
On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network you are connected to, and look for Router in the list of details shown.
On an Android phone, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi, tap the network you are connected to, then tap Advanced or Manage. Look for Gateway in the list.
Once you have the address, open a web browser on the same phone or tablet, paste it into the address bar, and press Enter.
What to do if the standard addresses do not work
If 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1 both time out or show an error, your router uses a different address. Check the physical router itself — most have a sticker on the back or bottom that lists the default IP address, username, and password.
If you cannot find a sticker, search online for your router's model number (usually printed on the device) plus "default IP address". Manufacturer support pages list this information. You can also try 192.168.100.1 or 10.0.0.1, though these are less common.
Logging in and what to do next
When you reach your router's settings page, you will see a login prompt. The default username is usually admin and the default password is usually admin, password, or 12345 — check your router's manual if neither works.
Once you are logged in, change the default password when ready. Look for a section called Administration, System Settings, or Security. Create a strong password that is different from your WiFi password. This prevents anyone who connects to your network from changing your router settings.
From the main settings page, you can usually find options to change your WiFi name (SSID) and password, see which devices are connected, update your router's firmware, or adjust security features. The exact layout depends on your router model, but most follow a similar structure.
Why you should not share your router's IP address or login
Your router's settings page controls your entire network. Someone with access can change your WiFi password, disconnect your devices, monitor your traffic, or alter security settings. Treat your router's IP address and login credentials the same way you treat your bank password.
If you need a technician to help with your network, you can give them temporary access without sharing your credentials — most routers allow you to create a guest account with limited permissions. Check your router's manual for how to set this up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between my router's IP address and my internet IP address?
Your router's IP address (like 192.168.1.1) only works inside your home network. Your internet IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and is how websites see your location. You need the router's address to change WiFi settings; you need the internet address if you are troubleshooting connection issues with your provider.
Can I change my router's IP address?
Yes, but there is no reason to unless you have a specific technical reason. Changing it can break devices that expect the default address. If you want to change it, go to your router's settings page, look for LAN Settings or Network Settings, and follow your router's manual. Most people should leave it at the default.
What if I forgot my router's login password?
Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you can hold down for 10 to 15 seconds to restore factory defaults. This erases all your settings and returns the password to the default. After resetting, you will need to set up your WiFi name and password again from scratch.
Is it safe to access my router settings from my phone on the same WiFi?
Yes. Accessing your router from a device on your own network is safe. Do not access your router settings from a public WiFi network or from outside your home, as this could expose your login credentials.
Why does my browser say the connection is not find when I access my router?
Most home routers use HTTP instead of HTTPS, so your browser will show a warning. This is normal and expected. The warning does not mean your router is unsafe — it just means the connection between your device and the router is not encrypted. Since you are on your own network, this is acceptable.