What you need to know right now

Your router's IP address is a number like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 that lets you log into its settings. You do not need special software or a technician — you can find it in about two minutes using a tool already on your computer. The method depends on whether you use Windows, Mac, or a mobile device, but each one follows the same basic path: open a command tool, type one line, and read the result.

Most home routers use one of two default addresses. If you know which one yours is, you can skip straight to logging in. If not, the steps below will show you exactly how to find it on whatever device you have in front of you right now.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's IP address is printed on a sticker on the router itself, or you can find it by running a single command on any device connected to your network.
  • Windows users open Command Prompt and type ipconfig, then look for the line labeled "Default Gateway" — that number is your router's IP.
  • Mac and Linux users open Terminal and type route -n get default or netstat -nr | grep default, then look for the gateway address.
  • iPhone and iPad users go to Settings, tap Wi-Fi, select your network name, and read the Router field — no command needed.
  • Most routers use 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 as their default address, so you can try typing either one into a web browser if the command method does not work.

Finding the IP address on a Windows computer

Open Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key and typing cmd, then press Enter. A black window will open with white text. Type ipconfig and press Enter. The window will fill with network information.

Look for a section labeled "Ethernet adapter" or "Wireless LAN adapter" — whichever one matches how your computer connects to the internet. 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. Write this number down or take a screenshot.

Close Command Prompt by typing exit and pressing Enter. You now have the address you need to log into your router's settings page.

Finding the IP address on a Mac

Open Terminal by pressing Command and Space together, typing terminal, and pressing Enter. A white window will open. Type route -n get default and press Enter. The window will show several lines of information.

Look for the line that starts with "gateway:". The number next to it is your router's IP address. If that command does not work, try typing netstat -nr | grep default instead and look for the first number in the line that appears. Either way, the result will be a number like 192.168.1.1.

You can close Terminal now. The IP address you found is what you need to enter into a web browser to reach your router's login page.

Finding the IP address on iPhone or iPad

Open the Settings app and tap Wi-Fi. Find the name of your network in the list and tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i" inside it) next to it. A details screen will open.

Look for the field labeled Router. The number shown there is your router's IP address. You can tap and hold this number to copy it, then paste it into a web browser on any device to reach your router's settings.

Finding the IP address on Android

Open Settings and tap Wi-Fi or Network and Internet, depending on your phone model. Find your network name in the list and tap and hold it until a menu appears. Tap Manage or Advanced.

Look for a field labeled Gateway or Router. The number shown is your router's IP address. Some Android phones show this information under IP settings instead. If you do not see it in the first menu, try tapping Show advanced options or More details.

Checking the sticker on your router

Before running any commands, check the physical router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the bottom or back that lists the default IP address, along with the default username and password. Look for a line that says "IP Address", "Default Gateway", or just a number in the format 192.168.x.x.

If the sticker is still there and readable, this is the fastest way to find the address. If the sticker is missing or worn away, use the command method for your device instead. The command will always show you the current address, even if it has been changed from the factory default.

What to do once you have the IP address

Open a web browser on any device connected to your network and type the IP address into the address bar — for example, 192.168.1.1 — then press Enter. A login page will appear asking for a username and password.

If nothing appears, double-check that you typed the address correctly and that you are connected to the same network as the router. If the page still does not load, try the other common default address (192.168.0.1 instead of 192.168.1.1). If neither works, restart your 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 the command does not show a gateway address?

This usually means your device is not connected to the network, or the network connection is broken. Check that Wi-Fi is turned on and that you are connected to your home network, not a guest network or a different one. If you are using a wired connection, make sure the cable is plugged in firmly on both ends. Then run the command again.

Can I change my router's IP address?

Yes, but you do not need to for basic security. The default address is fine for most people. If you do want to change it, you log into the router using the address you just found, look for a section called "LAN Settings" or "Network Settings", and change the IP address there. Write down the new address before you save, or you may have trouble logging back in.

Why do I need to find my router's IP address?

The IP address is the only way to reach your router's settings page, where you can change your Wi-Fi password, update firmware, see which devices are connected, or adjust security settings. You cannot change these things from your regular internet browser — you have to log into the router itself.

Is my router's IP address the same as my internet IP address?

No. Your router's IP address (like 192.168.1.1) is internal — it only works on your home network. Your internet IP address is assigned by your internet provider and is visible to websites you visit. They are completely different numbers.

What if I forgot my router's login password?

Most routers have a reset button you can hold for 10 to 15 seconds to restore factory settings. This erases your Wi-Fi password and all custom settings, so use it only as a last resort. After the reset, the default username and password will be printed on the sticker on your router, and you can log in again to set everything up from scratch.