Your router has its own address on your home network, separate from your internet address

Your router's IP address is a number like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — it is the address you use to log into your router's settings from any device on your home network. This is different from your public IP address, which is what websites see when you visit them. You need the router IP address when you want to change your WiFi password, see which devices are connected, adjust security settings, or troubleshoot connection problems.

The method you use depends on what device you have and whether you remember your router's password. Most people find it fastest to check the sticker on the back of the router itself, but if that is not readable or you have changed the default password, there are three other ways to find it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's IP address is printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device, usually in the format 192.168.x.x.
  • On Windows, you can find it by opening Command Prompt and typing ipconfig, then looking for "Default Gateway" in the results.
  • On Mac, open System Preferences, go to Network, select your WiFi connection, and click Advanced — the router IP appears under TCP/IP.
  • On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap WiFi, select your network name, and scroll down to see the router address listed as "Router".
  • If you log into your router and do not recognize the settings, you may have been hacked; change your password when ready and consider a factory reset.

Check the physical sticker on your router

The easiest method is to look at the back or bottom of your router. Most routers have a white or gray sticker with the model number, serial number, and default IP address printed on it. The IP address is usually labeled as "IP Address", "Default Gateway", or sometimes just shown as a number like 192.168.1.1.

If the sticker is faded or missing, or if you have changed the default password since you set up the router, move to one of the other methods below. The sticker shows the default address, but if someone changed your router password, you will not be able to log in using that address anyway.

Find it on Windows using Command Prompt

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

Look for the section labeled "Ethernet adapter" or "Wireless LAN adapter" — whichever one you are currently using to connect to the internet. In that section, find the line that says "Default Gateway". The number next to it is your router's IP address. Write it down or take a screenshot before you close the window.

Find it on Mac using System Preferences

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Preferences (or System Settings on newer Macs). Click Network. On the left side, select the WiFi network you are connected to, then click the Advanced button in the bottom right.

A new window opens. Click the TCP/IP tab at the top. Look for the line labeled "Router" — the number next to it is your router's IP address. You can also find this same information by clicking the WiFi icon in the menu bar, holding down Option, and clicking on your network name; the router address appears in the dropdown menu.

Find it on iPhone or iPad

Go to Settings and tap WiFi. Find the network you are connected to and tap the blue information icon (a circle with an "i" inside) next to the network name. Scroll down and you will see a line labeled "Router" with an IP address next to it.

This method works on any iPhone or iPad running iOS 13 or later. If you do not see a Router line, your device may not be displaying it — try one of the computer methods instead.

What to do once you have the address

Once you have the IP address, open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi and type the address into the address bar — for example, 192.168.1.1 — then press Enter. You will be prompted to log in. The default username is usually admin and the default password is either admin, password, or blank, depending on your router brand.

If the default credentials do not work, check the sticker on your router again — some manufacturers print the default login on it. If you have forgotten a password you set yourself, you will need to perform a factory reset by holding the small reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your custom settings and returns the router to its factory defaults.

If you log in and see settings you do not recognize, or if the router name (SSID) has been changed to something unfamiliar, your router may have been compromised. Change your WiFi password when ready and consider changing your router's admin password as well. If you are unsure whether the settings are normal, contact your internet service provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my router IP address different from my internet IP address?

Your router IP address is only used on your home network — it is how your devices talk to the router. Your internet IP address (or public IP) is assigned by your internet service provider and is what the outside world sees. You need the router address to change WiFi settings; you need the public address for things like port forwarding or remote access.

What if I cannot find the router IP using any of these methods?

If Command Prompt or System Preferences shows no Default Gateway, your device may not be connected to the network. Restart your router and reconnect, then try again. If the problem continues, restart your computer. If you still see nothing, contact your internet service provider — there may be a connection problem they need to fix.

Is it safe to share my router IP address with someone?

The IP address itself is not sensitive — it is the same for everyone on your network and is not a secret. What matters is your router password. Never share that password with anyone you do not trust, because anyone with it can change your WiFi settings, see your network traffic, or lock you out of your own router.

Can I change my router's IP address?

Yes, but there is usually no reason to. You can log into your router and change it in the LAN settings, but most people should leave it at the default. Changing it can break devices that expect the router at the standard address. Only change it if you have a specific technical reason and know what you are doing.

What should I do if I cannot log in with the default password?

If you set a custom password and forgot it, perform a factory reset by holding the reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds. This returns the router to factory defaults, including the default password. You will need to set up your WiFi name and password again from scratch.