Do you need to change your router’s settings, such as choosing a new password or tweaking the parental controls? Perhaps you’ve been experiencing some connectivity problems and want to troubleshoot your network connection. If you need to make any changes to your network, you’ll typically log in to your router’s configuration page, accessing it by typing your router’s IP address into your web browser. This tutorial shows how to find the address, no matter your device or operating system.
Tip: if you are having issues, learn how to troubleshoot your router.
One-Size-Fits-All Techniques
If your operating system isn’t featured on this list, don’t panic. There are a few one-size-fits-all techniques that you can try.
1. Look for a Sticker
Many routers have a sticker that contains valuable information about that particular router, including its IP address. Assuming you haven’t changed this default address, it’s always worth checking your router. The information you want may be printed on the casing.
2. Check the Manual
If you still have your router’s manual, there’s a chance the IP address is printed somewhere within the manual or on a sticker that’s attached to the manual’s front or inside cover. Routers typically have a default IP address, so you can also try one of the common default addresses for your brand.
3. Explore Your Network Settings
You should be able to view your router’s IP address on any device connected to your local network.
Grab a device connected to Wi-Fi and open its Internet, network, or Wi-Fi settings. Look for anything that’s referred to as “gateway,” “default gateway,” or “router,” as this will typically yield your router’s IP address.
Good to know: routers can be used in multiple ways. Learn the difference between “access point” and “repeater mode” on your router.
Find Your Router’s IP Address on Windows
Windows offers multiple ways to find your router’s IP address. The two easiest methods are via the command line and network settings:
Command Line
- Open a Command Prompt (Win + R -> type “cmd” -> press “OK”) or Terminal (Win + X -> “Terminal”) window. Command Prompt is the only option on older Windows versions.
- Type
ipconfigat the prompt.
- Look for “Default Gateway.” This is your router’s IP address.
Network Settings
- Open Control Panel (Start -> search for “Control Panel”).
- Select “Network and Sharing Center.”
- Click your connection.
- Click “Details.”
- Look for “Default Gateway” to find the IP address.
Also helpful: if you’re having trouble connecting to your network, learn what to do when a Wi-Fi network isn’t showing up on Windows.
Find Your Router’s IP Address on Mac
Some versions of Mac let you find the router’s IP address using the Wi-Fi extended menu and the instructions detailed below.
- Hold Option while clicking the Wi-Fi icon at the top of the screen.
- The router’s IP address is beside “Router” in the extended menu.
Network Settings
- Click the Apple logo and select “System Preferences.”
- Select “Network.”
- Select your current network connection on the left and choose “Advanced” at the bottom of the screen.
- Your IP address is listed beside “Router.”
Terminal
- Open Finder and search for “Terminal.” Alternatively, open Finder and go to “Applications -> Utilities,” then select “Terminal.”
- Enter the following command and find your IP address by “Default.”
netstat -nr|grep default
Also helpful: if you’re having other network issues with your device, you can learn how to fix Mac Wi-Fi problems.
Find Your Router’s IP Address on iOS
Finding the IP address of your router is surprisingly simple on iOS.
- Open Settings.
- Select “Wi-Fi.”
- Tap the “i” icon next to your Wi-Fi connection.
- Find the IP address beside “Router.”
Find Your Router’s IP Address on Android
Some versions of Android make it easy to find your router’s IP address. But in Android 12, you can view your device’s IP address but not the router’s. Let’s start with the easy method for older devices (which may not be available on all brands).
- Open Settings.
- Tap “Connections” or “Network & Internet.”
- Tap “Wi-Fi.”
- Tap and hold the name of your Wi-Fi connection and select “Manage network settings.” If this doesn’t work, tap the gear icon beside your network name.
- Select “Show advanced options” or “Advanced settings.”
- Look for “Gateway” or “Router” to find your IP address.
Please note the steps may vary slightly based on your Android version.
If none of those options are available to you, such as with my Android 12 device, you can use a third-party app to do the work for you. While multiple options are available, I am using IP Tools: WiFi Analyzer.
- Download IP Tools: WiFi Analyzer from the Play Store.
- Provide location permissions to scan for Wi-Fi networks.
- Scroll down the IP window (the home screen) until you see “Gateway.” This is your router’s IP.
Good to know: you can use Wi-Fi calling on your Android device.
Find Your Router’s IP Address on Linux
Linux offers a few different ways to uncover your router’s IP address. Most users will probably use a Terminal command, but you can also use Network Settings.
Terminal Window
- Enter one of the following commands:
ip r
or
ip r | grep default
- You’ll find the IP address by “default.”
Network Settings
- Click the Network icon in the notification area.
- Click “Settings.”
- Select the gear icon next to your current connection.
- Your IP address is beside “Default Router,” “Default Route,” or “Gateway,” depending on your version of Linux.
Find Your Router’s IP Address on Chromebook
If you have a Chromebook, Chrome OS lets you find your router’s IP through the network settings.
- Select your Wi-Fi network from the notification tray or go to “Settings -> Network” and select your Wi-Fi network.
- Select “Advanced” to get more information about your connection. The IP address is listed under “Gateway.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I log in to my router after I find the IP address?
Some routers have an app to log in. Generally, you will open your favorite browser, enter the router’s IP address in the URL bar, then enter your username and password.
Can I hide or change my router's IP?
If you’re trying to prevent your ISP and websites from seeing your router’s IP or your device’s IP address, you can use a VPN or even a private browser like Tor. See how the two compare and what we recommend using.
How can I add extra features to my router?
If you’re logging in to your router to make changes but don’t see what you’re looking for, you may want to add some extra features. To do this, you’ll need to add custom firmware. The type of firmware you add varies based on your router manufacturer.
Why does my browser say my connection isn't secure when entering my router's IP address?
It’s common for your browser to see the IP address as suspicious, as it’s just the IP address and doesn’t have an SSL certificate like a regular website. If you get an error or warning, it’s safe to proceed anyway.
Image credit: Flickr
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