How to Find Your Router’s IP Address

Every device we connect to the internet gets an IP address, even the device from which we get our internet connection – the router. You probably don’t need to know your router’s IP address everyday. After all, the only time we ever use it is when we need to access our router’s dashboard. We type in its IP address into a computer browser, log in with our network admin credentials, and then manage our network settings from there.

Given how critical it is to have access to the router settings, though, we thought we’d write a guide on how to find your router’s IP address. Read on to learn more.

On Mac With System Settings

We’ll show you two ways to find a router IP address on a Mac. First, we’ll use System Settings.

1. Open System Settings.
   
2. Press “Network.”
   
3. If it’s not already selected, click your network connection on the left-hand side (most commonly Wi-Fi) and press “Advanced.”
   
   
4. Press the TCP/IP tab. The router’s IP address displays here next to the word “Router.”

On Mac With Terminal App

We can also find our router’s IP address using the Terminal app on Mac.

1. Search for and open the Terminal app.
2. Type or copy and paste “netstat -nr|grep default” and press Return.
3. The router’s IP displays next to the word “Default.”

On Android

Only Android models with customized interfaces — for example, the Samsung Galaxy’s One UI — allow us to find our router’s IP address using the built-in interface. If it’s available, here’s how to find your router’s IP:

1. Open Settings.
2. Press “Network & Internet.”
3. Select “Wi-Fi.”
4. Tap the gear icon of your network connection.
5. Press “Advanced.”
6. If you’re offered a choice between static and dynamic IPs, select “Static.”
7. The router’s IP displays under “Gateway.”

You can also install a third-party app like Wi-Fi Analyzer to find your router’s IP address on an Android. If you use Wi-Fi Analyzer, follow these steps:

1. Download and open the app.
2. Press the menu called “View.”
3. Tap “AP List.”
4. Select the header that says “Connected to: [your network].” A window will appear.
5. The router’s IP displays next to “Gateway.”

If you’re like us, you spend a significant amount of time on your phone, especially on the internet. Check out our roundup of the best VPNs for Android to ensure that you browse securely. Unsure how to set up a VPN? Check out our guide to set up an Android VPN.

On iPhone and iPad

You can find your router’s IP on an iPhone or iPad in just four steps1.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Wi-Fi.
   
3. Tap your network.
   
4. The router’s IP displays next to “Router.”

When we use the internet on a mobile device (which is most of the time we use our phones), we secure our connection using a VPN. Want to do the same? Look no further than our list of the best VPNs for iPhones. And if you need help to set up an iPhone VPN, we have you covered.

On Chrome OS

It’s a breeze to find a router’s IP address on a computer running Chrome OS.

1. Click the notification area on the right side of the taskbar, in the bottom right corner of the screen.
2. Select “Connected to [network name].”
3. Click the name of your wireless network.
4. Select the Network tab. The router’s IP displays next to the word “Gateway.”

On Linux

We can also find our router’s IP address on Linux.

1. Click the network icon in the notification area.
2. Select “Connection Information” (devices name this differently — you may need to look for “Network Settings” or similar).
3. The router’s IP address displays next to “Default Router” or “Gateway.”

How to Sign In to Your Router

LIke we said earlier, we only ever use our router’s private IP address to access the network management dashboard, such as to set up a VPN on our router. Once you know your router’s IP address, here’s what to do next:

If You Know the Router’s Username and Password

1. Copy and paste the router’s IP address into the address bar of your browser.
2. Enter the router’s admin credentials.

If you’re not sure what your login credentials are, check the router itself. It’s most likely written on the backside or underside of the router. You might also find it in your manual or in the box the router came in.

If You Don’t Know the Router’s Username and Password

Most of us don’t know our router’s credentials off the top of our heads, so don’t worry. The process is a little trickier, but it’s entirely possible.

1. Copy and paste the router’s IP address into the address bar of your browser.
2. Try the credentials “admin” and “password.” Sometimes, the router sets these as the default.
3. Some routers offer a password recovery feature if you enter incorrect credentials a certain number of times. The recovery process may ask for the router serial number, which you can find on the router itself.
4. Run a search for the default username and password of your router brand. For example, search “Spectrum router default username and password.” Additionally, the website RouterPasswords.com allows you to select your router’s manufacturer and offers a list of common default credentials.
5. If none of these strategies work, reset the router. Using a paper clip or pin, push the small reset button on the device for about 10 seconds. Note that this will also reset your Wi-Fi network name and password.

What Is an IP Address?

An IP address is a set of numbers that identifies a device connected to the internet or a local network. It functions similarly to a mailing address, distinguishing different devices like an address distinguishes different buildings. IP stands for Internet Protocol, which is a set of rules for how we can send and receive data.

There are two types of IP addresses: public and local. Our internet service provider (e.g., Verizon) provides the public address, which is how the internet recognizes our devices. When we have multiple devices connected to the same network — for example, a phone and a laptop — each has its own unique, local IP address. For those of us who want to keep our online presence private, changing our IP address is a good first step to hide our public IP address.

Why Do I Need My IP Address?

We often need our local IP address in order to complete tasks like connecting to a printer or troubleshooting connectivity issues. If we lose our internet connection, we might need to provide our public IP address to a support technician. Our IP address also comes in handy if we want to give someone permission to administer our network remotely.

» Learn more: How to Find Your Computer’s IP Address

Our IP address reveals more than one might think. Hackers can try to use our IP address to uncover our device’s approximate location and information about our online activity. Less than ideal! The good news is that we can use simple tools to hide our IP addresses.

» Further Reading: How to Find Your Mac’s IP Address

What Is a Router?

A router is a piece of equipment that connects our wireless devices (like computers, tablets, and phones) to the internet. A router connects to the internet via modem; typically, the two join with a physical link, like an Ethernet cable.

Webpages, emails, and other online activities take the form of data. Data moves through the internet in packets. Our router transmits these packets to our devices, and vice versa.

What Is My Router’s IP Address?

Like any other internet-connected device, a router has a unique string of numbers that identifies it, like a mailing address. This string of numbers is the router’s IP address.

When Do I Need to Know My Router’s IP Address?

You need to know your router’s IP address in order to complete actions like changing your router settings, changing your Wi-Fi’s network name and password, configuring software, troubleshooting, and setting up a VPN.

We use a VPN to secure our online activity, and for good reason. One study found that 5 in 6 routers are vulnerable to security attacks2. Dozens of companies offer VPN services for all kinds of devices. Separate the wheat from the chaff with our guide to the best VPNs.

How to Change a Router’s IP Address

Changing our router’s IP address is a great first-line strategy to keep our online activity private. Follow the guide below, but keep in mind that the exact steps and language will vary by router.

1. Log in to your router.
2. Click “Setup.”
3. Select “Network Settings.”
4. Type a new router IP address under “Router Settings.”
5. Press “Save.”

As a best practice, we make note of the new router IP address — that way, it’s easier to change the settings in the future.

Want to shield your activity without the bother of constantly reconnecting to a VPN? Find out how to set up a router VPN.

Recap

With our router IP address in hand, we can now take a number of actions, including setting up a VPN. Dive deeper with our complete collection of VPN how-tos and our guide to VPNs.

Still unconvinced? Read more about the difference between a VPN versus a private browser. And if you want to find another device’s IP address, look no further than our IP lookup tool.