How-To

How to Find Your Router's IP Address (Default Gateway)

Step-by-step instructions to find your router's IP address on Windows, macOS, iPhone, and Android, plus common default IPs by brand and how to access the admin panel.

5 min read

What Is the Router IP Address?

Your router's IP address — often called the default gateway — is the private address your router uses on your local network. Every device you connect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet sends internet-bound traffic to this address first, and the router then forwards it to your ISP.

You also type this address into a web browser to reach the router's admin panel, where you can change your Wi-Fi password, configure port forwarding, or update DNS settings. It is completely separate from your public IP address, which is visible to sites on the internet. To understand the difference, see our guide on public IP vs. private IP.

Find Your Router IP on Windows

Method 1 — Command Prompt (fastest):

  • Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
  • Type ipconfig and press Enter.
  • Find your active adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and look for Default Gateway.
  • That value — typically 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — is your router's IP.

Method 2 — Settings app:

  • Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
  • Click your connected network name, then scroll down to the Properties section.
  • The IPv4 DNS server and IPv4 gateway fields are shown here.

Find Your Router IP on macOS

Method 1 — System Settings:

  • Open System Settings → Network.
  • Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and click Details…
  • Go to the TCP/IP tab and read the Router field.

Method 2 — Terminal:

  • Open Terminal (Applications → Utilities → Terminal).
  • Type netstat -nr | grep default and press Enter.
  • The IP address in the first result is your default gateway.

Find Your Router IP on iPhone (iOS)

  • Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
  • Tap the (i) icon next to your connected network.
  • Scroll down to the Router field — that is your router's IP address.

Find Your Router IP on Android

  • Open Settings → Wi-Fi (or Connections → Wi-Fi).
  • Tap and hold your connected network, or tap the gear or info icon next to it.
  • Select Manage Network or Advanced.
  • Look for the Gateway field — that is your router's IP address.

On some Android skins (Samsung One UI, MIUI, etc.) the path differs slightly, but the Gateway field is always present in the network detail view.

Common Default Router IP Addresses by Brand

Default IPCommon Router BrandsNotes
192.168.1.1Linksys, ASUS, Netgear, Cisco, most e& / Du supplied routersMost widely used default across all brands
192.168.0.1TP-Link, D-Link, BelkinSecond most common default
10.0.0.1Apple AirPort, some Xfinity gatewaysUses the 10.x.x.x private range
192.168.8.1Huawei routers and home gatewaysCommon on Huawei HiLink devices
192.168.2.1Cisco / older Belkin modelsLess common; found on some older hardware
192.168.100.1Some cable modems (e.g., ZTE, Arris)Typically found on ISP-supplied cable gateways

Accessing the Router Admin Panel

Once you have your router's IP address:

  • Open any web browser on a device connected to the same network.
  • Type the IP address in the address bar (e.g., http://192.168.1.1) and press Enter.
  • Enter the admin username and password. These are often printed on a label on the router itself.
  • If no label is present, check the router manual or try the common defaults: admin / admin or admin / password.

What You Can Do in the Admin Panel

  • Change Wi-Fi name and password — The most common reason people access the admin panel.
  • Port forwarding — Required for hosting game servers, CCTV access, or a home VPN server.
  • DNS override — Set a custom DNS server (e.g., Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 or Google 8.8.8.8) for all devices on your network. See our best DNS servers guide.
  • View connected devices — See every device on your network and block unfamiliar ones.
  • Parental controls — Schedule internet access or block specific websites by device.
  • Firmware updates — Keep your router's software up to date for security patches.

Security: Change Default Credentials Immediately

The single most important security step after accessing your admin panel is to change the default admin username and password. Default credentials are publicly known and are the first thing attackers try when targeting routers. Use a strong, unique password that you do not use anywhere else.

Also consider disabling remote admin access (admin panel accessible from the internet) unless you specifically need it. For broader network privacy tips, see our guides on what a VPN is and how to hide your IP address.

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