If you need to make any changes to your network, then you’ll typically log in to your router’s configuration page, accessing it by typing your router’s IP address into your web browser. But how do you find your router’s IP address? In this article you’ll learn how to retrieve this crucial piece of information across all the major platforms, including your smartphone or tablet.

Some One-Size-Fits-All Techniques

If your operating system isn’t featured on this list, then don’t panic – there’s a few one-size-fits-all techniques that you can try:

1. Look for a sticker

Many routers have a sticker that contains useful information about that particular router, including its IP address. Assuming you haven’t changed this default address, it’s always worth checking your router. It’s possible the information you’re looking for may actually be printed on your router’s casing.

2. Check the manual

If you still have your router’s manual, there’s a chance the IP address may be printed somewhere within the manual or on a sticker that’s attached to the manual’s front or inside cover.

3. Explore your network settings

You should be able to view your router’s IP address on any device that’s connected to your local network. Grab a device that’s currently connected to Wi-Fi and open its Internet, network, or Wi-Fi settings. You should now look for anything that’s referred to as “gateway,” “default gateway” or “router,” as this will typically yield your router’s IP address.

Find the Router’s IP Address on Mac

There are a few different ways to retrieve your router’s IP address on Mac.

1. Via the user interface

You can access this crucial piece of information, by navigating to “Network” settings:

In your Mac’s toolbar, select the Apple logo.Navigate to “System Preferences -> Network.”

In the menu on the left, select the network interface you’re currently connected to, which will typically be “Wi-Fi.” 

Click the “Advanced …” button. Select the “TCP/IP” tab.

Your router’s IP is the numerical address that’s displayed alongside “Router.” Alternatively, if you’re using a newer version of macOS, you can access this information in your Mac’s “Wi-Fi” drop-down. Simply hold the Option key while clicking the Wi-Fi icon in your menu bar, and this information will appear in an extended drop-down menu.

2. Via the Terminal

If you’re comfortable issuing Terminal commands, then you can retrieve your router’s IP address with a single command:

Open a new “Finder” window.Navigate to the “Applications -> Utilities” folder.

Open the “Terminal” app and type the following command into the Terminal:

The Terminal will return information about your network connection; your router’s IP address is displayed alongside “default.”

Finding the Router’s IP address on Windows

There are several ways to retrieve your router’s IP address on Windows – just be aware that Windows refers to the router’s IP address as “default Gateway” throughout its user interface.

1. Via adapter settings

First, you can retrieve your router’s IP address via “Adapter Settings”:

In the Windows taskbar, select the “Internet connection” status symbol.In the little popup that appears, select “Open Network and Sharing Center.”On the subsequent screen, find the “Connections” section and give it a click.Select the “Details …” button.

Your router’s IP address will be displayed alongside “IPv4 Default Gateway.”

2. From the command line

If you’re familiar with the Windows command line, you can retrieve this information with a single command:

Select the Windows “Start” button.Search for “Command Prompt” and select the Command Prompt utility when it appears.  In the Command Prompt window, type the following command:

Windows will now display some information about your current network connection, including the “Default Gateway,” which is your router’s IP address.

Find the Router’s IP Address on Linux

There are several ways to retrieve your IP address on Linux.

1. Connection Information and Network Settings

To find your router’s IP address via the Linux user interface:

In the notification area, select the “Network” icon.Select either “Connection Information” or “Network Settings.”

Your IP address will be listed next to “Gateway” or “Default Router.”

2. Use a Terminal command

Alternatively, you can access this information from the Terminal:

Launch a new Terminal window.Type the following command:

The Terminal will now display your router’s IP address. Alternatively, you can run the following Terminal command: If the Terminal displays multiple values, Linux will typically use the lowest value as your router’s default IP address.

Retrieve Your Router’s IP Address on Chrome OS

To check your router’s IP address on Chrome OS:

Select the notification area along the right side of the taskbar. Select your Wi-Fi network. In the subsequent window, select the “Network” tab.

Your IP address should be listed under “Gateway.”

Find the Router’s IP Address on Your Android Device

If you own an Android smartphone or tablet, you can retrieve your router’s IP address in Android’s stock “Settings” application:

Launch the “Settings” app.Select “Connections -> Wi-Fi.”Press and hold the name of your Wi-Fi network.In the subsequent pop-up, select “Manage network settings.”

Select “Show advanced options.”

Your router’s IP address will appear under “Gateway” or alongside “Manage router.”

Try a third-party app: Wi-Fi Analyzer

If the previous instructions left you scratching your head, you can also retrieve your router’s IP address using a third-party app. Wi-Fi Analyzer is a free application that’s designed to identify the Wi-Fi channel that will deliver the highest possible speeds, and it can also display your router’s default IP address. In Wi-Fi Analyzer, swipe left or right until you find a screen that displays a list of all the available Wi-Fi networks, complete with stats about each one. At the top of this screen, you’ll see a “Connected to” section followed by the name of your current network connection. Give this section a tap, and it’ll launch a pop-up displaying more information about the selected network, including your router’s IP address, which will be listed as “Gateway.”

Find the Router’s IP Address on iOS

If you’re an iOS user:

Launch Apple’s “Settings” application. Navigate to “Wi-Fi.”Select your Wi-Fi network.Scroll to the “Router” section. Your IP address should be listed there.

If you’re using an operating system that isn’t covered in this article, let us know in the comments below, and we’ll try to help you find your router’s IP address! If you have an old router hanging around, here are some ways to make good use of it.