How to find your router IP address
Your router IP address is the essential component of the home router configuration. Without the period-separated string, you cannot change the router password.
Hence, even the basic changes rely on this seemingly random combination. The concept of a router IP address might confuse non-techies, especially when it comes to logging in to the routers’ web-based interfaces. So, learn to find it on different operating systems in a couple of simple steps.
What is the router IP address?
Networking is an intricate process, and each internet-connected device operates with multiple IP addresses. The router IP address is the numerical combination assigned to the device by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
It is an internal address, meaning that it does not reach destinations outside your home network. In some operating systems, this IP address is the Default Gateway, a term originating from TCP/IP.
Why would you ever need to use the router IP address? Well, each router features a web-based interface that you can access via browsers. The routers’ addresses work like URLs that direct users to their setup pages.
From this point, users can perform various actions to secure their home networks, update credentials, or install software. So, the router IP address is vital to accessing the web-based setup page that features the most prevalent settings. Since you do not want unauthorized access to this control panel, the router does not broadcast its private IP address.
How to find a router IP address on different OS?
The route you need to take differs according to the operating system you use. There also might be slight differences within the way the OS presents certain settings. However, these are the universal instructions, suitable to the majority of users.
On Windows:
- Search for “Control Panel” via the Windows search bar and open it.
- Locate the “Network and Internet” section. Below, find and open “View network status and tasks.”
- Click on the name of your Wi-Fi network (next to “Connections”).
- After a separate window appears, click on “Details.”
- Your router IP address should be under “IPv4 Default Gateway.”
On Mac:
- Find the Apple icon at the top left corner of your screen. Click on it and select “System Preferences.”
- Choose “Network.”
- On the left side, you should see the name of the Wi-Fi you use. Select it and choose “Advanced.”
- Locate the “TCP/IP” tab. The setting “Router” displays your router IP address.
On Linux:
- Open the Terminal. You can do this by using the CTRL+ALT+T shortcut.
- In the Terminal, type: “ifconfig” and press enter.
- The router IP address is next to “inet addr.”
On Android:
- Go to “Settings.”
- Click on “Wi-Fi” and locate your network name. Tap and hold this name or click on the settings icon.
- Choose “Advanced.” If it presents options, click on “Static.”
- The router IP address is under the “Gateway” section.
On iOS:
- Open “Settings” and locate the “Wi-Fi” section within.
- Click on the name of the Wi-Fi currently in use.
- The router IP address is under “Router.”
The bottom line here is simple: your router IP address is mainly for router configuration, resetting, or troubleshooting and pinging issues. It should not leave your internal network.
Of course, even if it manages to become public somehow, you need your router credentials to access the control panel fully.
However, routers broadcast their external IP addresses to websites and servers.
This string assists in user identification and allows marketers, governments, and ISPs to track your browsing history. If this tracking sounds strikingly similar to a privacy violation, consider a VPN.
It will enable you to mask your real IP address and prevent external entities from tracking you online. Get Atlas VPN and preserve your digital identity, unblock geo-restricted services, and enjoy anonymous browsing.
