Product
How To Find Your Router IP Address
If you’ve ever used the internet, you've been issued an IP address. You’ve probably heard the term before (usually used along with more well-known internet terms like “network” or wi-fi) but never really thought about it until now. That said, knowing how to find router IP is something you’ll want to figure out. Why? Because you leave footprints all over the internet. That data can be tracked, both by people who have your best interests in mind and those who do not. You may also need your router IP address for basics like setting up or configuring your home network.
A router IP address isn’t that hard to find, but it does take a little know-how and some internet smarts. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “What is my router IP?” we’ve come up with this guide to help you out. With it you’ll be able to figure out your router IP, whether you’re an Apple user, a PC user or even on an open-source operating system like Linux. Plus, we’ll provide a little tutorial on what your router is, how it works and why it might be important for you to think about changing your router’s IP address with a VPN.
What Is A Router?
A router is a piece of electronic hardware you need in your home to be able to access the internet. It acts as your first line of defense from an intrusion onto your network and facilitates the use of wi-fi in your home. At its most basic level, a router connects physically to your modem via its internet, or WAN, port. This physical connection happens through a network cable.
Routers are basically tiny computers; they even have a CPU and memory to deal with the data coming in and out. You’ve used a router if you’ve ever set up wireless internet or had to change your wi-fi password. It’s also the place where your network is encrypted, where you can set up port forwarding rules (typically to maximize your bandwidth utilization) and where you can change your network name. Occasionally your router will need to have its firmware updated, but for the most part it’s a set-it-and-forget-it item. That said, you will need to know how to find router IP.
So, where exactly does the router IP address come into play?
What Is My Router IP Address?
Before delving in, it’s important to understand there are two different IP terms: your router IP and your default gateway. Understanding these concepts will unlock some of the mystery of how the internet works and the basic functions of your router.
Router IP Address
IP stands for “internet protocol.” Your router IP is your identification number for whatever device is connected to your network. A device (like a computer or smartphone) must have an IP address for the router to identify and send data packets. The data packets are what makes your internet, well, internet. Anytime you visit a new page, stream a video or listen to music those data packets are what makes it all work.
Default Gateway
A gateway is a node in your network that allows you to access another network, which means it allows for outgoing data packets. It’s like an intermediary between the two, and when you connect to a different network the default gateway is the IP address of the interface of your router. The default part means it is used automatically, unless another application specifies it should use another gateway.
Why Do I Need to Know My IP Address?
So, your IP address is basically your footprint. You’ll need it for your internet to work correctly. That’s because all networks work using protocols to allow for access and interaction with the greater internet. You can think of your IP address as a little tracker that shows the internet where you’ve been and what you’ve been doing. It also reveals your location. Sounds spooky? It can be. That’s why a lot of people hide their IP address — more on that in future posts.
How to Find Your Router IP Address
Find Your Router IP Address in Windows
If this seems simple, it’s because it is. Finding your router IP address in windows is literally a three-step process, and isn’t much more complicated in other operating systems. Don’t get scared; even your grandma could figure this one out.
- Start your command prompt
- Type ipconfig
- Your router’s IP address is listed next to Default Gateway
Find Your Router IP Address on Mac OS
- Launch System Preferences
- Go to Network > Advanced
- Under TCP/IP, your router’s IP address is listed next to Router
Find Your Router IP Address on Android
- Go to Settings
- Tap Wi-Fi Settings
- Tap and hold on your connected network and select Manage Network Settings
- Check the box next to Show Advanced Options
- Select Static under IP Settings
- Your router IP address is listed under the Gateway section
Find Your Router IP Address on an iPhone/iPad
- Go to Settings
- Tap Wi-Fi
- Tap your Wi-Fi network that you’ve connected to
- Find the IPV4 ADDRESS section (you may need to scroll down)
- Your IP address will be listed next to Router
Find Your Router IP Address on Chrome OS
- Click the time at the bottom right corner
- Select your Wi-Fi network
- Select information
- Your IP address and IPv6 should be listed there
Find Your Router IP Address on Linux
- Find the network icon in your notification area
- Click the network icon
- Select Connection Information (it could be listed as a similar term)
- Your IP address should be displayed next to Default Route or Gateway
Changing Your Router IP
So, you can successfully find your router’s IP address now no matter what device you’re using. This is great if you want to change the settings or make an adjustment to your configuration. But what about changing your IP? If you want to change your IP address the best way to do so is by using a VPN. A VPN changes your IP address and by extension masks your location to protect your privacy. It works by encrypting your internet to secure it, and if you change your router’s IP with a VPN you’ll change the IP of every device that’s connected to that router. VyprVPN offers over 300,000 IPs and servers in over 70 countries worldwide. Give VyprVPN a try today!
You can view our privacy policy here.