The Fast and Easy Way to Find Your Router IP Address

Routers are the unsung heroes of our connected homes, but sometimes they can be a little hard to reach. Don’t worry, finding your router IP address is actually a breeze, once you know where to look. 

This quick guide will show you how to find it in a jiffy. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, we’ll even share a secret tip for finding your router’s IP address that’s sure to make you the office hero. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get started!

What is an IP address?

An IP address is like a special code assigned to your device that helps it communicate with other devices on the internet. It’s like having a virtual address, so other devices know where to send information you request or information you want to share.

Every device connected to the internet has its own special IP address. Whether it’s a computer, phone, tablet, or router.

There are two kinds of IP addresses:

Local IP address

This is the address used for devices within your home or office network. It helps these devices talk to each other, but no one outside your network can access it.

Public IP address

This is the address assigned to you by your internet service provider (ISP). This address can be used to reach your device from anywhere on the internet.

Think of it this way: your device (like your computer or phone) has a local IP address for use within your home network, and your router (the thing that connects you to the internet) has a public IP address. 

So, when you go on the internet, your device talks to other devices through the router’s public IP address.

How to find the IP address for your router?

Knowing your router’s IP address is not always a top priority, but there may be times when you need it. Whether you’re trying to access the web-based interface to make some changes, or simply want to know what your public IP address is, having a clear understanding of your router’s IP addresses can be helpful. 

Here is a list of effective ways to find your router’s IP address. Whether you’re a seasoned network pro or just starting out, this information will help you stay connected and informed.

1. Look at the bottom or back of your router. Most routers have the default IP address printed on a label on the bottom or back.
2. Check your network settings. You can often find the IP address of your router by checking the network settings on your computer, phone, or tablet.
3. Use a network scanning tool. There are many free network scanning tools available that can help you find the IP address of your router.
4. Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Your ISP may be able to provide you with the IP address of your router if you are having trouble finding it.

These are some of the most common ways to find your router’s IP address. Try these methods and you should be able to easily find the IP address of your router.

A secret tip for finding your router’s IP address

Here’s a secret tip for finding your router’s IP address quickly and easily: you can look at the default gateway in your network connection settings. This may sound tricky and very technical but fear not, we’ll guide you through it. 

Here’s what you need to do:

Windows

Step 1: Click on the Start button in the bottom-left corner of your screen.

Step 2: Type “cmd” into the search bar.

Step 3: Click on the “Command Prompt” app that appears in the results.

Step 4: In the Command Prompt window, type “ipconfig” and press Enter.

Step 5: Look for the “Default Gateway” under your active network adapter. This is your router’s IP address.

MacOS

Step 1: Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen.

Step 2: Select “System Preferences”.

Step 3: Click on “Network”.

Step 4: Select your active network adapter from the list on the left.

Step 5: Look for the “Router” information under the TCP/IP tab. This is your router’s IP address.

Step 6: You can also find your router’s IP address by looking at the default gateway listed on your device’s settings.

Note: These steps may vary slightly depending on the specific version of Windows or MacOS you’re using.

How to change your public IP address?

Now that you know how to find your IP address, you may also want to change it for privacy or security reasons. The best way to do this is by using a VPN. 

A VPN changes your IP address by encrypting your internet connection and keeping your location and activity private. 

Want to change your public IP address with HQ VPN? Here’s what you need to do.

1. Make sure you have an active HQ VPN subscription.
2. Download and install HQ VPN for your device.
3. Open the app and tap Connect. You’ll be able to choose from a variety of servers based in the United States, the Netherlands, or Japan. Or you can select a country manually from our wide range of global servers.

Voila! You’ve successfully changed your public IP address. You can check it with our free online IP checker just to make sure it’s changed.

And that’s a wrap! You now know the basics of finding your router’s IP address and the different methods to do so. Whether you need to access the router’s web interface, troubleshoot network issues, or just want to change your IP address, having this knowledge can come in handy.

Don’t stop here though, the journey to a fully optimized and secure network doesn’t end with just finding your router’s IP. Make sure to check out other articles on the HQ VPN blog, like “How to Stop ISP Throttling?” and “Best Ways to Reduce Ping in 2023“. These articles are packed with helpful tips and tricks to take your internet experience to the next level. 

Happy surfing! Stay safe!