Written by: Jay H.
Accessing your router can seem like a daunting task, especially if you have no technical expertise. However, the process is actually straightforward. Let’s go through the steps of logging in to your router so you can change your Wi-Fi passwords, switch your settings, and perform other tasks.
1. Connect to your router
If you have a new router, ensure it’s plugged in and correctly set up. Otherwise, if you’re using an ethernet or Wi-Fi connection, you’re already connected to your router.
2. Find your IP address
An IP address is a unique number that devices use to identify themselves. You can find your IP address through several means:
On your router
Your router likely has a sticker on it listing its IP address. Look on the bottom, sides, or other areas for a sticker that says “IP address,” “Default gateway,” or something similar. The number listed (commonly beginning with 192.168.x.x) is your IP address.
On iPhone or iPad
You can easily locate your router’s IP address from your iPhone or iPad.
Simply open the Settings app in iOS, select Wi-Fi, then tap the blue (i) symbol next to your Wi-Fi’s name. Look under the IPV4 section and find Router – the number listed beside it is the IP address for your router.
On Android
The steps to find your router’s IP address on your Android device may vary based on your phone. However, the following steps apply to most devices.
First, swipe down from the top to expand the Notification Shade. Then, tap the cog icon.
In Settings, tap Network & Internet, then Wi-Fi. Select the cog icon next to your network, tap Advanced, and find your IP address underneath Gateway.
On Windows
Finding your IP address on a Windows device can seem a bit technical, but don’t get scared off.
Press and hold the Windows key + R. A program called Run should appear, then type “cmd” and click OK.
In this new window, type “ipconfig” and press Enter. You should get several properties returned, but the IP address you want is listed beside Default Gateway.
On Mac
You can easily find your router’s IP address in MacOS.
First, click the Apple symbol in the top-left corner and open System Preferences. From there, click Network and select your network type listed on the left, either Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Next, click on the Advanced button, then the TCP/IP tab. Your IP address is listed next to Router.
3. Log in through your web browser
Once you have your router’s IP address, you’re ready to log in!
Open your preferred web browser (i.e., Google Chrome) and type the IP address into the address bar. You should then see a sign-in page for your router.
If you’ve never accessed your router’s settings before, the credentials are likely the default ones set by the manufacturer. You can find the login information on your router’s sticker, online, or in the user manual. Many times, the default credentials are username “admin” with password “password,” so give that a try if you can’t get in.
If you’ve previously set a username and password but forgot them, you can reset your router by holding down the Reset button on your router for about 10-20 seconds. After that, you can use the default credentials to access your router.
Need help with your router or other network-related issues? Please contact us today for assistance.
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