How to Find Your Router’s IP Address on Mobile and Computer

Knowing your router’s IP address is essential for managing and securing your home or office network. This address allows you to access the router’s configuration panel, where you can change Wi-Fi passwords, update firmware, manage connected devices, and adjust security settings. Whether you are troubleshooting network issues or setting up additional protection tools such as PureVPN, understanding how to locate your router’s IP address on different devices gives you full control over your connection.

What a Router IP Address Is and Why It Matters

A router’s IP address is the internal address that identifies the router within a local network. It acts as the communication bridge between devices such as phones, computers, and smart home equipment and the internet. This address is commonly referred to as the default gateway because all outgoing traffic passes through it before reaching external networks. Without access to the router’s IP address, it is not possible to log in to the router’s administrative interface or make changes to critical network settings.

Router IP Address vs. Device IP and Public IP

It is important to distinguish between three different types of IP addresses. The router’s IP address is used only within the local network and identifies the router itself. A device IP address is assigned to each individual device connected to the network, such as a laptop or smartphone, allowing the router to route traffic correctly. A public IP address, on the other hand, is assigned by the internet service provider and represents the entire network to the outside world. While device IPs and router IPs are private and not visible online, the public IP is exposed unless protected by tools like PureVPN, which helps mask your online identity and encrypt traffic.

How to Find Your Router’s IP Address on a Computer

On a Windows computer, the router’s IP address can be found through the network settings or by using system commands. By viewing the details of the active network connection, the default gateway field displays the router’s IP address. This same information can also be retrieved through the Command Prompt by running a network configuration command, which clearly lists the default gateway used by the system.

On macOS, the process involves accessing System Preferences and navigating to the Network section. After selecting the active Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection and opening the advanced settings, the router’s IP address appears under the TCP/IP configuration as the router address. This value represents the gateway that the Mac uses to communicate with the internet.

Linux systems provide similar information through network settings or connection details. By checking the active network connection, users can locate the default route or gateway address, which corresponds to the router’s IP. Chrome OS also displays this information within the network settings by selecting the connected Wi-Fi network and viewing its details, where the gateway address is clearly shown.

How to Find Your Router’s IP Address on a Mobile Device

On Android devices, the router’s IP address can be found by opening Wi-Fi settings and selecting the currently connected network. Within the network details or advanced settings, the gateway or router field displays the IP address of the router. The exact menu names may vary slightly depending on the Android version or manufacturer, but the information is consistently listed under network details.

On an iPhone, the process is straightforward and consistent across recent versions of iOS. By opening the Wi-Fi settings and tapping the information icon next to the connected network, the router’s IP address is displayed under the field labeled “Router.” This value represents the internal address used to manage the network.

Common Router IP Addresses

Many routers are configured with default IP addresses that fall within private IP ranges. Addresses such as 192.168.0.1 and 192.168.1.1 are among the most commonly used by manufacturers. Other variations may include addresses in the 10.0.0.1 range. These addresses are not accessible from the public internet and are designed specifically for internal network communication. If the default IP has been changed manually, the methods described above remain the most reliable way to find the correct address.

Why You May Need Access to Your Router’s IP Address

Accessing your router’s IP address allows you to log in to the administrative dashboard, which is necessary for maintaining network security and performance. From this interface, you can change Wi-Fi credentials, enable encryption, limit device access, configure parental controls, and apply firmware updates that fix vulnerabilities. When setting up privacy tools or securing your network traffic, using PureVPN alongside proper router configuration helps ensure that your data remains protected from interception and unauthorized access.

A Simple Alternative Way to Find the Router IP

If accessing device settings is not possible, checking the physical router itself can be helpful. Many manufacturers place a label on the router that includes the default IP address, network name, and login credentials. While these details may have been changed after installation, the label often provides a useful starting point when troubleshooting network access.

Final Thoughts

Finding your router’s IP address is a basic yet essential skill for anyone who wants to manage their internet connection effectively. Whether you are adjusting security settings, fixing connectivity issues, or enhancing privacy with PureVPN, access to the router’s administrative interface is a key requirement. With simple steps available on both computers and mobile devices, locating this information is quick and accessible. Understanding how your network operates and maintaining control over its configuration helps ensure a safer, more reliable online experience.