What is Default Gateway?

It allows devices within one network to send information to devices within another network. If you are requesting a certain web page, the traffic is first sent to your default gateway before leaving the local network to reach its intended destination.

default gateway

Jump to…

What does Default Gateway mean?

Probably the simplest way to understand is to think of it as an intermediary or middleman between your local network and the World Wide Web. It is essential for transmitting information from the local subnet to other subnets, and vice-versa.

On most home and business networks, which are usually made up of a single router and multiple connected computers and mobile devices, the private IP address given to your router is the default gateway IP address.

This numerical address will be called “default gateway” on Windows devices, while it is normally referred to as “router” on iOS and Mac devices. When it comes to other platforms, however, it might be named something along the likes of “gateway” or “gateway route”.

What Is My Default Gateway/ Router IP Address?

Learn the steps to find your gateway IP address on Windows, Mac OS X, Android, iPhone/iPad, Linux, and Chrome OS.

How to Find Your Default Gateway IP Address in Windows

There are multiple ways to find default gateway IP address in Windows, which are:
  • Find your default gateway IP address with control panel.
  • Find your default gateway IP address with command prompt.

Using Control Panel to find Default Gateway IP Address in Windows

    • Type Control Panel in the Windows search box (usually located at the bottom left of the screen), and hit Enter when it appears.
step by step guide to find default gateway
    • Click the Network and Internet.
Go to Network and Internet settings
    • Click the Network and Sharing Center.
Go to network and sharing center
    • Under the Network and Sharing Center window, click Ethernet.
Click ethernet option under network and sharing window
    • Click Details.
Go to details window
    • Find your gateway IP address listed next to IPv4 Default Gateway.
Now you will see your default gateway

Using Command Prompt to find Default Gateway IP Address in Windows

    • Press the Win + R keys on your keyboard.
Hit windows and r key on keyboard
    • Type cmd and press Enter.
go to command prompt
    • Type ipconfig command in the Command Prompt window.
Now type ipconfig in cmd prompt and hit enter
    • Find your gateway IP address listed next to Default Gateway.
now you will be shown your ip address and default gateway

How to Find Default Gateway IP Address on Mac OS X?

Using System Preferences

  • Click the Apple icon (at the top left of the screen) and select System Preferences.
  • Click Network.
  • Select your network connection and then click Advanced.
  • Select the TCP/IP tab and find your gateway IP address listed next to Router.

Using Terminal

  • Click the Spotlight icon (at the top right of the screen).
  • Type Terminal and hit Enter when it appears.
  • Type the following command netstat -nr | grep default in the Terminal application.
  • Find your gateway IP address listed next to Default.

How to Find Default Gateway IP Address on Android?

  • Tap Settings.
  • Tap Wi-Fi.
  • Long tap your network connection.
  • Tap Modify network.
  • Tap Advanced options.
  • Switch the IPv4 settings to Static.
  • Find your gateway IP address listed next to Gateway.

Note: The steps for finding your gateway IP on Android will vary depending on the version you are currently using.

How to Find Default Gateway IP Address on iPhone/iPad?

  • From your iOS device, tap Settings.
  • Tap Wi-Fi.
  • Tap the (i) next to your network connection.
  • Find your gateway IP address listed next to Router.

How to Find Default Gateway IP Address on Linux?

    • Click the Settings icon on the left side bar.
Go to settings appeared on the left side bar in Linux/Ubuntu?
    • On the settings side bar, scroll down and click Network option. Select connection settings icon.
Hit network option and go to connection settings in Linux/Ubuntu?
    • Find your gateway IP address listed next to Default Route.
find your default gateway ip address appeared next to default route in Linux/Ubuntu?

How to Find Default Gateway IP Address on Chrome OS?

  • Click the status area (at the bottom right of the screen) and select Settings.
  • Select Wi-Fi network or Ethernet from the drop down box under Internet connection and then click your network connection.
  • Click the Network tab.
  • Find your gateway IP address listed next to Gateway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the importance of a default gateway?

It helps two or more hosts with different IPs to communicate with each other when connected to the same router. Without it, devices connected on the same router won’t be able to communicate with each other.

What is the difference between an IP address and a subnet mask?

An IP address is a unique set of numbers assigned to each device. A subnet mask divides an IP address into two parts. The first part identifies your device, the other part identifies the network to which it belongs.

Is Default Gateway the same as a broadcast address?

A broadcast address is what you use when you want all nearby devices to see your request visibly. On the other hand, a default gateway is what you use when you want a remote device to understand your request.

Can an IP address and default gateway be the same?

They can’t be the same. Each computer has a unique IP address, and that’s what distinguishes it from the rest of the devices.

Learn More About IP Addresses