How To Find Your Router's IP Address: Detailed Steps

Key Takeaways:

• A router connects your home network to the Internet so you can access the online world. In more technical terms, it sends data packets between computer networks so your internet request (an online search) can be routed to the correct server.
• If you have a device that can connect online, it has an IP address. Devices with IP addresses include smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, computers, tablets, and Bluetooth-connected devices like smart TVs, printers, and home alarm systems.
• There are several ways to find your IP address, depending on what device you are using (Mac, Android, Windows, etc.).

Your router’s IP address serves as the home base for your home’s digital network connection. Most days, you won’t need to know what your IP address is. But if you’re looking to change your IP address, troubleshoot a technical issue, or secure your home network, it can be helpful to know those numbers. 

But how do you find your router’s IP address? Read on to learn more about IP addresses and how to find them on all of your devices. 

What Is a Router? 

A router is a device that connects your home network to the internet so you can access the online world. In more technical terms, it sends data packets between computer networks so your internet request (i.e. an online search) can be routed to the correct server so you’ll reach your intended website. 

A router is usually a medium-sized black or white rectangular box with several small lights on top and ports for cables in the back. It bridges the gap between your physical devices (phones, computers, tablets) and the Internet and allows them to share the same internet connection simultaneously. Many routers include Wi-Fi functionality, serving as your home Wi-Fi setup. 

What Is an IP Address? 

The IP in IP address stands for Internet Protocol. The term refers to a set of unique numbers that identify devices and networks on the Internet. 

If you have a device that’s able to connect online, it has an IP address. Most commonly, devices with IP addresses include smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, computers, tablets, and Bluetooth-connected devices like smart TVs, printers, and home alarm systems. 

IP addresses serve to identify your device but also your current location. This is why they can be a sensitive piece of information that, if left in the wrong hands, can lead to serious security threats. 

Whenever you move locations or connect to a different router (this includes public Wi-Fi networks), you will be assigned a new IP address. There are both public and private IP addresses, with private ones being more secure and harder for hackers to identify. 

IPv4 IP Addresses vs. IPv6 IP Addresses

When you find your IP address on your device (specifically on iOS devices), you may notice two different IP addresses that come up: IPv4 and IPv6. These versions refer to different iterations of the Internet Protocol address. 

IPv4 was created first in 1983 and is the original version. It allows for over 4 billion IP address combinations, which nowadays, isn’t much. In general, IPv4 is functional but lacks security features, is less efficient, and has a limited number of possible combinations. 

IPv6 was created to fix the shortcomings of IPv4 in 1998. It’s used more often than version 4 now, especially with regards to phones. It allows for billions of more number combinations, a faster, more efficient, and more secure connection, and a variety of other desirable upgrades. 

IPv4 is still widely in use due to the difficulties and cost of switching IPv4 networks to version 6. Since version 6 is used enough to reduce the issues of version 4, there is no urgent reason to switch everything to 6. 

This is why some devices will have numbers for both 4 and 6. You should be able to use either address when referring to your device but it’s nice to know both in case you need a specific one. 

Using a VPN To Hide Your IP Address

Using a Virtual Private Network or VPN is a great way to hide your IP address and thus your location from prying digital eyes. VPNs work by routing your internet activity through a remote server rather than one near your location. 

Anyone who tries to identify your IP address will only see the address of the VPN server, not your device. VPNs include a variety of other perks like the ability to stream location-based content and an overall boost in digital security. 

Burner VPN is a top-rated VPN service with high speeds, security, and privacy. With 7000 servers across 70 countries, Burner VPN ensures you have location flexibility and anonymity. Your online activity will be encrypted and routed through Burner’s secure servers, hiding your IP address from hackers. Try Burner today to experience the best VPN on the market. 

How To Find Your Router IP Address on iOS

Let’s begin with how to find your router’s IP address on iOS devices. This includes devices under the Apple umbrella: iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. Keep in mind that when it says “IPv4 Address” or “IPv6 Address,” it’s referring to your device. You need to look for the numbers by “Router” to find your router’s IP address. 

Mac

1. Open the settings app (gray gear icon).
   1. Or click the Apple in the top right corner of the top bar and then click “System Preferences.”
2. Click the “Network” icon (blue sphere).
3. At the top under “Status Connected” you’ll see your Wi-Fi network and your Mac’s IP address.
4. To find your router IP address, you can click “Advanced” at the bottom, then click TCP/IP on the top bar. You’ll find numbers for your router’s IP address as well as your device’s IPv4 and IPv6 addresses. 

iPhone/iPad

1. Open the settings app (gray gear icon). 
2. Click on “Wi-Fi.” 
3. Click on the network you’re connected to (at the top with a blue checkmark by it). 
4. Scroll down and find “IP Address” (this includes IPv4, IPv6, and router addresses). 

How To Find Your Router IP Address on Windows

For Windows computers, the steps are a bit different than when working on iOS. You can find your router IP address on Windows by using the Command Prompt option, which will look somewhat like a coding setup. 

1. Search “cmd” or right click the Start button (bottom left corner) and select Command Prompt.
2. Type “ipconfig” and hit enter.
3. For wireless connections (wi-fi), you’ll find your IP address under “Wireless LAN Adapter Wi-Fi.”
   1. From there, it’ll be under “Default Gateway.”
4. For wired connections (Ethernet), you’ll find your IP address under “Ethernet Adapter.”

Finding Your Windows Device’s IP Address

The steps above are needed to find your router IP address on Windows. If you just want to find the IP address of the Windows device, you can use these steps: 

1. Navigate to Network & Internet Settings.
2. Click the Wi-Fi option and then select the network you’re currently using.
3. If you’re on Ethernet (a wired connection), select that option.
4. Go to “Properties” and scroll to find your IP address (IPv4). 

How To Find Your Router IP Address on Android

Only certain Android phones allow you to use these steps to find your IP address. If this doesn’t work for you, try looking up your IP address online first (though this will typically only give you your device’s IP address). If that doesn’t work either, try downloading an app like Wi-Fi Analyzer or NetSpot to find your router IP address for you. 

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to “Network & Internet.”
3. Click “Wi-Fi.”
4. Click the gear icon.
5. Tap “Advanced.” 
6. If you can pick between static and dynamic IPs, choose static.
7. Your router IP address will be under “Gateway.” 

How To Find Your Public IP Address

If you’re using a public network, the internet makes it extremely easy to figure out what your IP address is for the devices you use (it’s harder to find your router IP address this way). You can simply search online: What is my IP address? Websites like https://whatismyipaddress.com also make it easy to find the answer you seek. 

If you have a private connection or want to ensure accuracy by finding out your IP address from your device itself, the instructions listed above will be more helpful. 

FAQs

Is the IP address tied to a device or a location?

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) assign IP addresses to users based on their location. So, when you connect to the internet through your ISP, you are given an IP address that is closely tied to your geographical area.

Can an IP address be hacked?

While not common, hackers can target your IP address in a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, which floods your system with bot activity and crashes it. A hacker may use your IP to threaten you with a DDoS attack, which can take you or your business offline if you don't pay a ransom to stop it.

Should I be worried if someone has my IP address?

If a cybercriminal has your IP address, they could use a port scanner to find open ports or vulnerabilities and use them to hack your phone or computer. Once they establish access to your device, they can install different types of malware or even impersonate you for illegal activities.

Why Do You Need To Know Your IP Address? 

For starters, looking into your IP address settings and information can help you confirm whether or not your connection is public or private so you can decide if you want to use a VPN or take extra security precautions. 

Knowing your IP address can also help when you need to troubleshoot a technical issue like a slow connection or lost signal. If you’re receiving help from a provider, they may ask for your router IP address, so it’ll be helpful to know how to quickly find that number for them. 

Other instances in which it’s helpful to know your IP address include connecting to external devices like printers, changing your Wi-Fi or IP address information, setting up a VPN, and learning how to hide your IP address from hackers. In the event you need to give someone else access to your home network, knowing your IP address will be essential as well. 

Now that you know how to find your router (and device) IP addresses, you’re equipped to handle any of these technical situations that come your way. 

Sources: 

How to Find Your Router’s IP Address | Security.org

How to Figure Out Your IP Address -- and Why You’d Want To | CNET

Introduction of a Router | GeeksforGeeks

Essential Network Settings and Tasks in Windows | Microsoft Support

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