Finding Your Modem IP Address Through Your Router Settings

Your modem's IP address is a number that identifies it on your home network — usually something like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. The fastest way to find it is to open a web browser, type the address into the search bar, and log in with your modem's username and password. Most modems use "admin" as both the username and password by default, though your manual or a sticker on the device itself will show the correct credentials.

Before you try this, make sure you're connected to your home network — either by WiFi or an ethernet cable plugged directly into the modem. Open any web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge), click in the address bar at the top, and type one of the common default addresses: 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, or 192.168.100.1. Press Enter. If the login page appears, you've found it. If nothing loads, try the next address on the list.

If none of those work, check the bottom or back of your modem for a sticker that lists the default IP address, username, and password. Different manufacturers — Netgear, Motorola, Arris, Linksys — sometimes use different defaults. The manual that came with your modem will also have this information, or you can search online for "[your modem model] default IP address."

Key Takeaways

  • Your modem's IP address is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, and you can reach it by typing the number into your web browser's address bar.
  • You will need to log in with a username and password, which are often "admin" and "admin" by default, but check your modem's sticker or manual to be sure.
  • On Windows, you can find your modem's IP address by opening Command Prompt, typing ipconfig, and looking for the "Default Gateway" line.
  • On Mac, open System Preferences, go to Network, select your connection, and click Advanced to find the router address.
  • If you cannot reach the modem through the browser, restart it by unplugging the power cable for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for all lights to stabilize.

Finding Your Modem IP on Windows Using Command Prompt

Windows includes a built-in tool called Command Prompt that shows your modem's IP address in seconds. Click the Start button, type "cmd" into the search box, and press Enter. A black window will open with a blinking cursor.

Type the word ipconfig and press Enter. A list of information will appear. Look for the line that says "Default Gateway" — the number next to it is your modem's IP address. Write it down or take a screenshot, then close the Command Prompt window. You can now paste that IP address into your web browser's address bar to reach your modem's login page.

Finding Your Modem IP on Mac Using System Preferences

On a Mac, open System Preferences (or System Settings on newer versions) and click Network. Select the connection you're using — either WiFi or Ethernet — and click the Advanced button in the bottom right corner.

Click the TCP/IP tab at the top. The number next to "Router" is your modem's IP address. Copy it, open a web browser, paste it into the address bar, and press Enter to reach your modem's login page. If you don't see a TCP/IP tab, look for a similar section labeled "IP Settings" or "Network Details" depending on your macOS version.

Finding Your Modem IP on iPhone or Android

On an iPhone connected to your WiFi network, open Settings, tap WiFi, and find your network name in the list. Tap the information icon (a small "i" in a circle) next to your network name. Scroll down to find the "Router" field — the IP address shown there is your modem's address.

On Android, open Settings, go to WiFi, and tap the network you're connected to. Look for "Gateway" or "Router" in the list of network details. The number shown is your modem's IP address. From there, open a web browser on your phone, type the IP address into the address bar, and log in with your modem's username and password.

What to Do If You Cannot Access Your Modem's Login Page

If you type the IP address into your browser and nothing loads, the modem may not be responding. Unplug the power cable from the back of the modem, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Watch the lights on the front — they will blink while the modem restarts. Wait until all lights stop blinking and stabilize (usually 2 to 3 minutes), then try the IP address again in your browser.

If the page still does not load, try a different IP address from the list above — 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, or 192.168.100.1. If you've tried all three and none work, check the sticker on your modem or search online for your specific modem model and "default IP address." Some manufacturers use non-standard addresses.

If you've forgotten your modem's password and cannot log in, you can reset the modem to factory defaults by holding down the small reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all your settings and restore the default username and password, but you'll need to set up your internet connection again afterward.

Why You Might Need Your Modem's IP Address

Knowing your modem's IP address lets you log into its settings page to change your WiFi password, restart the connection, check for firmware updates, or troubleshoot connection problems. You may also need it if a technician asks you to access your modem's status page to check signal strength or error logs.

Some people also use it to set up port forwarding or other advanced network settings, though most home users won't need to do this. The main reason most people look up their modem's IP is to restart it when their internet slows down or stops working, which often fixes the problem without needing to call your internet provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my modem's IP address the same as my internet IP address?

No. Your modem's IP address (192.168.x.x) is a private address that only works on your home network. Your internet IP address is assigned by your internet provider and is visible to websites you visit. You can find your internet IP by searching "what is my IP" in Google.

Will typing my modem's IP address into a browser expose my network to hackers?

No. The IP address 192.168.x.x is a private range that only works on your local network — it cannot be accessed from the internet. However, you should still use a strong password for your modem's login to prevent someone on your WiFi from changing your settings.

What if my modem and router are separate devices?

If you have both a modem and a separate router, the modem's IP address is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1, while the router's is usually 192.168.1.1. Try each one. If you're unsure which device is which, the modem is the one connected to the cable line coming into your home; the router is connected to the modem.

Can I change my modem's IP address?

Most home users should not change their modem's IP address — it's set by the manufacturer and changing it can break your network. If you need a different address for a specific reason, consult your modem's manual or contact your internet provider's support team.