What changing your router's IP address means and when you need to do it

Your router has its own IP address — usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — that lets you log in to manage it. Changing this address means picking a new one from the private range your router supports, then updating your login path. You might do this if you're setting up a second router on the same network, troubleshooting a conflict with another device, or following a security practice of moving away from the default address.

This is different from changing your public IP address (the one your internet provider assigns). You're only changing the internal address you use to reach your router's settings page. The process takes about five minutes and requires you to log in to your router once, change one setting, and then use the new address to log back in.

Key Takeaways

  • You access your router's settings by typing its current IP address into a web browser — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — then entering your username and password.
  • The new IP address must fall within your router's private range, typically 192.168.1.0 to 192.168.1.254 or 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.0.254, and must not be used by another device.
  • After you change the address and save, your router will restart and you'll need to log back in using the new address.
  • If you forget the new address, you can reset your router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, which restores the original IP address.

Log in to your router's settings page

Open a web browser on any device connected to your router — a computer, phone, or tablet. Type your router's current IP address into the address bar. The default is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If neither works, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router; it will list the default address.

Press Enter. A login page should appear asking for a username and password. The defaults are often admin for both, but check your router's documentation or the sticker if those don't work. Once you're logged in, you'll see your router's settings dashboard.

Find the LAN settings or network settings page

The exact location varies by router brand and model. Look for a menu item labeled LAN Settings, Network Settings, Advanced, or Setup. Some routers group this under Administration or System Settings. If you can't find it, search your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for "change router IP address" plus your model number.

Once you're on the LAN or network settings page, you should see a field showing your current IP address. This is the field you'll change.

Choose and enter your new IP address

Your new address must be within the private range your router uses. Most home routers use one of two ranges: 192.168.1.0 to 192.168.1.254 or 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.0.254. Your router's documentation will specify which range it supports. Pick a number that isn't already assigned to another device on your network — avoid the very low numbers (like .1 or .2) that some routers reserve for themselves.

A safe choice is usually something in the middle of the range, like 192.168.1.100 or 192.168.0.150. Type this new address into the IP address field, then look for a Save or explore button. Click it.

Wait for your router to restart and log back in

After you save, your router will restart — this usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. Your internet connection will drop briefly. Wait until your Wi-Fi network name reappears in your device's network list, then reconnect to it.

Once you're reconnected, open your browser again and type the new IP address you just set. You should see the login page again. Enter your username and password. If the login works, the change was successful. Bookmark this new address so you don't forget it.

Verify the change and update any saved settings

After logging back in with the new address, check your LAN settings page again to confirm the new IP address is showing. If you use any tools or apps that connect directly to your router's address — like network monitoring software or remote management tools — you'll need to update those with the new address.

If you have a second router on the same network, make sure its IP address doesn't overlap with the new one you just set. The two routers should have addresses in different ranges or at least different numbers in the last segment (for example, one at 192.168.1.1 and the other at 192.168.0.1).

What to do if you can't log back in

If you type the new address and the login page doesn't appear, the change may not have saved correctly or you may have entered an address outside your router's supported range. The quickest fix is to reset your router to factory defaults. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your router, usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it.

With the router powered on, hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink or the router restarts. This erases all your settings and returns the IP address to the default (usually 192.168.1.1). You can then log back in and try the change again, being careful to pick an address within the correct range for your model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any IP address I want?

No. Your address must fall within the private range your router supports — typically 192.168.1.0 to 192.168.1.254 or 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.0.254. Using an address outside this range will cause the change to fail or create network problems. Check your router's manual for the exact range.

Will changing the router's IP address affect my internet speed?

No. The router's internal IP address is only used for logging in to its settings. It has no effect on your internet speed or the performance of devices connected to your network. Only your internet provider's connection speed matters for that.

What happens if two devices on my network have the same IP address?

This creates a conflict called an IP address collision, which can cause one or both devices to lose network access or behave unpredictably. This is why you should pick a number that isn't already in use. If it happens, reset your router and choose a different address.

Do I need to change my Wi-Fi password when I change the router's IP address?

No. The router's IP address and your Wi-Fi password are separate settings. Changing one doesn't affect the other. Your devices will stay connected to Wi-Fi without any changes.

What's the difference between the router's IP address and my public IP address?

Your router's IP address (like 192.168.1.1) is internal — it's only used on your home network to log in to the router. Your public IP address is assigned by your internet provider and is what websites see when you browse. Changing the router's address doesn't change your public address.