A router is essential to your network. It allows you to connect, manage, and redirect internet traffic to the devices in your home. Because it is central to your network along with your modem, you may want to update its default settings. Using a computer to access your router’s admin panel is common, but it can also be done from aChromebook. you may log in to your router’s admin panel using a web browser from any device with access to your network.

If your router was given to you by your internet service provider (ISP), you might not have as much control over your device. Leased router equipment via your ISP typically limits you from using certain features or functionalities. But you can change some basic settings. If you purchased the router, you have unlimited access to the admin panel with a few simple steps.

A default Verizon Fios router showing the front and back of the device.

How to find your router’s IP address

Before logging in to the admin panel for your router, figure out the router’s IP address. Doing so lets you view its admin login screen from a web browser, where you’ll type in a username and password.

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You’ll often find the local IP address on your router, such as a sticker at the bottom or back of the device. A popular default IP address for a router might look like192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1.Some routersallow you to enter a web address instead of a number to access the admin panel. Check out the steps below for your operating system to find your router’s IP address using a computer.

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There are multiple ways to find an IP address for a connected network device using a desktop or laptop computer. We cover the command line interface in this guide. The process is straightforward, even if this is your first time using a command prompt or terminal app. After you have the IP address, you only do that part again if your network environment changes.

Find your router’s IP address using Windows

Locating the router’s IP address with a Windows computer is simple. After you open a universal command prompt and run one quick command, you have access to the IP address for your router. Use that number to access the router’s admin login page.

To locate the IP address for your router using Windows, do this:

The Command Prompt app in the Windows 11 search bar showing it about to be opened.

Find your router’s IP address using Mac or Linux

Similar to Windows, locating the IP address for your router on Mac or Linux involves opening a terminal window and running a command. You can access the router’s admin login page when you have that number.

To locate the IP address for your router using Mac or Linux, do this:

Highlighting the “Default Gateway” IP address in a command window on a Windows computer.

How to access the admin panel page on your router

Now that you have the IP address for your router, the next part involves using that number to log into your router’s admin panel. It’s as simple as opening a web browser and typing a few login credentials.

To get access your router’s admin panel, check out these steps:

Doing a search for the Terminal app in the app drawer on Ubuntu.

you’re able to review the settings and make changes to meet your networking needs. Also, update your router’s login credentials to avoid using the default settings for increased security. Change the username and password to something unique and something only you will remember. Write down or save the updated login credentials somewhere safe. Otherwise, you’ll need to factory reset your router if you can’t log back in.

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Tweak your router settings with the admin panel

Going into your router’s admin panel allows you to change your networking experience as little or as much as you want. You can update basic settings, like the name of your network or thedefault DNS serversused. You can also tap into advanced features like forwarding and blocking network ports or setting up a network-wideVPN. The process for accessing the admin panel for your router is simple when the proper login credentials are taken care of.

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