How to Log In to Your Router

Use an app to log in

Every router we’ve tested has a mobile app for setting up and managing your home network. Chances are, you already have this app installed and ready to log in, whether it’s locally or through a cloud service.

Mesh systems require a mobile app from the start (although NETGEAR Orbi is one of the few exceptions). You probably don’t need these instructions if you have a mesh system unless you’re setting it up for the first time.

Here’s how to connect and log into your router, gateway, or mesh system using a mobile app:

Step 1: Connect to Wi-Fi

Router apps are designed for Android and Apple mobile devices. They may work if the devices are wired (we haven’t tried), but generally, you use these apps over Wi-Fi. Here’s what to do when connecting to your wireless network:

When setting up a new Wi-Fi network

Select the network name that matches what the label reads affixed to the router, gateway, or mesh unit. The unique Wi-Fi passcode is also printed on the label.

When connecting to an existing Wi-Fi network

Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password you created during setup (if needed).

Step 2: Install and open the app

Use the table shown above to download and install the manufacturer’s mobile app.

If the app isn’t listed, use your mobile device’s camera to scan the QR code affixed somewhere on the router (usually on its belly) or printed on paperwork supplied in the packaging.

Once the app is downloaded and installed, open it and proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Log in

There are a few ways to log in but remember, your router admin and cloud credentials are different than your Wi-Fi ones.

Accessing the router locally

Enter the admin password you created during setup. If you forgot the password, hopefully, you also set security questions during setup to save you from having to reset the router.

For equipment supplied by your internet provider, enter the account credentials given to you during installation.

Accessing the router remotely

If you’re off the network but need to make adjustments, you can log in using a cloud account—create one if you haven’t already. Enter the associated username and password to log in remotely.

Again, for equipment supplied by your internet provider, enter the account credentials given to you during installation.

Accessing a mesh system

Nearly every mesh system we’ve tested requires a cloud account. Enter the associated username and password.

Give your internet a quick health check

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Give your internet a quick health check

Download our speed test app to find out how fast your internet is.

Use a web browser to log in

Nearly every mesh system we’ve tested either lacks a web interface or has an interface with only a handful of static information. The only exception we’ve seen so far is NETGEAR’s Orbi system, which has the same web interface used on NETGEAR’s standalone routers.

You can view a router or gateway’s web interface using any modern browser for mobile and desktop. So, if you mostly use a mobile device for network management, you don’t need a wired device to access settings not available in the mobile app.

Here’s how to connect and log into your router or gateway using a web browser:

Step 1: Connect to your router or gateway

You can connect to your router in two ways—wired or wirelessly—depending on the model.

For wired connections

Tether an Ethernet cable between a LAN port on your router and the Ethernet port on your computer. If your computer doesn’t have an Ethernet port, get an Ethernet adapter that plugs into a USB-A or USB-C/Thunderbolt port.

An Ethernet adapter that plugs into a USB-B, USB-C/Thunderbolt, or Lightning port can be used for mobile devices.

Once your device is connected, it automatically joins the network—no login credentials are needed.

For wireless connections

To connect to an existing Wi-Fi network, select it and enter the password you created during setup (if needed).

When setting up a new Wi-Fi network, select the network name that matches what the label reads affixed to the router or gateway. The unique Wi-Fi passcode is also printed on the label.

Step 2: Navigate to your router’s login page

Now that you’re connected, you can open any modern browser to access the router or gateway’s web interface.

Every router we’ve tested includes all the information you need on a label affixed to their belly. This label consists of the default IP address, an easy-to-remember URL (although we usually forget it anyway), the Wi-Fi network’s default name, a unique Wi-Fi passcode, the serial number, and so on.

Use our table to find your router’s information and enter its IP address or custom URL into the address bar. For example, enter routerlogin.net or 192.168.1.1 to log into a NETGEAR router.

Your router login page should appear, requesting a password.

Step 3: Enter your router’s login credentials

Believe it or not, some routers still use “admin” and “password” as the default login credentials even though you’re forced to create a new admin password when you first set up the router. This step has been unavoidable in every router we’ve tested, and sometimes, you also must create three security questions to retrieve the new password in case you forget it.

That said, you can’t log in without the admin password you created. If you forgot the password and the answers to your security questions, the only fix is to factory reset your router.

Remember, the admin login credentials are different than the Wi-Fi ones, so don’t get them confused and lock yourself out of the router.

Find your router’s default IP address

If you can’t find your router’s default IP address or login URL in the tables provided earlier in our guide, follow these steps to find your router’s IP address.

Jump to: Windows | Mac | Android | iPhone and iPad

Find your router’s IP address in Windows

Step 1: Right-click on the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Windows 10) or Windows Terminal (Windows 11) on the Power User Menu.

Step 2: The Windows PowerShell or Terminal window appears on your screen. Type “ipconfig” and press the Enter key.

Step 3: Write down the number displayed next to Default Gateway. That’s the private IP address you need to access the router’s settings.

Find your router’s IP address on a Mac

Step 1: Click on the Apple logo in the upper left corner and choose System Preferences. Alternatively, click on the System Preferences icon located on the Dock (if available).

Step 2: Select Network.

Step 3: Select your network listed on the left—Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Step 4: Click on the Advanced button.

Step 5: Select the TCP/IP tab.

Step 6: Write down the number displayed next to Router. That is the private IP address you need to access the router’s settings.

Find your router’s IP address on Android

These instructions apply to stock Android 11, although we add steps for Samsung phones. These instructions may be slightly different on Android devices from HTC, Lenovo, and other smartphone and tablet manufacturers.

Step 1: Swipe a finger down from the top to expand the notification shade and tap the cog icon.

Step 2: With the Settings panel open, tap Network & Internet. On Samsung phones, tap Connections instead.

Step 3: Tap Wi-Fi.

Step 4: Tap on the cog icon listed next to your network. The remaining steps differ between Samsung devices and stock Android devices.

Step 5 (stock Android): Tap Advanced and write down the number listed under Gateway. That is the private IP address you need to access the router’s settings.

Step 5 (Samsung): Tap Manage Router and select a web browser.

Step 6 (Samsung): Write down the number displayed in the address bar. That is the private IP address you need to access the router’s settings.

Find your router’s IP address on an iPhone or iPad

Step 1: Tap to open the Settings app.

Step 2: Tap Wi-Fi.

Step 3: Tap on your network.

Step 4: Write down the number displayed next to Router. That is the private IP address you need to access the router’s settings.

How to change your router’s Wi-Fi settings—a few examples

Once you log into your router, you can access all sorts of useful features. Let’s go over some of the most important router settings.

How to disable Band Steering / Smart Connect

Band Steering (also called Smart Connect) is a feature that combines all Wi-Fi connections into one network name to simplify your options. With this feature enabled, the router determines the best connection for your device and denies its access to other Wi-Fi connections until conditions change. That means your device may be connected to the slower 2.4 GHz band when you really want the faster 5 GHz one.

Here’s a generic guide on how to disable band steering:

Step 1: Log in to your router using an app or a web browser.

Step 2: Most web interfaces split the settings into Basic and Advanced categories. Look for Wireless, Wireless Setup, Wi-Fi, or WLAN. If you need more help in locating the setting, be sure to consult our guide for an exact path.

Mobile apps generally have a Wireless tab or tile.

Step 3: Look for Smart Connect (or similar terminology) and click or tap on the toggle to disable it.

With band sterling disabled, you can rename your Wi-Fi networks and freely connect to the one you want to use.

How to change your Wi-Fi password

Step 1: Log in to your router using an app or a web browser.

Step 2: Most web interfaces split the settings into Basic and Advanced tabs. Look for Wireless, Wireless Setup, Wi-Fi, or WLAN. If you need more help in locating the setting, be sure to consult our guide for an exact path.

Mobile apps generally have a Wireless tab or tile.

Step 3: Locate the Network Name (SSID) or similarly-named field.

Step 4: The Password (Network Key) field is somewhere underneath the Network Name (SSID) field. Replace the current hidden text with your new password.

Step 5: Click or tap the Save Changes or Apply button.

Step 6: Your wireless devices disconnect from Wi-Fi. Reconnect them using the new Wi-Fi password.

How to set up a guest Wi-Fi network

Here’s another generic list of instructions. For a more detailed setup, be sure to check out our guide on how to set up guest Wi-Fi.

Step 1: Log in to your router using an app or a web browser.

Step 2: In the web interface, click or tap on the Guest Wi-Fi tile or category. It may also read as Guest, Guest Network, or Guest Access. If using an app, tap on a similar tile.

Step 3: For each Wi-Fi radio (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz) you want to share with guests, click or tap on the toggle next to Enable Guest Network (or something similar) if it’s not enabled already.

In mobile apps, you may have to tap on the radio first before you can enable guest access.

Step 4: For each Wi-Fi radio you want to share, click or tap on the toggle next to Enable SSID Broadcast (or something similar) if it’s not enabled already.

Step 5: Set the name (SSID) and password (network key) for each network you enable.

Step 6: Change the security type if needed. It’s normally set to WPA2-Personal.