How to Log Into the Router
A router is the equipment in your home that makes Wi-Fi work. The ability to change your router settings and therefore the security, name and availability of your Wi-Fi is essential for your safety and convenience. The first step is to log into the router.
Identifying your router
A router can be a standalone device, or your modem can also act as a router. If you don’t know what hardware your router is, start with the cable line going into your home. It will be connected to your modem or cable box. From the modem, follow the cables connected at the back. If nothing is connected, your modem is also your router. If the cables go to other devices that you know are not your router, then your modem is also your router. If the cables connect to equipment you don’t recognize, Google the name of that equipment—there’s a good chance it’s your router.
Although your router is a physical device located physically near you, you will access the router through the Internet, so you will need a computer, phone, or other Internet-enabled device to log in. The good news is that this login process is the same whether it’s a modem and router combination or just a router, and it doesn’t matter whether you own the router or rent it from an ISP.
How to find out your IP address
You access your router by going to a specific Internet address (IP) that you enter into your browser. It’s a series of numbers, not a domain name like Google.com. Nowadays, most routers use the same IP address – 192.168.1.1. It’s worth skipping ahead and seeing if this IP address works, but if not, here’s how to find out your IP.
On Windows
Go to the Windows search bar and type “Hardware and connection properties.” Internet settings should open, but if it doesn’t, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > View hardware and connection properties . In the panel that appears, if you scroll through it, there will be a line called “default gateway” and this is your IP address.
On Apple
Click the Apple icon and go to System Preferences . Go to Network > Wi-Fi and select your Wi-Fi network. Click More Details and you will see your IP address next to Router.
Connecting to the router via browser
Now open your browser and where you would normally enter a website address, enter the IP address and press Enter. You should see a login asking for username and password. There are two possible answers, so don’t worry if you don’t remember setting up your router username and password. Chances are you’ve never done this and are still set to the default username and password. Try searching for your router’s name in this list , and then try logging in with the default username and password. As you can see, it’s scary how many people use “admin” and “password” as their username and password. Make a note now to change both, and then log into your password manager.
If this doesn’t work and you think you may have set up a username and password for your router and just don’t remember it, you may be able to recover it if there is a password recovery feature.
The last resort is to completely reboot the router. This means that the router will return to factory settings and, as such, the default username and password. This also means that you will need to sign in on every device connected to Wi-Fi, including every smart device. You also need to set up communication between your router and modem. In short, it will suck, but you will gain control of your router again. On the plus side, if you’ve been logging in to change your Wi-Fi name, password, or just about any other setting, you’ll still have to re-enter everything all over again.
What You Can Do Once Logged In to Your Router
First, take our advice and change your username and password to something unique to you. If you’re at least concerned about security, your router is a really obvious access point.
If you have forgotten the name of your Wi-Fi network, you can change it, as well as its password. You can also set up a guest network for friends and other people you trust enough to share Wi-Fi but not enough to control what’s on your Sonos. A guest network will keep your network and your playlist safe.
Different routers offer a variety of features, including silent time, the ability to prioritize devices, exclude devices, or set usage limits. Looking around while you’re in your router’s settings will give you an idea of what’s possible, and many routers have quick-start guides.