This wikiHow teaches you how to access online router settings. To access these settings, you need to use a computer.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Finding the Router Address (Windows)
Step 1. Make sure the computer is connected to the internet
Once the computer is logged into the router network, you can use the computer settings to determine the router address so that you can open the router settings later.
If the wireless connection is not working properly, you can connect the computer directly to the router
Step 2. Open the Start menu
Click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen.
Step 3. Click “Settings”
It's in the lower-left corner of the Start window.
Step 4. Click
"Networks & Internet".
This globe icon is on the settings page (“Settings”).
Step 5. Click View your network properties
This option is at the bottom of the page. You may need to scroll through the screen before you find this option.
Step 6. Note the number next to the "Default gateway" heading
This number is the address of the router which can later be used to access the online router settings.
Part 2 of 3: Finding Your Router (Mac) Address
Step 1. Make sure the computer is connected to the internet
Once the computer is logged into the router network, you can use the computer settings to determine the router address so that you can open the router settings later.
If the wireless connection is not working properly, you can connect the computer directly to the router
Step 2. Open Apple menu
It's in the top-left corner of your Mac's screen.
Step 3. Click System Preferences
It's at the top of the Apple drop-down menu.
Step 4. Click Network
This globe icon is on the “System Preferences” page.
Step 5. Click Advanced
It's in the middle of the page.
Step 6. Click the TCP/IP tab
You can find this tab at the top of the “Advanced” window.
Step 7. Write down the number next to the "Router:" heading
This number is the router address that can later be used to access the online router settings.
Part 3 of 3: Accessing Router Settings (Windows and Mac)
Step 1. Open a web browser
To access the router settings, you must be on the internet.
Step 2. Enter the router address
Type your router's address into the address bar of your web browser and press Enter. After that, you will be taken to the router page.
Step 3. Enter the router username and password if prompted
If you haven't set a router username and password, you can usually use the "admin" entry as the username and "password" as the password.
- Check your router's user manual for more information on the device's default user name and password.
- If you've changed your router's password and/or username, but don't remember them, you can restore your router to its default settings.
Step 4. Review the router settings
Each router page will vary slightly, but you can usually find the following information on each page:
- ” Settings ” – You can view router settings, from passwords, current connection strength, to the type of security settings used.
- ” SSID ” – You can find out the network name. This name is the name visible to you and others when trying to connect your computer/device to a WiFi network.
- ” Connected Devices ” – You can see a list of devices currently connected to the network, as well as recently connected devices.
- ” Parental Controls ” – You can review the parental settings on the router, such as time limits for blocked devices or sites.
Step 5. Rename the wireless network
Edit the " SSID " field to change the name of the wireless network. Keep in mind that this change will disconnect any connected devices. You will also need to reconnect the device to the network under its new name.
Usually you need to go to the router settings page to change the name
Step 6. Secure the wireless network
Most modern routers support some type of wireless encryption. Use WPA2 to ensure network keys/passwords remain secure.
If you change your password, use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not create passwords based on personal information (eg date of birth)
Step 7. Set a new username and password on the router
You can use both of these informations when accessing the router in the future. Router default usernames and passwords are highly insecure because anyone connected to the network can access router settings and abuse network security easily.
