Private vs Public Router IP Addresses Explained

Default Router IP Addresses for Major BrandsA router’s default IP address is the numeric address used to access its administrative interface — the control panel where you configure Wi‑Fi network names (SSIDs), passwords, security settings, port forwarding, firmware updates and more. Knowing the default IP for your router brand and model is the first step when you need to log in, perform troubleshooting, or reset configuration after a factory restore.

This article covers:

• What a default router IP address is and why it matters
• Common default IP address ranges and why they’re used
• Default IP addresses for major consumer router brands (linksys, netgear, tp‑link, asus, d‑link, etc.)
• How to find your router’s IP if it’s not using the default
• Security tips after you access the router admin page

What is a default router IP address?

A default router IP address is the address assigned to the router’s local interface when it ships from the factory. It’s typically part of a private IP range reserved for local networks and acts as the gateway for devices on that LAN. When you open a web browser and go to that address (for example, http://192.168.1.1), the router’s web-based admin console usually appears, prompting for a username and password.

Why it matters:

• It’s required to change Wi‑Fi name/password and to configure advanced settings.
• It’s used for troubleshooting connectivity issues (to confirm the router is reachable).
• After a factory reset the router often returns to its default IP and credentials.

Common private IP ranges used by routers

Most home and small‑office routers use private IP ranges defined by RFC 1918:

• 10.0.0.0 – 10.255.255.255 (⁄₈)
• 172.16.0.0 – 172.31.255.255 (172.⁄₁₂)
• 192.168.0.0 – 192.168.255.255 (192.⁄₁₆)

The most common defaults you’ll encounter are:

• 192.168.0.1
• 192.168.1.1
• 192.168.1.254
• 10.0.0.1

Manufacturers pick one of these common addresses for simplicity and to avoid conflicts on new networks.

Default router IP addresses by major brand

Below is a list of typical default router IP addresses used by well‑known consumer brands. Note: models and firmware versions can vary, so always check your device label or manual for the exact address.

• Linksys
  • Default IPs: 192.168.1.1, sometimes 192.168.0.1
• Netgear
  • Default IPs: 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, occasionally 192.168.1.254; some models use 10.0.0.1
• TP‑Link
  • Default IPs: 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, and some newer models use 192.168.0.254 or 10.0.0.1
• ASUS
  • Default IPs: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.50.1 (some gaming/mesh models use .50.1)
• D‑Link
  • Default IPs: 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, sometimes 192.168.1.254
• Belkin
  • Default IPs: 192.168.2.1, occasionally 192.168.1.1
• Huawei
  • Default IPs: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.3.1, sometimes 192.168.8.1 (modems and 4G routers vary)
• Xiaomi
  • Default IPs: 192.168.31.1, some models use 192.168.1.1
• Motorola (Home/Arris OEMs)
  • Default IPs: 192.168.0.1, 192.168.100.1 (cable modem interfaces), 192.168.1.254
• Ubiquiti (UniFi devices)
  • Default IPs: 192.168.1.1 for some edge devices; UniFi controller often manages adoption via DHCP—physical devices may default to 192.168.1.20 or use DHCP.
• Netis / Tenda / TRENDnet
  • Default IPs: commonly 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1; some use 192.168.0.254
• Apple AirPort (legacy)
  • Default IP: 10.0.1.1 (AirPort base stations commonly used this address)

If your ISP supplied the router or gateway, ISPs often set custom default addresses (for example 192.168.100.1 for some cable modems). Always check the device sticker or quick start guide.

How to find your router’s IP if it’s not the default

If the router doesn’t respond at the manufacturer default, you can find the gateway IP from any connected device.

Windows:

1. Open Command Prompt and run:

   
   ipconfig 

2. Look for the “Default Gateway” under the active adapter — that’s the router IP.

macOS:

1. Open Terminal and run:

   
   netstat -rn | grep default 

   or

   
   ipconfig getifaddr en0 

2. Or go to System Preferences → Network → select active interface → Advanced → TCP/IP to see “Router”.

Linux:

1. Run:

   
   ip route | grep default 

2. The IP after “default via” is the router.

Mobile (iOS/Android):

• Go to Wi‑Fi settings, tap the connected network, and view the gateway/router or IP details.

If those methods fail because the router uses a different subnet or you’re on a guest network, temporarily connect a computer directly to the router via Ethernet and repeat the steps above.

What to do after you access the admin page

1. Change the default admin password immediately if it’s still the factory credential. Default usernames/passwords are widely published and frequently targeted.
2. Update firmware to the latest recommended release from the manufacturer to patch security issues.
3. Confirm Wi‑Fi encryption is set to WPA2‑PSK or preferably WPA3‑SAE if supported. Avoid WEP and open networks.
4. Consider changing the router’s default IP only if you have a reason (e.g., conflict with another network) — it’s unnecessary for most users.
5. Back up the configuration after making changes so you can restore settings if needed.

Troubleshooting tips

• If you can’t reach the router at the default IP, try power‑cycling it and connecting via Ethernet.
• A factory reset (usually a 10–30 second press of the reset button) will restore the default IP and credentials — use when locked out, but you’ll lose all custom settings.
• If your ISP provided the device and it’s acting as a combined modem/router, their support documentation or sticker will often list the correct admin IP and default login.
• If two routers are on the same LAN with conflicting addresses, disconnect one to avoid IP collisions while you reconfigure.

Final notes

Default router IP addresses are simple to learn and vary slightly by brand and model. If you keep the router physically accessible, the quickest way to confirm the correct default address is the sticker on the device or the quick start guide. When accessing the router’s admin console, prioritize changing default credentials and updating firmware to keep your network secure.