How to Access a Router (with Pictures)

Table of contents:

How to Access a Router (with Pictures)
How to Access a Router (with Pictures)
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This article shows you how to access the configuration web page of any network router. To carry out the instructions in this article, you need to use a computer and an internet browser.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Finding the Router's IP Address (Windows Systems)

Access a Router Step 1
Access a Router Step 1

Step 1. Make sure your computer is connected to the LAN managed by the router

Once your computer is connected to the same network that the router is connected to, you can use it to determine the IP address of the device. This last information is essential for accessing the router configuration page.

If there is no Wi-Fi connection or if it is not working properly, you will need to connect your computer directly to the router using an Ethernet network cable

Access a Router Step 2
Access a Router Step 2

Step 2. Access the "Start" menu by clicking the icon

Windowsstart
Windowsstart

It features the Windows logo and is located in the lower left corner of the desktop.

Access a Router Step 3
Access a Router Step 3

Step 3. Launch the Settings app by clicking the icon

Windowssettings
Windowssettings

It features a gear and is located at the bottom left of the "Start" menu.

Access a Router Step 4
Access a Router Step 4

Step 4. Select "Network and Internet" by clicking the icon

Windowsnetwork
Windowsnetwork

It is listed at the top of the "Settings" window and has a globe icon.

Access a Router Step 5
Access a Router Step 5

Step 5. Select the View Network Properties link

It is located at the bottom of the page. In some cases, you will need to scroll down the menu in order to locate it.

Access a Router Step 6
Access a Router Step 6

Step 6. Make a note of the series of numbers next to the "Default Gateway" entry

This is the IP address of the router that manages the LAN to which the computer is connected: you will need to use it in order to access the configuration page.

Part 2 of 3: Finding the IP Address of the Router (Mac)

Access a Router Step 7
Access a Router Step 7

Step 1. Make sure your computer is connected to the LAN managed by the router

Once the computer is connected to the same network that the router is connected to, you can use it to determine the IP address of the device. This last information is essential to access the router configuration page.

If there is no Wi-Fi connection or if it is not working properly, you will need to connect your computer directly to the router using an Ethernet network cable

Access a Router Step 8
Access a Router Step 8

Step 2. Enter the "Apple" menu by clicking the icon

Macapple1
Macapple1

It features the Apple logo and is located in the upper left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.

Access a Router Step 9
Access a Router Step 9

Step 3. Choose the System Preferences… item

It is one of the options present in the drop-down menu that appeared. The "System Preferences" dialog box will appear.

Access a Router Step 10
Access a Router Step 10

Step 4. Click the Network icon

It is characterized by a globe and is located inside the "System Preferences" window.

Access a Router Step 11
Access a Router Step 11

Step 5. Press the Advanced button

It is visible in the center of the newly appeared window.

Access a Router Step 12
Access a Router Step 12

Step 6. Access the TCP / IP tab

It is located at the top of the advanced settings window.

Access a Router Step 13
Access a Router Step 13

Step 7. Make a note of the series of numbers next to "Router:

This is the IP address of the router that manages the LAN to which the computer is connected: you will need to use it in order to access the configuration page.

Part 3 of 3: Access the Router Configuration Web Page

Access a Router Step 14
Access a Router Step 14

Step 1. Launch an internet browser

In order to access the user interface and configure the network router settings, you need to use a browser.

Access a Router Step 15
Access a Router Step 15

Step 2. Enter the IP address of the router

Type it directly into the address bar of the internet browser and press the Enter key. You will be automatically directed to the device configuration page.

Access a Router Step 16
Access a Router Step 16

Step 3. If prompted, log in with your username and password

If you haven't set up a username and password, you'll need to use the default credentials to access the router's administration page. In this case, enter the word "admin" as the username and "password" as the password (in some cases this field should be left blank).

  • To find the router's default login credentials, consult the user manual or online documentation.
  • If you have set a custom username and password, but have now forgotten them, do a factory reset on your device to fix the problem.
Access a Router Step 17
Access a Router Step 17

Step 4. Check the current router settings

The administration interface of a network router varies according to the make and model of the router, but usually the information present is the following:

  • Settings or Settings - contains all the operating settings of the router, including the password for accessing the network and the device, the strength of the Wi-Fi signal, the type of security protocol, the settings of the DHCP service, etc.
  • SSID - represents the name of the Wi-Fi network generated by the router. This is the information visible to anyone who scans for wireless networks in the area to connect to a Wi-Fi network.
  • Connected Devices or Connected Devices - shows the complete list of all devices that have recently connected to the network and are currently connected.
  • Parental Controls or Access Control - shows the settings related to access control and content on the network. For example, the time window in which you can access the internet, blocked sites, etc.
Access a Router Step 18
Access a Router Step 18

Step 5. Edit the name of the Wi-Fi network generated by the router

In this case you have to change the name that appears in the "SSID" field. Remember that by changing this value, all currently connected devices (including your computer) will be automatically disconnected, so you will need to connect again.

Normally the "SSID" field is listed within the "Settings" or "Settings" section of the router's web interface

Access a Router Step 19
Access a Router Step 19

Step 6. Secure your wireless network

Most modern routers support the use of several security protocols to protect access to the Wi-Fi network. Use the "WPA2" protocol to make sure that the password to access the network is safe.

If you need to change the security password of your Wi-Fi network, choose one consisting of a set of letters, numbers and symbols. Do not use personal or sensitive information to create a password (for example, the date of birth)

Access a Router Step 20
Access a Router Step 20

Step 7. Create a username and password to secure access to the router's configuration web interface

You will need to use this information to make subsequent accesses to the device administration page. The default login credentials of any network router are known to everyone, so if they are not changed, anyone with access to the network can easily change the router's operating settings.

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