This wikiHow article will show you how to access your router's online settings. You will need a computer to access the router's settings.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Find the Router Address (Windows)
Step 1. Make sure the computer is connected to the Internet
Once the computer is on the router's network, you can use the computer's settings to set the router's address, which in turn allows you to open the router's settings.
In case the wireless connection does not work properly, you can directly connect the router
Step 2. Open "Start"
Click on the Windows logo in the lower left corner of the screen.
Step 3. Click on "Settings"
You will find it in the lower left side of the "Start" window.
Step 4. Click
"Network and Internet".
This globe-shaped icon can be found on the "Settings" page.
Step 5. Click View network properties
It's near the bottom of the page, though you may have to scroll down the page to see this option.
Step 6. Write down the number next to the "Default Gateway" heading
That is the address of the router that you will use to access its settings on the Internet.
Part 2 of 3: Finding the Router Address (Mac)
Step 1. Make sure the computer is connected to the Internet
Once the computer is on the router's network, you can use the computer's settings to set the router's address, which in turn allows you to open the router's settings.
In case the wireless connection does not work properly, you can directly connect the router
Step 2. Open the Apple menu
It's in the upper-left corner of your Mac screen.
Step 3. Click System Preferences
This option is near the top of the Apple drop-down menu.
Step 4. Click Network
It's a globe-shaped icon on the "System Preferences" page.
Step 5. Click Advanced
You will find this button in the center of the page.
Step 6. Click on the TCP / IP tab
You'll find it near the top of the "Advanced" window.
Step 7. Write down the number next to the heading "Router:
"This is the address of the router that you will use to access its settings on the Internet.Part 3 of 3: Access Router Settings (Windows and Mac)
Step 1. Open a web browser
To access the router settings, you will need to go to the Internet.
Step 2. Enter the address of the router
Type the address of the router in the address bar of the browser and press Enter. This will take you to the router page.
Step 3. Enter your username and password if asked
In case you haven't configured your router's username and password, you can probably use "admin" as the username and "password" as the password.
- Check your router's user manual for more information on the default username and password.
- In case you have changed the password or username of the router but don't remember it, you can reset the router to restore factory settings.
Step 4. Check the router settings
Each router page may vary slightly, although you can usually find the following information on all router pages:
- Settings: here you will be able to see the router configuration, from the password and the current strength of the connection to the type of security that the connection uses.
- SSID: this is the name of the network. It is the name that you and others will see when connecting to Wi-Fi.
- Connected devices- Displays a list of any devices connected to the network, as well as recently connected devices.
- Parental controls: Here you can review the parental controls of the router, such as the connection time limit for devices or blocked web pages.
Step 5. Change the name of the wireless network
Editing the "SSID" field will change the name of the wireless network. Note that doing this will cause any device that you have connected to the network to lose connection and you will have to reconnect it to the network with the new name.
You will generally have to open the router's settings page in order to do this
Step 6. Protect the wireless network
Most modern routers support various types of wireless encryption. Please use WPA2 to ensure the network key is secure.
In case you change the password, use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid basing your password on personal information (such as your date of birth)
Step 7. Assign the router a new username and password
You will use them the next time you access the router. The default username and password are very insecure as anyone connecting to your network can easily enter the settings and compromise network security.