Despite entering the IP address 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.2.1 in the browser, the router login does not work? We will take you to the router menu in 3 steps.
Nowadays, it is much easier to set up a new router than to configure the old one. New WIFI routers come with activated and already secured WIFI. You can usually find the password on a small sticker on the bottom of the device. Some of these stickers even still show the user name, the password, and the default IP address – often 192.168.1.1, 192.168.2.1, or even 192.168.0.1. With an older router, however, things look quite different. Or the password has been changed in the meantime. Our tips can help here.
3 steps: How to get access to your router
Use cable instead of WIFI (optional)
If you can no longer log into your router via 192.168.1.1 using WIFI, it is best to connect your computer and the router using a network Ethernet cable. A notebook is advantageous here, as you can carry it directly to the router – the line may not be long enough to connect your desktop PC.
Finding the IP address of the router
Open the command line in Windows. The fastest way to do this is to press the Windows key and R at the same time. Now type cmd in the bar that opens and confirm. Now type ipconfig into the opened window and confirm again. Windows will then list all installed network adapters. Among them is the current IP address of your router. It is the number behind the entry “Default gateway”. (By the way, besides “ipconfig” there are several other useful network commands that you can use to analyze WIFI and router problems).
Enter IP address correctly in the browser
Now open your web browser and enter this number – in our case, it was not 192.168.1.1, but 192.168.1.254 – into the address line. Confirm with Enter. Do not type http:// in front of it – otherwise, you will only get an error message.
If you don’t see the login screen of your router, for example, the Fritzbox, at this point, it may be because the IP address has been entered manually. You check this in Windows’ Network and Sharing Center, found under Control Panel, Network and Internet (Windows 7). In Vista, Windows 8 and Windows 10 you can find the center in a similar way.
Now click on “Change adapter settings” and right-click on the following connection to the router. Select “Properties” from the context menu. In the list that pops up, pick out the “Internet Protocol Version 4” entry and select “Properties”. Make sure that “Obtain IP address automatically” is set. The same applies to the DNS server address.
Now repeat steps 2 and 3.
Router access still not working?
The firewall is to blame
Probably a firewall is blocking access. Check if you have a separate firewall or one installed as part of your security suite. Allow IP access as an exception – or temporarily disable the firewall. Don’t forget: Afterwards, you should re-enable the firewall. By the way, the Windows firewall should not be to blame for your problem. In the default settings, it allows router access without further ado.
Parental control software installed?
Another stumbling block could be installed parental control software. The filter denies access to the router interface website. In this case, add the IP address as an exception or temporarily disable the software.
The browser blocks you
A third possibility: a browser addon or setting is preventing access. Try using a different browser.
Tip: Instead of 192.168.1.1 or any other IP address, you can also enter clever abbreviations in the browser’s address bar on many routers. With Fritzboxes, for example, the router menu also appears when you enter fritz.box. Now you can conveniently access the Fritzbox. For the Telekom router Speedport, type speedport.ip. Unitymedia and KabelBW also use a different IP address. Netgear routers can be reached via http://www.routerlogin.com/ . Asus routers via http://router.asus.com.
I have forgotten the router password
If you have forgotten the username and password of your WIFI router, you have to reset the router to factory settings. To do this, you will find a reset button on mostly the top or on the side. Sometimes it can only be activated with the help of a sharp pencil or a wire. You might have to hold the button down for several seconds. You can find the exact time in the router manual.
If you wanted to log into your router to (re)configure your WIFI, you could do that now. We recommend that you set a strong password for access. Also, be sure to choose WPA2 for the encryption method and not WEP, which is much too weak.
One more hint: If you want to try this guide within a company network, talk to your admins first.
And if you have successfully logged in, it is best to check for an update right away.