How to find out the model and details of your Wi-Fi router: all the methods

Have you connected to your home or office Wi-Fi network but don't know which router is providing your internet? This situation is familiar to many: the device was installed by the ISP, the settings were configured by a technician, and the label with the information has long since disappeared. Without the router's model number, it's difficult to update the firmware, change the password, or troubleshoot problems. Fortunately, there are several reliable ways to find out the manufacturer, model, and even the IP address of your router—both through the device itself and through connected devices.

In this article we will look at all current methods From a simple inspection of the case to advanced terminal commands, you'll learn how to find router information from your phone, computer, or tablet, even if you don't have access to its web interface. We'll also explain why this data is needed and how to use it to optimize your network. We'll start with the most obvious: a physical inspection of the device.

1. Inspecting the router case: where to look for the label

The fastest way to find out your router's model is to look at the sticker on its case. Manufacturers always include key information there, but it's not always in an obvious location. Here's where to look:

• 🔍 Lower part of the body - most brands (TP-Link, ASUS, D-Link) Place the label here. Turn the device over and carefully inspect the surface.
• 📦 Back panel - some models (Keenetic, Zyxel) hide data near LAN/WAN ports.
• 🔋 Under the battery (for mobile routers) - If you have a 4G/5G router, remove the battery cover.
• 📄 Inside the package - If the box is still intact, check the sticker on the bottom or side.

The label usually states: Model (For example, TP-Link Archer C6), Serial number (SN or S/N), MAC address, IP address for login (more often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), Network name (SSID) And default password (if not changed).

⚠️ Attention: If the sticker is worn off or painted over, try wiping it with rubbing alcohol—this can sometimes help you read the text. If the data is completely lost, proceed to the next methods.

2. Viewing data through the router's web interface

If you're connected to a Wi-Fi network, you can access your router's control panel and view information about it there. To do this:

1. Find out Router IP address (methods below in section 3).
2. Open your browser and enter this address into the address bar (for example, 192.168.1.1).
3. Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or indicated on the label).
4. Go to the device information section. The path may vary depending on the model:
   • 📌 TP-Link: Status → Device or System Tools → Device Information
   • 📌 ASUS: Administration → System Information
   • 📌 Keenetic: System → Monitor → Device
   • 📌 D-Link: System → Device Information

In this section you will find: Model, Firmware version, MAC address, Serial number, Opening hours and other technical data.

⚠️ Attention: If you can't log in to the control panel, someone may have changed the default login/password. In this case, resetting the settings using the button will help. Reset (hold it for 10-15 seconds). After the reset, all personal settings (including the Wi-Fi password) will return to factory settings!

Check your router's network connection|Reboot your router|Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox)|Reset the settings using the Reset button|Check the router's IP address (Section 3)-->

3. How to find the router's IP address on different devices

To access the web interface, you need the router's IP address. It may differ from the default one. 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, especially if the network was configured by your ISP. Here's how to find it on different gadgets:

🖥️ On Windows 10/11

1. Click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter.
2. In the command line, run:

   ipconfig /all

3. Find the line Main gateway - this is the router's IP.

📱 On Android

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on your network name.
3. Scroll down to the section Gateway or Router.

🍎 On iPhone/iPad

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the symbol i next to the network name.
3. The router's IP address is specified in the line Router.

🐧 On macOS/Linux

In the terminal, run the command:

netstat -rn | grep default

IP address after the word default - This is a gateway.

⚠️ Attention: If your network uses double NAT (e.g., a provider modem + your router), the IP address may point to an intermediate device. In this case, try connecting to it and finding the main router's information in the section DHCP or LAN.

Device	Command/path	Field with router IP
Windows	ipconfig /all	Main gateway
Android	Settings → Wi-Fi → [network] → Gateway	Gateway or Router
iPhone/iPad	Settings → Wi-Fi → (i) → Router	Router
macOS/Linux	netstat -rn | grep default	Address after default

4. Using mobile apps to identify the model

If you don't want to mess around with settings, you can use specialized apps. They scan the network and display information about connected devices, including the router. Here are the top options:

• 📱 Fing (Android/iOS) — identifies your router model, MAC address, manufacturer, and even vulnerabilities. The free version displays basic information.
• 🔍 WiFi Analyzer (Android) - analyzes networks and can provide access point data.
• 🌐 IP Tools: Network Utilities (Android/iOS) - in the section LAN Scan Displays all devices on the network, including the router.
• 🛡️ Advanced IP Scanner (Windows) - Scans the local network and displays device models by MAC addresses.

How to use Fing:

1. Install the app and connect to your Wi-Fi network.
2. Click Scan.
3. In the list of devices, find the one with the column IP the gateway address is specified (for example, 192.168.1.1).
4. Tap on it to open information about the model, manufacturer, and MAC.

⚠️ Attention: Not all applications recognize router models from lesser-known brands (for example, Tenda or Mercusys). If the program only showed the MAC address, use the service MAC Vendors Lookup (enter the first 6 characters of your MAC) - it will tell you the manufacturer.

5. Advanced Methods: Command Line and Terminal

For experienced users, there are ways to obtain router information using network commands. These methods work even if the web interface is blocked.

🖥️ In Windows (via CMD)

Run the command:

arp -a

In the list, find the IP address of your gateway (from section 3) and look at the corresponding physical address (MAC). The first 6 characters of the MAC indicate the manufacturer. For example:

• B0:BE:76 — TP-Link
• 00:0C:43 — ASUS
• 78:59:3E — Keenetic

🐧 On Linux/macOS (via Terminal)

Use the command:

nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24

(replace 192.168.1.0/24 to your subnet, if it is different).

In the results, find the device with the MAC address of the router manufacturer.

📱 On Android (via Termux)

Install Termux from F-Droid, then run:

pkg install nmap
nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24

⚠️ Attention: These methods require administrator privileges (on Windows) or root access (on Android). If you're unsure of what you're doing, it's better to use the simpler methods in the previous sections.

ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (Linux/macOS)

6. Defining the model through the provider or documentation

If the router was provided by an Internet provider (for example, Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS), its model can be found out:

• 📄 In the contract — some operators indicate the equipment in the technical passport or acceptance certificate.
• 💬 At the support — Call or message your provider via chat. Tell them you need the router model for setup. They'll usually give you the model number without any trouble.
• 🌐 In your personal account - go to the provider's website, in the section Equipment or My devices there may be information.

If you purchased the router yourself, check: Check or warranty card (the model is always indicated there), Box (it duplicates the information from the label), Email — If you bought it online, the model number should be included in the letter from the store.

⚠️ Attention: ISPs sometimes block access to their router settings. If the web interface is unavailable and support refuses to provide information, try resetting the device to factory settings (using the button). Reset) - this unlocks the control panel.

7. What to do if the router model is unknown, but the settings are needed

There are situations when it's impossible to determine the exact model, but you need to, for example, change the password or update the firmware. In this case:

• 🔧 Use universal instructions - many routers (TP-Link, ASUS, D-Link) have similar interfaces. Try the standard paths from Section 2.
• 🔍 Focus on appearance — Take a photo of the router and find similar models on Google Images.
• 📡 Check the frequency range - if the router supports it 5 GHz, this narrows the range of models (for example, TP-Link Archer or ASUS RT-AC).
• 🛠️ Reset settings - After reset, many routers show the model on the initial setup page.

If you need update firmware, but the model is unknown:

1. Go to the web interface (section 2).
2. Find the section System Tools → Firmware Update.
3. If there is a button there Checking for updates, click it - the router will automatically determine the current version.

⚠️ Attention: Never install firmware from a different model—this will brick your router! If you are not sure, it is better to consult a specialist.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about determining your router model