MikroTik routers are very powerful, flexible and are widely used in all kinds of environments from a simple home to a large enterprise network.

For ones who are not familiar with networking and with the MikroTik routers particularly, it might be a bit challenging to connect to the new MikroTik router for the first time and access its management interface for the initial configuration.

From this article you will find out how to connect to the new MikroTik router for the first time using a direct connection via an Ethernet cable, connection over WiFi or through an ISP’s (internet service provider) router.

Cool Tip: Default MikroTik router IP, login & password! Read more →

Connect to MikroTik Router

WAN vs LAN: By default, the ether1 interface on the MikroTik routers is considered as the WAN (wide area network) port, and the others, i.e. ether2, ether3, ether4, ether5, etc., are the LAN (local area network) ports.

Direct Connection via Ethernet Cable

1. Before connecting a device to the power source, connect any antennas or accessories that are needed and insert a SIM card , if required
2. Connect your device to the power source
3. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into a LAN port of the MikroTik router (not WAN!)
4. Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into your computer
5. To access the management interface of the MikroTik router, open your web browser and enter the IP 192.168.88.1

If you still can’t connect to the MikroTik router, ensure that your computer’s Ethernet adapter is configured to obtain an IP address from a DHCP server.

To do this on Windows, press ⊞ Win + R to start the “Run” dialog and type in ncpa.cpl and click “OK” to open up the “Network Connections” window.

Right-click on the Ethernet adapter, select the “Properties”, then right-click on the “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and also select the “Properties” and ensure that the “Obtain an IP address automatically” option is selected:

Connection over WiFi

If you own a wireless MikroTik router, you should also be able to access it for the initial setup over WiFi.

1. Before connecting a device to the power source, connect any antennas or accessories that are needed and insert a SIM card , if required
2. Connect your device to the power source
3. Open network connections on your computer , search for MiroTik wireless network and connect to it (a default WiFi password can be found on a sticker , that is usually placed on the rear or underside of the device)
   
4. To access the management interface of the MikroTik router, open your web browser and enter the IP 192.168.88.1

Connection through ISP’s Router

You can also access your MikroTik router’s management interface for the initial setup by connecting it to your ISP’s router, i.e. in most of the cases, simply by connecting it to your regular home router.

1. Before connecting a device to the power source, connect any antennas or accessories that are needed and insert a SIM card , if required
2. Connect your device to the power source
3. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into a LAN port of the MikroTik router (not WAN!)
4. Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into a LAN port of your ISP’s router
5. To access the management interface of the MikroTik router use an official WinBox application that can auto-discover your MikroTik router and connect to it by a MAC address):
   

Factory Reset: If you still can’t connect to the MikroTik router or keep getting “Authentication failed: invalid username or password“, you can try to reset your device.