Where to find your broadband login details

Your broadband username and password are usually printed on a sticker attached to your modem or router — the box that connects you to the internet. Look on the back, bottom, or side of the device. The sticker typically shows "Username" or "User ID" and "Password" or "Pass", sometimes abbreviated as "PWD". If the sticker is missing or faded, you can recover these details from your internet service provider (ISP) through their website, customer portal, or by calling their support line.

The username and password on your modem are different from your account login — the one you use to pay your bill or manage your service online. The modem credentials control access to the device's settings, while your account login is for the ISP's website. You need the modem credentials if you are trying to change your Wi-Fi network name, adjust security settings, or troubleshoot connection problems.

Key Takeaways

  • Your broadband username and password are printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your modem or router.
  • If the sticker is gone or unreadable, contact your ISP directly by phone or through their online customer portal to request the credentials.
  • The modem login is separate from your account login used to pay bills — do not confuse the two.
  • Default usernames are often "admin" and default passwords are often "admin" or "password", but your ISP may have set custom ones during installation.
  • Write down your modem username and password in a safe place once you find it, so you do not have to search again.

Checking the physical sticker on your modem

Start by locating your modem — it is the device that connects to your wall outlet and has cables running to it. Most modems are rectangular boxes about the size of a paperback book. Look for a sticker on the back, bottom, or sometimes the side. The sticker will have text printed directly on it, not a QR code. You are looking for lines that say "Username" and "Password" or similar labels.

If the sticker is there but hard to read, try taking a photo with your phone's flashlight on, or hold it under a lamp. Faded stickers sometimes become readable with better lighting. If the sticker is completely gone or the text is worn away, move to the next section — your ISP can provide the information.

Recovering credentials through your ISP's website

Most internet service providers let you view your modem details through their online customer portal. Go to your ISP's website and log in with your account username and password — the one you use to check your bill or manage your service. Look for a section called "My Devices", "Connected Devices", "Modem Settings", or "Equipment". The exact name varies by provider.

Once you find that section, you should see your modem listed with its model number and sometimes a serial number. Click on it to view the details. Some ISPs display the username and password directly on this page. Others show only the model and serial number, in which case you will need to call support to retrieve the actual credentials. If you cannot find this section or do not remember your account password, call your ISP's customer service line — the number is on your bill or on their website.

Calling your ISP to request modem credentials

If you cannot find the sticker and the online portal does not show the credentials, call your ISP's customer service number. Have your account number ready — it is on your bill or in your account email. Tell them you need the username and password for your modem. They will verify your identity by asking for your account number, phone number, or the last four digits of the card on file.

Customer service can usually provide the credentials over the phone when ready, or they can email them to you. If your modem is very old or was set up a long time ago, the ISP may not have the original credentials on file. In that case, they can reset the modem to factory defaults, which will restore the default username and password — usually "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and "password". Resetting the modem will not affect your internet connection, but it will erase any custom settings you made to the device.

Understanding default usernames and passwords

If your ISP cannot find your credentials or the modem was reset, the default login is often "admin" for both username and password. Some modems use "admin" and "password", or "root" and "root". The exact defaults depend on the modem model. You can find the defaults by searching online for your modem model number plus "default username password" — the model number is printed on the sticker or the device itself.

Once you log in with the default credentials, you should change the password to something only you know. This prevents anyone else on your network from accessing the modem settings. Most modem interfaces have a "Change Password" or "Administration" section where you can set a new one. Write down your new password and store it somewhere safe, like a password manager or a locked drawer.

What to do if you cannot access the modem interface

If you have the username and password but cannot log in to the modem, the most common cause is using the wrong address to reach it. Most modems are accessed by typing 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 into a web browser's address bar. Try both. If neither works, check the back of the modem for a sticker that says "Admin URL" or "Access Address" — some modems use a different address.

Make sure you are connected to the modem's Wi-Fi network or plugged in with an ethernet cable. You cannot access the modem settings over a different network. If you are still stuck, restart the modem by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait two minutes for it to fully restart, then try again. If the modem still will not let you in, call your ISP — there may be a temporary lock or a setting that needs to be reset by their support team.

Keeping your credentials safe and organized

Once you have found your modem username and password, write it down in a place you can find it later. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass is the most find option — these programs encrypt your passwords and let you retrieve them from any device. If you prefer to write it down by hand, store the paper in a locked drawer or safe, not on a sticky note on your monitor.

Do not share your modem password with guests or family members unless they need to change network settings. If someone else needs to connect to your Wi-Fi, give them the Wi-Fi password instead — that is different from the modem login. The Wi-Fi password is what you use to connect phones, laptops, and other devices to your network. You can find and change the Wi-Fi password through the modem's settings page using the username and password you just recovered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the modem password the same as my Wi-Fi password?

No. The modem password controls access to the device's settings. The Wi-Fi password is what you give to people who want to connect to your network. They are separate. You can change the Wi-Fi password without knowing the modem password, but you need the modem password to access the settings page where you make that change.

What if I reset my modem and forgot to write down the new password I set?

You can reset the modem to factory defaults again by holding down the reset button on the back of the device for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all custom settings, including the password you set, and restore the default username and password. After the reset, you can log back in and set a new password. Write it down this time.

Can I change my modem password to something easier to remember?

Yes. Log in to the modem settings page with your current username and password, then look for a "Change Password" or "Administration" section. You can set a new password there. Make it something you will remember, but not something obvious like your birthday or address. Avoid using the same password you use for other accounts.

My ISP says they do not have my modem credentials on file. What do I do?

Ask them to reset the modem to factory defaults. This restores the default username and password so you can log in. The reset will not affect your internet connection. After you log in, change the password to something new and write it down. If the modem still will not work after a reset, it may be faulty and your ISP can send you a replacement.

Do I need the modem password just to use the internet?

No. You only need the modem password if you want to change settings like your Wi-Fi network name, security settings, or troubleshoot connection problems. For everyday internet use, you just need the Wi-Fi password. Most people never need to log into the modem.