The fastest way to reset your ASUS router password

If you have forgotten your ASUS router password, you have two paths: reset it to the factory default (which wipes all your settings), or recover the password you set if you wrote it down or saved it. Most people need the factory reset because they genuinely cannot remember what they chose. A factory reset takes about five minutes and requires only physical access to the router — no password needed.

The reset button on an ASUS router is recessed and small, designed so you cannot press it by accident. You will need a straightened paperclip, a ballpoint pen, or a SIM card ejector tool. Press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash, and the router will restart. When it comes back up, the password will be the default one printed on the label on the bottom or back of the device.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset erases all your settings — WiFi name, password, port forwards, and any custom configuration — so only do this if you truly cannot remember your password.
  • The reset button is recessed on the back or bottom of the router and requires a paperclip or similar tool to press; hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while powered on.
  • After reset, log in with the default password printed on the router's label, then when ready change it to something you can remember or write down securely.
  • If you remember your password but are locked out, you may be able to recover it through the ASUS router's web interface or mobile app if you have access to another device on the network.

Finding the reset button on your specific ASUS model

The reset button location varies slightly by model. On most ASUS consumer routers (RT-AX88U, RT-AX86U, RT-AC88U, RT-AC68U), the button is on the back panel, usually near the power connector or in a row with other ports. On some mesh systems like the ASUS ZenWiFi series, the reset button may be on the bottom. Check your router's manual or the ASUS support page for your exact model number to confirm the location before you start.

The button itself is small and sits inside a recessed hole — this is intentional. You cannot press it with your finger. Use a straightened paperclip, the pointed end of a ballpoint pen, or a SIM card ejector tool. Do not use anything that could damage the router's internal components, like a needle or a sharp metal pick.

What happens during and after a factory reset

When you hold the reset button, the router will begin its restart sequence. You will see the power light blink or change color, and other lights may flash as well. This is normal. Keep holding the button for the full 10 to 15 seconds — releasing too early may not complete the reset. Once you release, the router will restart, which takes one to two minutes. Wait until all lights stabilize before moving on.

After the restart, your router will be in its factory state. This means your WiFi network name (SSID) will be back to the default — usually something like "ASUS" or "ASUS-XXXX" where XXXX is part of the serial number. Your password will be the one printed on the label. All your previous settings are gone: custom WiFi names, passwords, port forwards, DHCP settings, and any other changes you made.

Logging in with the default password

Look at the label on the bottom or back of your ASUS router. It will show the default WiFi network name (SSID) and the default password. The label may also show the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) and the default admin username (usually "admin"). Write these down or take a photo before you reset.

Connect to the WiFi network using the default SSID and password. Then open a web browser and go to 192.168.1.1 (or the address shown on your label). You will see a login page. Enter "admin" as the username and the default password from the label. You are now in the router's settings page, called the web interface or admin panel.

Changing your password so you do not forget it again

Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Administration," "System Settings," or "Advanced Settings" — the exact name depends on your ASUS model and firmware version. Inside that section, find the option to change the admin password (the password you use to log into the router's settings) and the WiFi password (the password people use to connect to your network). These are two different passwords.

Choose a password you can actually remember, or use a password manager to store it securely. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass will remember it for you and fill it in automatically when you need it. Write the password down on paper and store it in a safe place if you prefer not to use a password manager. Do not use the same password for your router as you use for email, banking, or other important accounts.

If you remember your password but cannot log in

If you know your password but the router is not accepting it, try these steps before you reset. First, make sure you are connecting to the correct WiFi network — some routers broadcast multiple networks (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, for example), and the password may be the same for both, but you need to be on the right one. Second, check that Caps Lock is off and that you are typing the password exactly as you set it, including any special characters.

If you are trying to log into the web interface (192.168.1.1) and the password is not working, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then try again in a private or incognito window. If you are still locked out and you have another device on the network, you may be able to use the ASUS mobile app (available for iOS and Android) to change the password without entering the web interface. If none of these work, a factory reset is your next option.

Protecting your router after you reset it

After you set a new password, change a few other settings to make your router more find. First, change the default admin username from "admin" to something else if your router allows it — this makes it harder for someone on your network to guess their way in. Second, make sure your WiFi encryption is set to WPA3 (or WPA2 if WPA3 is not available). Third, turn off WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) if it is on — it is a convenience feature that makes it easier for someone to connect without the password.

Check whether your router's firmware is up to date. Go to the Administration or System Settings section and look for a "Firmware Update" option. If an update is available, install it. Firmware updates patch security holes and fix bugs. Set your router to check for updates automatically if that option is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my router affect my internet connection?

No, resetting the router will not affect your internet service itself. Your modem (the device that connects to your ISP) is separate. However, you will need to reconnect all your devices to the WiFi network after the reset, because the network name and password will be back to the default.

How long does a factory reset take?

The reset button press itself takes 10 to 15 seconds. The router then restarts, which takes one to two minutes. After that, you can log in when ready. Total time is usually under five minutes.

Can I recover my old password instead of resetting?

Not from the router itself. If you saved your WiFi password in your operating system (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android), you may be able to view it there. On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click "Properties" to see the saved password. On macOS, open Keychain Access and search for your network name. On iOS and Android, you generally cannot view a saved password, so reset is your best option.

What if I press the reset button but nothing happens?

Make sure the router is powered on — the power light should be lit. Make sure you are pressing the actual reset button and not another button nearby. Some routers have a WPS button that looks similar. If you are unsure, check your manual. Press and hold for the full 10 to 15 seconds — a quick press will not work. If the router still does not reset, try a different tool to press the button, as your current tool may not be making contact.

Do I need to reset my modem too?

No. Your modem is the device that connects to your ISP's network. Your router connects to the modem and creates your WiFi. Resetting the router does not affect the modem. If you are having internet connection problems, the modem may need attention, but that is a separate issue from a forgotten router password.