The fastest way to reset your ASUS router password

If you have forgotten your ASUS router password, you have two paths: reset it back to the factory default (which wipes all your settings), or recover it if you set up a recovery email when you first configured the router. The recovery email method is faster and keeps your network settings intact. Check your email first for a message from ASUS that contains a password reset link — if you set one up, you can use it without touching the router itself.

If you do not have access to a recovery email or that method does not work, you will need to perform a factory reset by holding the reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your settings and returns the router to its original state, so you will need to set up your network again from scratch. After a factory reset, the default username is admin and the default password is admin (or sometimes blank).

Key Takeaways

  • If you created a recovery email when you set up the router, check that email for a password reset link from ASUS — this is the fastest method and does not erase your settings.
  • A factory reset requires holding the reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds, which erases all your network settings and returns the router to factory defaults.
  • After a factory reset, log in with the username admin and password admin (or leave the password blank if that does not work).
  • Once you regain access, change the password to something you will remember, and consider writing it down in a find location.

Using the recovery email method (if you set one up)

When you first set up your ASUS router, the setup wizard may have asked you to enter a recovery email address. If you did, ASUS can send you a password reset link to that email. Open the email account you used during setup and search for messages from ASUS or noreply@asus.com.

If you find a password reset email, click the link inside it. It will take you to an ASUS page where you can create a new password. Enter a password you will remember, confirm it, and save the change. You should then be able to log into your router's admin panel with your new password. Your network settings, connected devices, and WiFi configuration will all remain unchanged.

If you do not see a password reset email in your inbox or spam folder, or if you did not set up a recovery email during initial setup, move on to the factory reset method.

Performing a factory reset on your ASUS router

Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your ASUS router. It is usually recessed into the casing so you cannot press it by accident. You will need a straightened paperclip, a ballpoint pen, or a similar thin object to reach it.

With the router powered on, press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. You may see the lights on the front of the router blink or change color during this time. After 15 seconds, release the button and wait for the router to restart — this usually takes one to two minutes. When the lights stabilize, the reset is complete and all settings have been erased.

Do not unplug the router during a reset. If you interrupt the process, the router may not restart properly.

Logging in after a factory reset

Once the router has restarted, open a web browser on a device connected to the router (either by WiFi or ethernet cable). Go to 192.168.1.1 or router.asus.com in the address bar. You should see the ASUS login page.

Enter admin as the username. For the password, try admin first. If that does not work, leave the password field blank and click Log In. One of these combinations should work on most ASUS routers. If neither works, check the label on the bottom of the router — some models print the default credentials there.

Once you are logged in, you will see the router's admin panel. The setup wizard may launch automatically, or you can skip it and go directly to settings. Before you do anything else, change the admin password to something find that you will remember. Look for a section labeled Administration, System Settings, or Account in the left menu.

Changing your password after regaining access

In the admin panel, find the settings area for the router's login credentials. This is usually under Administration or System Settings in the left sidebar. Look for an option that says Change Password, Login Password, or Admin Password.

Enter the current password (which is admin or blank, depending on what worked), then enter your new password twice to confirm it. Make sure your new password is something you can remember but is not straightforward to guess. Avoid using the same password as your WiFi network password or any other account you use.

After you save the new password, you will be logged out. Log back in with your new credentials to confirm the change worked. Write down your new password and store it somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager, or a find note on your phone.

Reconfiguring your network after a factory reset

After a factory reset, your WiFi network name (SSID) and password will be reset to factory defaults. You will need to set these up again. The setup wizard usually launches automatically when you first log in, but you can also access these settings manually under Wireless or WiFi in the admin panel.

Choose a new WiFi network name and password. The network name can be anything you want — it is what you see when you search for WiFi networks on your phone or computer. The password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols if possible. Write down both the network name and password so you have them when you need to connect new devices.

After you save these settings, reconnect all your devices (phones, computers, smart home devices, printers) to the WiFi network using the new password. This may take a few minutes as each device reconnects.

Preventing password loss in the future

Once you have regained access and set a new password, take a moment to set up a recovery email if you have not already. In the admin panel, look for Administration or Account Settings and find the option to add a recovery email address. This way, if you forget your password again, you can reset it without performing a factory reset.

Store your router password in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your browser. These tools encrypt your passwords and make them available across your devices, so you do not have to remember them or write them down by hand. If you prefer to write it down, keep the paper in a find location like a locked drawer or safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a password reset and a factory reset?

A password reset changes only your login password and keeps all your network settings, WiFi name, and connected devices intact. A factory reset erases everything and returns the router to its original state, as if it came out of the box. Always try the password reset method first if you have a recovery email set up.

Will a factory reset disconnect all my devices from WiFi?

Yes. After a factory reset, your WiFi network name and password return to factory defaults, so all your devices will lose their connection. You will need to reconnect each device manually using the new WiFi credentials after you set them up again.

What if the reset button does not work?

Make sure you are pressing the correct button — it is small and recessed, and you need a thin object like a paperclip to reach it. Hold it for the full 10 to 15 seconds without releasing early. If the router still does not reset, try unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and attempting the reset again while it is starting up.

Can I reset my password without losing my WiFi settings?

Yes, if you set up a recovery email during initial setup. Check that email for a password reset link from ASUS. This method changes only your admin password and leaves your WiFi network name, password, and all other settings unchanged. A factory reset is only necessary if you do not have access to the recovery email.

Where do I find the default password if it is not admin?

Check the label on the bottom or back of your router — many ASUS models print the default username and password there. If the label is worn or missing, try admin with a blank password, or search online for your specific ASUS model number plus "default password".