Access your router's login page from any device on your network

Open a web browser on any computer, phone, or tablet connected to your Netgear network. Type routerlogin.net into the address bar and press Enter. If that does not work, try 192.168.1.1 instead — both take you to the same login screen.

You will see a prompt asking for a username and password. The default username is admin. The default password is also admin unless you changed it before. If you have already changed the password and forgotten it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings using the reset button on the back — hold it for 10 seconds while the router is powered on, then wait two minutes for it to restart.

Once you log in, you are inside the router's control panel. The exact layout depends on your model, but you will see a menu on the left or top of the page.

Key Takeaways

  • You reach your router settings by typing routerlogin.net or 192.168.1.1 into a browser and logging in with the default username and password, both admin.
  • The password you change here is the one you use to log into the router itself, not your Wi-Fi password — they are separate.
  • Changing the router password does not disconnect your devices from Wi-Fi or require you to reconnect them.
  • If you forget the new password, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, but this erases all your settings.

Find the password settings in the administration menu

Once logged in, look for a menu item called Administration, Advanced, or Settings. Click it. You should see an option for Set Password or Change Password — the exact wording varies by model.

Some routers put this under a submenu labeled Router Settings or System Settings. If you cannot find it in the main menu, look for a gear icon or a section labeled System.

Enter your current password and create a new one

The password change screen will ask you to enter your current password first. Type admin if you have never changed it, or the password you set before. Then enter your new password in the next field.

Make your new password at least 8 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols if the router allows it. Avoid passwords that are straightforward to guess — do not use your name, address, or birth date. Write the new password down somewhere safe, or store it in a password manager, because you will need it the next time you log into the router.

Some routers ask you to enter the new password twice to confirm it matches. If yours does, type it the same way both times.

Save the change and log out

Click the explore or Save button. The router will process the change — this usually takes a few seconds. You may see a message saying the change was successful, or the page may refresh on its own.

Log out of the router by clicking Logout or closing the browser tab. Your Wi-Fi network will keep running normally. Your devices will stay connected to the internet and will not need to reconnect.

Test your new password by logging back in

To confirm the change worked, go back to routerlogin.net or 192.168.1.1 in your browser. When prompted, enter admin as the username and your new password. If you log in successfully, the change is complete.

If the new password does not work, try your old password to see if the change actually saved. If neither works, the router may not have applied the change — go back to the password settings and try again, making sure you click explore or Save before leaving the page.

Understand the difference between router password and Wi-Fi password

The password you just changed is for logging into the router itself — the device that controls your network. This is different from your Wi-Fi password, which is what your phone, laptop, and other devices use to connect to the internet.

Changing the router password does not change your Wi-Fi password. Your devices will stay connected to Wi-Fi without any interruption. If you want to change your Wi-Fi password separately, that option is usually in a menu labeled Wireless or Wi-Fi Settings within the same router control panel.

Reset the router if you forget the new password

If you forget the router password and cannot log back in, you can reset the router to factory settings. Look for a small Reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold it down for 10 seconds while the router is powered on.

The router will restart and return to its default settings. The default username and password will both be admin again. This process erases any custom settings you made, including port forwarding, DHCP settings, or security rules, so use it only as a last resort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing the router password disconnect my devices from Wi-Fi?

No. The router password is separate from your Wi-Fi password. Changing it does not affect your connected devices at all — they will stay online and will not need to reconnect or re-enter any password.

What if I see a message saying the password is too weak?

Your router requires a stronger password. Add more characters, mix in uppercase and lowercase letters, or include numbers and symbols. Most routers require at least 8 characters. Try again with a longer or more complex password.

Can I change the router password from my phone?

Yes. Open any browser on your phone, go to routerlogin.net or 192.168.1.1, and follow the same steps. Your phone must be connected to your Netgear Wi-Fi network to reach the router settings.

Do I need to change the router password if I only changed my Wi-Fi password?

No. They are separate. You can change your Wi-Fi password without touching the router password, and vice versa. Change whichever one you need to change.

What should I do if the router keeps asking for the old password after I changed it?

The change may not have saved. Log back in with your old password, go to the password settings again, enter the new password, and make sure you click explore or Save before leaving the page. Wait a few seconds for the page to respond before closing it.