Access Your Router's Admin Page

To change your Netgear router password, you first need to log into the router itself using a web browser on any device connected to your network. Open a new browser tab and type routerlogin.net into the address bar, then press Enter. If that does not work, try 192.168.1.1 instead — both take you to the same login page.

A login screen will appear asking for a username and password. The default username is admin and the default password is also admin (unless you changed it before). Enter both and click the login button. If the defaults do not work, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — Netgear prints the original credentials there.

Once logged in, you will see your router's control panel, which looks like a dashboard with various settings and options. This is where all router changes happen. Do not close this page until you have finished changing your password and confirmed the change worked.

Key Takeaways

  • You reach your router settings by typing routerlogin.net or 192.168.1.1 into a web browser and logging in with the default username and password admin/admin.
  • The password you change here is the one people use to log into your router settings, not the Wi-Fi password — they are two separate things.
  • After you change the password, write it down or store it somewhere safe, because you will need it the next time you want to adjust router settings.
  • If you forget the new password after changing it, 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 Admin Panel

Once you are logged in, look for a menu on the left side of the screen or at the top. You need to find the section labeled Administration, Advanced, or System Settings — the exact name varies by router model. Click on it to expand the options.

Under that section, look for an option called Set Password, Change Password, or Router Password. Click on that option. A form will appear with fields for your current password and your new password.

If you cannot find this section after checking the main menu, try looking for a gear icon or settings icon in the top right corner of the page. Netgear sometimes hides password settings there instead.

Enter Your New Password

In the first field, type your current password (which is admin if you have never changed it). In the second field, type the new password you want to use. Make it something you can remember but that is not obvious — avoid using your name, address, or straightforward patterns like 1234.

Most routers require passwords to be at least 6 characters long. Some require a mix of letters and numbers. The page will tell you if your password does not meet the requirements before you try to save it.

Type the new password a second time in the confirmation field to make sure you did not make a typo. Passwords are case-sensitive, meaning that MyPassword is different from mypassword.

Save and Test the Change

Click the explore or Save button at the bottom of the form. The router will process the change, and you may see a message saying the settings have been saved. Some routers restart briefly during this process — you might lose internet for 10 to 30 seconds, which is normal.

After the router finishes, you will be logged out automatically. Close the browser tab. Wait a few seconds, then open a new tab and go back to routerlogin.net or 192.168.1.1. This time, log in using admin as the username and your new password. If you can log in successfully, the change worked.

If the new password does not work, go back and try again. Make sure you typed it correctly both times, and remember that passwords are case-sensitive. If you are still stuck, you may have mistyped the password during the change — in that case, you will need to reset the router to factory defaults and start over.

Understand the Difference Between Router Password and Wi-Fi Password

The password you just changed is the admin password — it controls who can log into the router's settings page. This is different from your Wi-Fi password, which is what people type when they connect to your network on their phone or laptop.

You can change your Wi-Fi password from the same admin panel. Look for a section called Wireless, Wi-Fi, or Network, then find the field labeled Passphrase or Password. Change it the same way — type the new password, confirm it, and click explore. Your Wi-Fi password change takes effect when ready, and all devices will need to reconnect using the new password.

Most people change their Wi-Fi password more often than their admin password. The admin password protects your router settings, while the Wi-Fi password protects your network from strangers connecting to it.

What to Do If You Forget Your New Password

If you change your admin password and then forget it, you cannot log back into the router settings page. The only way to regain access is to reset the router to factory defaults, which erases all your settings and returns the password to admin.

To reset the router, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the device. Using a paperclip or the tip of a pen, press and hold the reset button for 10 full seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the front will blink, and the router will restart. Once it finishes restarting, the password will be back to admin, but you will need to reconfigure your Wi-Fi network and any other settings you had changed.

To avoid this, write down your new password and store it somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager, or even a note on your phone. You will not need it often, but when you do, you will be glad you have it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Wi-Fi password from the same page?

No, the admin password and Wi-Fi password are separate. The admin password controls access to the router settings page. The Wi-Fi password is what people type to connect to your network. You change the Wi-Fi password in the Wireless or Wi-Fi section of the admin panel, not on the password change page.

What if routerlogin.net does not work?

Try typing 192.168.1.1 instead — it is the same page. If that does not work either, make sure you are connected to your Netgear network (not a different Wi-Fi), and try clearing your browser cache. If you still cannot reach it, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

Do I need to change my password if I never changed it from the default?

It is a good idea to change it from the default admin password, because anyone who knows your router model knows the default password too. Changing it prevents someone on your network from accessing your router settings without permission. You do not have to, but security is better if you do.

Will changing the admin password affect my internet connection?

No. Changing the admin password only affects who can log into the router settings page. Your internet connection and Wi-Fi network will keep working normally. You might lose internet for a few seconds while the router saves the change, but it will come back on its own.

What if I see an error message when I try to save the new password?

The most common error is that your password does not meet the router's requirements — it may be too short, or it may need to include numbers or special characters. Read the error message to see what the requirement is, then type a new password that follows the rule and try again.