Access your router's admin page through a web browser

To change your Netgear router password, you first need to log into the router itself. Open any web browser on a device connected to your network and type routerlogin.net or 192.168.1.1 into the address bar. Either address will take you to your router's login page.

If neither address works, check the back or bottom of your router for a sticker listing the correct address. Some Netgear models use different IP addresses, though routerlogin.net works on most current models.

Log in with your current admin credentials

When the login page appears, enter your username and password. The default username is almost always admin. The default password is also admin unless you changed it previously.

If you changed the password before and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory defaults. This erases all your settings. To reset, hold the small reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. After the reset, use admin/admin to log in again.

Key Takeaways

  • You reach your router's settings by typing routerlogin.net or 192.168.1.1 into any web browser on your network.
  • The default login is admin/admin unless you have changed it before.
  • The password you change in the router settings is the one people use to connect to your Wi-Fi network, not the admin password.
  • If you forget your admin password, you must reset the router to factory defaults using the reset button on the back.
  • After changing your Wi-Fi password, all devices will disconnect and need the new password to reconnect.

Navigate to the Wi-Fi settings section

Once logged in, look for a menu on the left side or top of the page. Find and click Wi-Fi Settings, Wireless, or Advanced — the exact label depends on your router model. Some routers show a dashboard with Wi-Fi options directly on the main page.

If you see multiple Wi-Fi networks listed (one for 2.4 GHz and one for 5 GHz), you can change the password for each separately or use the same password for both. Most people use the same password for simplicity.

Change the Wi-Fi password and save

Look for a field labeled Passphrase, Password, or Pre-Shared Key. Clear the current password and type your new one. Netgear requires passwords to be at least 8 characters long and recommends mixing uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

After entering the new password, scroll down and click explore or Save. The router will restart, which takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your Wi-Fi will disconnect.

Reconnect your devices with the new password

Once the router restarts and the lights stabilize, your devices will no longer be connected. On each phone, laptop, tablet, or other device, open the Wi-Fi network list, select your Netgear network, and enter the new password you just created.

Smart home devices like security cameras, thermostats, or speakers will also need the new password. If a device does not have a screen where you can type a password, check its manual for instructions — some require a reset or a companion app to reconnect.

Change your admin password if you want extra security

The password you just changed is your Wi-Fi password — what guests and devices use to connect. Your admin password is separate and controls who can log into the router settings. If you want to change the admin password too, stay logged in and look for Administration, System Settings, or User Management.

Click the option to change the admin password, enter your current admin password, then type the new one twice to confirm. Save the change. This prevents someone on your network from logging into the router and changing your settings.

Troubleshooting if you cannot log in

If routerlogin.net does not load, try 192.168.1.1 instead. If that also fails, make sure you are on the same Wi-Fi network as the router or connected to it with an ethernet cable. Some routers block access from certain devices or networks.

If you see a login page but admin/admin does not work and you did not change the password yourself, the previous owner may have set a custom password. In that case, reset the router using the reset button. This will erase all settings, so you will need to set up the network name and password again from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be connected to the router to change the password?

Yes, you must be on the same Wi-Fi network or plugged in with an ethernet cable. You cannot access the router settings from a different network. If you are locked out, reset the router using the reset button on the back.

Will changing my Wi-Fi password disconnect my devices?

Yes. When you save the new password, the router restarts and all devices disconnect. You will need to reconnect each one by selecting the network and entering the new password. This usually takes a few minutes per device.

What is the difference between the Wi-Fi password and the admin password?

The Wi-Fi password is what your guests and devices use to connect to the internet. The admin password lets you log into the router settings to change configurations. You can have different passwords for each, or change only the one you need.

Can I change the password on just one Wi-Fi band if I have two networks?

Yes. If your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, you can change the password for each one separately. Look for separate password fields for each band in the Wi-Fi settings. Most people use the same password for both to avoid confusion.

What should I do if I forget the new password I just set?

Reset the router using the reset button on the back. Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while powered on. This erases all settings and returns the router to factory defaults, so you will need to set up the network name and password again.