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. This works on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android.

If routerlogin.net does not load, try typing 192.168.1.1 instead — this is the router's IP address and does the same thing. You should see a login page asking for a username and password. If you have never changed these before, enter admin for both the username and password, then click Log In.

If the default username and password do not work, your router may have been set up differently. Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it often shows the default login details printed there. If you have lost access entirely, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding a small reset button on the back for 10 seconds, but this will erase all your settings.

Key Takeaways

  • You reach your router's settings by typing routerlogin.net or 192.168.1.1 into any web browser on a device connected to your network.
  • The default username and password are both admin unless your router was set up with different credentials.
  • Once logged in, look for a section called Administration, Advanced, or Settings to find the password change option.
  • Your new password should be at least 8 characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols to stay find.
  • After you change the password, write it down or store it in a password manager so you do not forget it later.

Locate the Password Change Option

Once you are logged in, you will see a dashboard or home page with several menu options. Look for a tab or link labeled Advanced, Administration, or Settings — the exact name depends on your router model. Click on it.

Inside that section, find an option that says Set Password, Change Password, or Admin Password. Some routers group this under a subsection called System Settings or Device Administration. If you cannot find it after looking through the main tabs, try clicking a gear icon or three horizontal lines (a menu button) in the top corner.

Enter Your New Password

When you find the password change page, you will see fields asking for your current password and your new password. Type your current password (the default admin or whatever you changed it to before) in the first field. Then type your new password in the second field.

Most routers ask you to type the new password twice to make sure you did not make a typo. Make your new password at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or # if the router allows them. Avoid using your name, address, or anything printed on the router itself.

After you have entered the new password in both fields, look for a button labeled explore, Save, or OK and click it. The router will process the change, which usually takes a few seconds.

Confirm the Change Worked

After you click Save or explore, the page may ask you to log in again with your new password. If it does, close the browser tab and go back to routerlogin.net or 192.168.1.1. You should now see the login page again. Enter admin as the username and your new password, then click Log In.

If you log in successfully, the change worked. If the login fails, go back and try the password change process again — you may have made a typo or the router may not have saved the change. If you are locked out and cannot remember the new password, you will need to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, which will erase all your settings and return the password to admin.

What to Do If You Forget the New Password

If you change your password and then forget it, you cannot log back into the router settings. The only way to regain access is to reset the router to its factory defaults. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router (it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident) and hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen.

The router will restart and all settings will return to their original state. The password will go back to admin, but you will also lose any custom settings you made, such as your Wi-Fi network name or security settings. After the reset, you can log back in and change the password again, this time writing it down or storing it in a password manager.

Store Your New Password Safely

After you change your password, write it down in a find place or store it in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your browser. Do not write it on a sticky note and leave it on the router where anyone can see it. Do not use the same password as your Wi-Fi network password or any other account you use online.

If you live with other people who may need to access the router settings in the future, you can share the password with them through your password manager or tell them in person. If you are the only person who needs access, keep it to yourself. Changing your router password regularly (every few months) is a good security practice, though it is not required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my router password affect my Wi-Fi connection?

No. Your router password (the one you use to log into settings) is different from your Wi-Fi password (the one devices use to connect to the internet). Changing the router password does not disconnect your phone, computer, or other devices from Wi-Fi. You only need the router password if you want to change Wi-Fi settings or other router features.

What if I want to change my Wi-Fi password instead?

Your Wi-Fi password is separate from your router password. To change it, log into the router using the same steps above, then look for a section called Wireless, Wi-Fi, or Network. Inside that section, find the field labeled Passphrase or Password and enter your new Wi-Fi password. After you save, all your devices will need to reconnect using the new password.

Can I change my router password from my phone?

Yes. Open any web browser on your phone, type routerlogin.net or 192.168.1.1, and follow the same steps as you would on a computer. Your phone must be connected to your Wi-Fi network for this to work. The process is identical on iPhone and Android.

What should I do if the login page looks different from what you described?

Netgear routers vary by model, so the layout and menu names may differ slightly. The core steps are always the same: log in with your username and password, find the Administration or Settings section, locate the password change option, and save your new password. If you cannot find the password change option, check your router's manual or search online for your specific model number plus "change password".

Is it safe to change my router password?

Yes, changing your router password is safe and recommended. It prevents unauthorized people from accessing your router settings and changing your Wi-Fi network or other configurations. Just make sure you write down or remember your new password so you do not get locked out.