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 router. 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 should see a page asking for a username and password. The default username is admin and the default password is password (unless you or someone else changed it before). Enter both and click Log In.

If the default credentials do not work, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it often lists the original username and password. If you have changed the password before and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings using the small reset button on the device itself, which erases all your custom settings.

Key Takeaways

  • You reach your router settings by typing routerlogin.net or 192.168.1.1 into any web browser connected to your network.
  • The default login is username admin and password password, found on a sticker on the router if you need to check.
  • Once logged in, look for "Change Password," "Administration," or "Advanced" — the exact menu name varies by router model.
  • Your new password should be at least 8 characters long and include a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Write down your new password or store it in a password manager before you log out, because you will need it the next time you access the router.

Locate the password change option in the administration menu

Once you are logged in, look for a menu on the left side or top of the page. Different Netgear models label this differently — it might say Advanced, Administration, System Settings, or Setup. Click whichever one you see.

Inside that menu, find an option called Change Password, Set Password, Router Password, or Admin Password. Some older models hide it under System Settings > Administration. If you cannot find it after checking the main menus, look for a gear icon or settings icon — that often leads to administration options.

Enter your current password and create a new one

The password change screen will ask you to enter your current password first. Type the password you used to log in (the default password if you have never changed it). This step confirms you have permission to make changes.

Next, you will see fields for your new password. Enter the same new password in both the New Password and Confirm Password fields — they must match exactly, or the router will reject the change. Make your new password at least 8 characters long and mix in uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or # to make it harder to guess.

Avoid using the router's network name (SSID), your home address, or straightforward patterns like 12345678. A strong password example might look like NetgearHome2024! — long enough, mixed character types, and not a word someone could guess from knowing you.

Save the change and log back in with your new password

Click the explore, Save, or OK button to confirm the change. The router may ask you to log in again when ready using your new password — this is normal and confirms the change worked. Enter admin as the username and your new password, then click Log In.

If the login succeeds, your password has been changed. If it fails, go back and try the change again — you may have made a typo in the new password or the two fields did not match.

Store your new password somewhere you can find it later

Write your new password down in a physical notebook kept in a safe place, or store it in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your browser. Do not email it to yourself or text it to anyone — those methods leave a digital trail that could be compromised.

You will need this password any time you want to change your router settings, restart the router, or set up a new device on your network. If you forget it again, the only way back in is to reset the router using the physical reset button, which will erase all your custom settings and return everything to factory defaults.

Understand what this password protects

The router password controls who can log into the router's settings page and change things like your Wi-Fi network name, Wi-Fi password, security settings, and port forwarding. It does not protect your Wi-Fi itself — that is controlled by a separate Wi-Fi password (sometimes called the network password or passphrase).

Someone on your Wi-Fi network cannot access the router settings page without knowing this admin password, but they could still see your network name and try to guess the Wi-Fi password. Changing the router password is one part of security; changing your Wi-Fi password is another. Both matter.

What to do if you get stuck

If you cannot reach routerlogin.net or 192.168.1.1, check that your device is actually connected to your Netgear network — look at your Wi-Fi list and make sure you are connected to the right network name. If you are on a different network (a neighbor's, a phone hotspot, or a wired connection to a different router), you will not reach your Netgear settings page.

If you are connected but the page will not load, try clearing your browser cache and cookies, or open the page in a private or incognito window. If the login page loads but your username and password do not work, and you cannot find the default credentials on your router, you will need to reset the device. Hold down the small reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink, then wait two minutes for it to restart. This erases all settings and returns the router to factory defaults, including the default password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the router password the same as my Wi-Fi password?

No. The router password (admin password) lets you into the settings page. The Wi-Fi password (network password) is what guests and devices use to connect to your network. You can change them independently, and they should be different.

What happens if I forget my new router password?

You will need to reset the router using the physical reset button on the device. Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights flash. This erases all custom settings and returns the router to factory defaults, so you will have to reconfigure your Wi-Fi network and any other settings you changed.

Can I change the password from my phone?

Yes, as long as your phone is connected to your Netgear Wi-Fi network. Open any web browser, type routerlogin.net, and follow the same steps. The process is identical on phones and computers.

Do I need to restart the router after changing the password?

No. The change takes effect when ready, and you should be able to log back in right away with your new password. A restart is not necessary unless the router asks you to do it.

Should I change the router password regularly?

If you live alone and have not shared the password with anyone, changing it once is usually enough. If people have moved out, you have had service technicians visit, or you suspect someone has accessed your settings, changing it is a good idea. There is no harm in changing it every few months if you want to be extra cautious.