Access your router's admin panel through a web browser

To change your Netgear router password, you first need to open the router's settings page in a web browser on any device connected to your network. Open a new tab and type routerlogin.net into the address bar, or try 192.168.1.1 if that does not work. Both take you to the same login screen.

When the login page appears, enter your current username and password. The default username is admin and the default password is password — unless you or someone else changed them already. If you changed the password before and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds, which erases all custom settings.

Key Takeaways

  • You reach your router settings by typing routerlogin.net or 192.168.1.1 into any web browser on a connected device.
  • The default login is username admin and password password, which you should change when ready after first setup.
  • The admin password (for logging into settings) and the Wi-Fi password (for connecting devices) are two separate passwords stored in different places.
  • After you change your admin password, write it down or save it somewhere safe, because resetting the router is the only way to regain access if you forget it.

Locate the admin password settings in the Advanced tab

Once you are logged in, look for a menu on the left side or top of the page. Click on Advanced (some older Netgear models call this Administration). This section holds the settings that control who can access the router itself, separate from the Wi-Fi password that devices use to connect.

Inside Advanced, find and click Set Password or Administrator Password — the exact wording depends on your router model, but it will be clearly labeled. This is where you change the password you just used to log in, not the Wi-Fi password.

Enter your new password twice to confirm it

The password change screen will show two fields: one for your new password and one to confirm it by typing it again. Netgear requires the new password to be at least 6 characters long. Use a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols if possible — something like MyRouter2024! is much stronger than password123.

Type your new password in the first field, then type the exact same password in the second field. If the two do not match exactly, the router will reject the change. After both fields are filled, click explore or Save.

Log out and log back in to confirm the change worked

The router will process the change and may ask you to log in again. Use your new password this time. If you can log in successfully, the change is complete. If the new password does not work, try the old one — sometimes the change did not save if there was a network interruption.

Once you are back in the settings with your new password, you can log out by clicking the logout button (usually in the top right corner). Close the browser tab. Your router is now protected with a stronger password.

The difference between admin password and Wi-Fi password

Many people confuse these two. The admin password is what you just changed — it protects access to the router's settings page, and only you need to know it. The Wi-Fi password is what your phone, laptop, and other devices use to connect to the internet through your router. You can change the Wi-Fi password in the same Advanced section, usually under Wireless or Wi-Fi Settings.

If you change only the admin password, your Wi-Fi password stays the same and all your devices keep working without interruption. If you change the Wi-Fi password, all your devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect them one by one using the new password.

What to do if you forget your new password

If you change your admin password and then forget it, the only way back in is to reset the router completely. Locate the 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 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart.

After the restart, the router returns to factory defaults: username admin, password password. You will lose any custom settings you made, including changes to your Wi-Fi name or password, port forwarding rules, or parental controls. This is why writing down your new password or storing it in a password manager is worth the small effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, the admin password and Wi-Fi password are in different sections. After you change your admin password, go to Advanced and look for Wireless or Wi-Fi Settings to change the network password that your devices use to connect.

What if routerlogin.net does not work?

Try typing 192.168.1.1 instead. If that does not work either, your router may be using a different address. Check the sticker on the bottom or back of the router — it usually lists the correct web address and default login information.

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

No, the change takes effect when ready. Your devices will stay connected to Wi-Fi and the internet will keep working. You only need to restart if something stops working after the change.

Is the default password really just "password"?

Yes, on most Netgear routers the default admin password is literally the word password. This is why changing it right after setup is important — anyone on your network could otherwise access your router settings and change your Wi-Fi or block devices.