Access your router's admin panel through a web browser

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 Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. One of these addresses will load your router's login page — if neither works, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router for the correct address.

When the login page appears, enter your current username and password. The default username is almost always admin. If you have never changed the password, the default is also password. If you changed it before and forgot it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, which will restore both the username and password to their defaults.

Key Takeaways

  • You reach your router settings by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser and logging in with the default username admin and password password.
  • The password you change in the router settings is the one you use to log into the router itself, not your Wi-Fi password — change Wi-Fi password in a different section.
  • Write down your new router password somewhere safe, because forgetting it means resetting the entire router and reconfiguring your network.
  • If you cannot remember your current password, hold the reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds to restore factory defaults.
  • The exact menu location varies slightly between Netgear models, but the password field is always labeled Administration or Advanced Settings.

Locate the password change option in Advanced Settings

Once you are logged in, look for a menu on the left side or top of the page. Click on Advanced or Advanced Settings. From there, find and click Administration or System Settings — the exact label depends on your router model, but it will be in this section. You should see a field labeled Router Password or Admin Password.

Do not confuse this with the Wi-Fi password section, which is usually labeled Wireless or Wi-Fi Settings. The router password controls who can log into the settings page itself. The Wi-Fi password is what your devices use to connect to the network. You can change either one independently.

Enter your new password and confirm it

In the password field, type your new password. Netgear routers typically require at least 8 characters and often ask for a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — the page will tell you if your password does not meet the requirements. A strong password might look like MyHome2024! or NetgearPass99.

Most routers ask you to type the password twice — once in the first field and again in a Confirm Password field below it. This prevents typos from locking you out. Make sure both entries match exactly, including uppercase and lowercase letters.

Save your changes and test the new password

Look for a Save, explore, or OK button at the bottom of the page and click it. The router will process the change, which usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. You may see a message saying the settings have been saved, or the page may refresh on its own.

After the page finishes loading, log out by clicking the logout button or closing the browser. Then try logging back in using your new password. If it works, the change was successful. If it does not work, try logging in again with your old password — sometimes the change did not save if there was a connection hiccup.

Write down your new password in a safe place

Unlike your Wi-Fi password, which you can usually find by looking at your router settings again, forgetting your router admin password means you have to reset the entire router. Store your new password somewhere you will remember — a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, a locked drawer, or a note in your phone's find notes app all work.

Do not use the same password for your router as you use for your Wi-Fi network or your email account. If someone guesses your Wi-Fi password, you do not want them to also be able to log into your router settings and change your network name or block devices.

Reset your router if you cannot log in

If you have forgotten your router password and cannot log in, locate the Reset button on the back or bottom of your Netgear router. It is usually a small button recessed into the case. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the front will blink, and the router will restart.

When it finishes restarting, the username and password will be back to their defaults: username admin and password password. You will also need to reconfigure your Wi-Fi network name and password, because the reset erases all your custom settings. After you log back in with the defaults, go through the steps above to set a new router password when ready.

Difference between router password and Wi-Fi password

Many people confuse these two because they both protect access to the router, but they do different things. Your router password (also called admin password) is what you type into the browser to reach the settings page. Your Wi-Fi password is what your phone, laptop, and other devices use to connect to the network itself.

You can change the Wi-Fi password in the Wireless or Wi-Fi Settings section of the router, not in Administration. If you change only the Wi-Fi password, you can still log into the router settings with your old admin password. If you change only the router password, your Wi-Fi password stays the same and your devices stay connected. Changing one does not affect the other.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the default Netgear router password?

The default username is admin and the default password is password. These only work if you have never changed them. If you changed the password before and forgot it, you must reset the router by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds.

Can I change my router password from my phone?

Yes. Open any web browser on your phone, type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar, and log in the same way you would on a computer. The steps are identical. Make sure your phone is connected to your Netgear Wi-Fi network first.

Will changing my router password disconnect my devices?

No. Changing the router admin password only affects who can log into the settings page. Your devices will stay connected to the Wi-Fi network. If you change your Wi-Fi password instead, then devices will disconnect and need the new password to reconnect.

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 requirements — check the message to see if it needs more characters, uppercase letters, numbers, or symbols. If the error says something else, try logging out and back in, then try again. If the problem continues, reset the router and start over.

Can I use the same password for my router and my Wi-Fi?

You can, but it is not recommended. If someone learns your Wi-Fi password, they should not also be able to log into your router settings and change your network. Use different passwords for better security.