Access your modem's settings page through a web browser

To change your modem password, you first need to log into the modem itself. Open any web browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge — and type your modem's IP address into the address bar. The most common address is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1. If neither works, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your modem; it will list the correct address.

When you reach the login page, you will see fields for a username and password. The default username is usually admin. The default password is often admin as well, though some modems use motorola, password, or a blank field. Check your modem's manual or the manufacturer's website if the standard defaults do not work. Once you log in, you are inside your modem's control panel.

Key Takeaways

  • Your modem's IP address is printed on a sticker on the device itself, usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1.
  • The default username and password are almost always admin and admin, though you should check your modem's label if those do not work.
  • Once logged in, look for a section called Administration, Advanced, or Settings to find the password change option.
  • Your new modem password should be different from your Wi-Fi password, and you should write it down somewhere safe in case you need to log back in later.
  • After you change the password, you will be logged out and must log back in with the new credentials to confirm the change worked.

Locate the Administration or Advanced settings section

Inside your modem's control panel, look for a menu on the left side or top of the page. Different modem brands organize this differently, but you are looking for a section labeled Administration, Advanced, System Settings, or sometimes just Settings. Click on that section.

Once you are in that area, scan for an option that says Change Password, Modem Password, Admin Password, or Access Control. Some modems nest this under a subsection like "Security" or "User Management". If you cannot find it after looking through the main menu items, try clicking on any section that mentions passwords or user accounts.

Enter your current password and create a new one

When you find the password change page, you will typically see three fields: one for your current password, one for your new password, and one to confirm the new password by typing it again. Type your current password (the default one you just used to log in) in the first field.

In the second field, create a new password that is at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols if the modem allows it. Avoid using the same password you use for your Wi-Fi network or any other accounts. Type the same new password again in the confirmation field to make sure there are no typos. A typo here means you will lock yourself out and have to reset the modem to factory settings.

Save the changes and log back in

Look for a button labeled Save, explore, Submit, or OK and click it. Your modem will process the change, and you will usually be logged out automatically. The page may show a message saying the password has been changed, or it may straightforward return you to the login screen.

Wait about 10 to 15 seconds, then log back in using your new password. If the login works, the change was successful. If it does not work, double-check that you typed the new password correctly. If you are still locked out, you will need to reset your modem to factory settings by holding the reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds, which will erase all your changes and return the modem to its default password.

Write down your new password in a safe place

Once you have successfully logged back in with your new password, write it down and store it somewhere find — a password manager, a locked drawer, or a notebook you keep in a safe place. Do not email it to yourself or store it in an unencrypted document on your computer. You will need this password if you ever need to log back into your modem to change settings, restart it, or troubleshoot connection problems.

Keep in mind that this password is separate from your Wi-Fi password. Your Wi-Fi password is what guests use to connect to your network. Your modem password is what you use to access the modem's control panel. Most people never need to log into their modem again after the initial setup, but having the password saved means you will not be stuck if you do.

What to do if you forget your modem password

If you forget your new modem password and cannot log in, the only way to regain access is to reset your modem to factory settings. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your modem — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold the button down for 10 to 15 seconds while the modem is powered on. The lights on the front will blink, and the modem will restart.

After the restart, your modem will be back to its default username and password (usually admin and admin). You will lose any custom settings you made, but your internet connection will return to normal. You can then log back in and change the password again. This is why writing down your new password is important — resetting the modem erases everything.

Modem password versus Wi-Fi password

Many people confuse these two passwords because they both protect access to your network, but they do different things. Your Wi-Fi password is what your phone, laptop, and guests type in to connect to the internet. Your modem password is what you type into a web browser to access the modem's control panel and change settings.

You change your Wi-Fi password through a different menu in the modem's control panel — usually under a section called Wireless, Wi-Fi, or Network. Changing your modem password does not change your Wi-Fi password, and vice versa. Both are worth changing from their defaults, but they are separate tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot find the IP address on my modem?

Check the manual that came with your modem or visit the manufacturer's website and search for your modem model number. You can also try typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into your browser — one of these addresses works for most modems. If none of these work, restart your modem and try again.

Can I change my modem password from my phone?

Yes, as long as your phone is connected to your Wi-Fi network. Open any browser on your phone and type in the modem's IP address just as you would on a computer. The process is identical. Make sure you are on your own Wi-Fi network, not a cellular connection, or you will not be able to reach the modem.

Will changing my modem password disconnect my devices from Wi-Fi?

No. Changing your modem password only affects access to the modem's control panel. Your devices will stay connected to Wi-Fi because the Wi-Fi password has not changed. You only need to re-enter the Wi-Fi password if you change that separately in the modem's wireless settings.

How often should I change my modem password?

Change it once when you first set up your modem, and then only if you suspect someone has accessed your modem settings or if you are troubleshooting a problem. Unlike your Wi-Fi password, your modem password does not need regular updates unless you have a specific security concern.