Change your modem password through the admin panel, not through your internet provider

Your modem has its own password — separate from your WiFi password — that controls who can log in and change its settings. The default password is usually printed on a sticker on the modem itself or in the manual. You change it by logging into the modem's admin panel, a web page you reach from any browser on your home network. The whole process takes about 10 minutes and requires no phone call to your provider.

This password matters because anyone who knows it can restart your modem, change your WiFi name, or redirect your internet traffic. If you have never changed it from the factory default, someone on your network — a guest, a contractor, a neighbor with a strong signal — could potentially access it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your modem password is different from your WiFi password and controls access to the modem's settings page, not your internet connection.
  • The default password is usually on a sticker attached to the modem or in the printed manual that came with it.
  • You log in through a web address like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, typed into any browser on your home network.
  • After you change the password, write it down or store it in a password manager, because you will need it if you ever need to restart the modem or change WiFi settings.

Find your modem's IP address and default login

Every modem has a web address — called an IP address — that opens its settings page. The most common ones are 192.168.0.1 and 192.168.1.1. Your modem manual or the sticker on the back will tell you which one yours uses. If you cannot find either, try 192.168.0.1 first.

The default username is almost always admin. The default password is printed on the sticker on your modem or in the manual. Write both down before you start — you will need them to log in for the first time.

Log in to your modem's admin panel

Open any web browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge — and type the IP address into the address bar at the top. Do not use a search engine; type it directly where the web address goes. Press Enter.

A login page will appear. Enter admin as the username and the default password from your modem's sticker. Click Log In or Submit. If the page does not load, make sure you are connected to your home WiFi or plugged into the modem with an ethernet cable, and try the other common IP address (192.168.1.1 instead of 192.168.0.1).

Navigate to the password or administration settings

Once you are logged in, you will see a dashboard or menu. Look for a section called Administration, Advanced, Settings, or System. The exact name and layout depend on your modem's brand and model — Netgear, Arris, Motorola, and others all arrange their menus differently.

Within that section, find an option for Change Password, Admin Password, or User Password. Some modems ask you to enter the current password first, then the new password twice. Others have separate fields for username and password. Follow the on-screen prompts.

Create a strong new password and save it

Your new modem password should be at least 12 characters long and mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — for example, Tr0pic@lSunset42. Avoid using the same password you use for email, banking, or WiFi. The modem password is less critical than those, but it is still worth keeping separate.

After you enter the new password, the modem will ask you to confirm it or will show a success message. Write the new password down in a notebook or store it in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your browser. If you lose it, you will have to reset the modem to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings.

Test your login and log out

Some modems will log you out automatically after you change the password. Others will keep you logged in. Either way, close the browser tab or window, wait a few seconds, and then try logging in again using your new password. This confirms the change worked.

If the new password does not work, go back to the admin panel using the old password and try changing it again. If you cannot remember the old password and did not write down the default, you will need to reset the modem — see the FAQ below for how to do that.

What to do if you forget the password later

If you forget your modem password and need to access the settings, you can reset the modem to factory defaults. On most modems, there is a small recessed button labeled Reset or Restore. Hold a paperclip or pen against it for 10 to 15 seconds while the modem is powered on. The modem will restart and return to its factory settings, including the default password printed on the sticker.

Resetting erases any custom settings you made — like port forwarding, DNS changes, or a custom WiFi name — so this should be a last resort. If you reset, you will need to set up your WiFi again and change the password once more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the modem password the same as my WiFi password?

No. Your WiFi password is what you give to guests to connect to the internet. Your modem password controls access to the modem's settings page. You can change them independently. If someone knows your WiFi password but not your modem password, they can use your internet but cannot change your WiFi name or restart the modem.

What if I cannot find the default password on my modem?

Check the manual that came with the modem, or search online for "[your modem model] default password." If the modem is rented from your internet provider, call them and ask for the default credentials. Do not try random passwords repeatedly — most modems will lock you out after several failed attempts.

Do I need to change the modem password if I live alone?

It depends on your risk tolerance. If you live alone and never have guests, the risk is lower. If you have roommates, contractors, or frequent visitors, changing it prevents them from accidentally — or intentionally — altering your modem settings. It takes 10 minutes and costs nothing, so most people do it.

Can my internet provider see or change my modem password?

Your provider cannot see the password you set, but they can reset the modem remotely if they need to troubleshoot. If you call them for technical support, tell them you have changed the password so they know to ask for access or guide you through the steps instead of logging in themselves.

What happens if I change the modem password and then forget it?

You will need to reset the modem to factory settings using the recessed Reset button on the back. This erases all custom settings and returns the password to the factory default. After reset, you can log back in and change the password again. Keep the new password written down or in a password manager to avoid this.