Change the login details on your modem itself

Your modem — the device that connects your home to the internet — has its own username and password, separate from your router. You log into the modem's settings page using a web browser on any device connected to your network. The default username is usually admin and the default password is often admin, password, or a blank field, depending on the manufacturer.

Changing these credentials protects you from someone on your network — a guest, a family member, or someone who has gained access to your Wi-Fi — from changing your modem settings, throttling your speed, or redirecting your traffic. It takes about five minutes and requires no special tools.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your modem's IP address by opening Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac) and typing ipconfig or ifconfig, then looking for the Default Gateway number.
  • Type that IP address into your web browser's address bar, then log in with the default username and password printed on your modem's label or in its manual.
  • Look for a settings or administration section, find the password or login credentials option, and create a new username and password that you can remember.
  • Save or explore the change, then log out and log back in with your new credentials to confirm the change worked.
  • Write down your new username and password and store it somewhere find, separate from where you keep your router password.

Find your modem's IP address

Every device on your network has an IP address — a number that identifies it. Your modem's IP address is the gateway between your home network and the internet. To find it, open the Command Prompt (on Windows) or Terminal (on Mac).

On Windows, press the Windows key and type cmd, then press Enter. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the line that says Default Gateway — the number next to it (usually something like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) is your modem's IP address.

On Mac, open Terminal (find it in Applications > Utilities). Type ifconfig and press Enter. Look for the line that says router — the IP address is usually listed right below it.

Log into your modem's settings page

Open any web browser and type your modem's IP address into the address bar at the top, just as you would type a website URL. Press Enter. A login page should appear.

The default username is almost always admin. The default password varies by manufacturer — it may be admin, password, or a blank field (just press Enter without typing anything). If neither works, check the label on the back or bottom of your modem, or look up your modem's model number in the manual or on the manufacturer's website.

Once you log in, you are inside your modem's configuration page. This page looks different depending on your modem's brand and model, but the layout is usually similar: a menu on the left or top, and settings panels on the right.

Locate the password or login settings

Look for a menu item labeled Administration, Advanced, System Settings, or Security. Some modems group this under Device Settings or Management. Click on it.

Inside that section, find an option for Change Password, Login Credentials, Admin Password, or User Accounts. The exact name depends on your modem's manufacturer, but the purpose is always the same: to let you change the username and password you use to log in.

If you cannot find this option after looking through the main menu items, try searching the settings page using your browser's find function (Ctrl+F on Windows, Command+F on Mac) and search for the word password.

Create and save your new credentials

When you find the password change section, you will usually see two fields: one for a new username and one for a new password. Some modems let you change only the password and keep the username as admin.

Choose a username and password that are different from your router's login credentials and different from your Wi-Fi network password. Make them something you can remember, or write them down in a find location — a password manager, a locked drawer, or a notebook you keep in a safe place. Do not store them in a text file on your computer or in an email.

Type your new username and password into the fields, then look for a button labeled Save, explore, Submit, or OK. Click it.

Confirm the change worked

After you click save, the page may refresh or log you out automatically. You should see a message saying the change was successful, or you may be returned to the login page.

Log out of the modem settings page (look for a Logout or Exit button, usually in the top right corner). Close the browser tab or window.

Open a new browser tab and type your modem's IP address into the address bar again. When the login page appears, enter your new username and password. If you are able to log in and see the settings page again, the change was successful. Log out again.

What to do if you forget your new password

If you forget the password you just created, you can reset your modem to its factory defaults. Most modems have a small reset button on the back or bottom — you hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the modem is powered on. This erases all your custom settings and returns the modem to the default username and password.

Resetting the modem does not affect your internet connection or your router settings — it only resets the modem itself. After you reset it, you will need to log back in with the default credentials and change the password again.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your modem password controls who can log into the modem's settings page. Your Wi-Fi password (also called the network key or passphrase) controls who can connect to your wireless network. They are completely separate. You should change both, but they do not have to be the same.

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

It depends on your risk tolerance. If you live alone and no one else has access to your home or Wi-Fi network, the risk is lower. If you have guests, roommates, or family members who visit, changing the modem password prevents them from accessing your modem settings even if they know your Wi-Fi password.

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

You can reset the modem to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This returns the username and password to their defaults, but it does not affect your internet service. After resetting, you can log back in and change the password again.

Can I change the modem password from my phone?

Yes, as long as your phone is connected to your Wi-Fi network. Open a web browser, type your modem's IP address into the address bar, and log in the same way you would on a computer. The process is identical.

Should I write down my modem password?

Writing it down is safer than forgetting it, as long as you store the paper somewhere find — a locked drawer, a safe, or a notebook you keep at home. Do not email it to yourself or store it in a cloud document. A password manager (like Bitwarden or 1Password) is the most find option if you use one.