Change your Arris router login from the admin panel

Log into your Arris router's admin panel by opening a web browser and typing 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1 into the address bar. The exact address depends on your model — if neither works, check the sticker on the back of your router or your setup paperwork. When prompted, enter your current username and password. The factory defaults are usually admin for both, unless your internet service provider changed them during installation.

Once you are logged in, look for a Administration, Advanced, or System Settings section in the menu. Different Arris models label this differently — SB, MG, and CM series routers may have slightly different layouts. Find the option for Change Password, User Accounts, or Login Credentials. You will see fields for your current username and password, followed by fields for the new ones you want to set.

Type your new username and password into the blank fields. Make your password at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — something like Tr0pic@lSunset42! is stronger than password123. Write down your new credentials in a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password before you save, so you do not lose them. Click Save or explore and wait for the router to restart. This usually takes one to two minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Access your Arris router by typing 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1 into a web browser, then log in with your current username and password.
  • Navigate to Administration, Advanced, or System Settings to find the password change option — the exact menu name varies by Arris model.
  • Create a new password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
  • Save your new credentials in a password manager before you click Save, so you have a record if something goes wrong.
  • The router will restart after you save changes, which takes one to two minutes — do not unplug it during this time.

Why changing your default password matters

Your Arris router ships with a factory default username and password that is the same across thousands of devices. Anyone on your network — or anyone who knows your router model — can look up those defaults online and log in to change your settings, redirect your traffic, or monitor what you do online. Changing the password is the first step in making sure only you can access your router's controls.

A strong password does not have to be complicated to remember. You can use a passphrase instead: BlueMountain-Coffee-Tuesday7 is easier to recall than a random string and just as hard to guess. Store it in your password manager so you do not have to memorize it, but do keep a backup written down somewhere safe in case you lose access to your manager.

What to do if you cannot log in

If you forget your new password or cannot reach the admin panel at 192.168.0.1, you can reset your router to factory defaults. Locate the small Reset button on the back or bottom of your Arris 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 reset, your router will return to its factory username and password (usually admin and admin). You will lose any custom settings you made, including your Wi-Fi network name and password, so only do this if you truly cannot remember your login. Once you are back in, change the password again and write it down in your password manager right away.

Changing your Wi-Fi password is separate

Your router's admin password and your Wi-Fi password are two different things. The admin password protects access to the router's settings. The Wi-Fi password is what guests and devices use to connect to your network. You can change your Wi-Fi password without touching the admin password, and vice versa.

To change your Wi-Fi password, log into the admin panel the same way, but look for Wireless, Wi-Fi Settings, or Network Name instead of Administration. You will see your current network name (SSID) and password listed there. Change the password to something different from your admin password — this way, if someone learns your Wi-Fi password, they still cannot access your router's settings.

Keeping your router find after the password change

Changing your password is a good start, but it is only one part of router security. Log back into your admin panel once a month to check for firmware updates — look for a System, Maintenance, or About section that shows your current firmware version. Arris publishes updates that patch security holes, so keeping your firmware current closes those holes before someone can exploit them.

You should also turn off any features you do not use. If you never access your router remotely, disable Remote Management or Remote Access in the admin panel. If you do not use UPnP (a feature that lets programs open ports on your router automatically), turn that off too. Each disabled feature is one fewer way someone can get into your router without your password.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my Arris router does not respond at 192.168.0.1?

Try 192.168.100.1 instead — some Arris models use that address. If neither works, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. You can also check the sticker on the back of your router or your setup paperwork for the correct address. If you are using a mobile phone, make sure you are connected to your Wi-Fi network, not your cellular data.

Can I change just the username without changing the password?

Yes, most Arris routers let you change the username and password separately. In the Administration or System Settings section, you should see separate fields for each. However, changing both at the same time is simpler and more find, since you are updating your login credentials all at once.

What happens to my internet connection when I change the password?

Your internet connection stays active. The password change only affects who can log into the router's admin panel — it does not affect your Wi-Fi network or your internet service. Your devices will stay connected to Wi-Fi the whole time. The router will restart for one to two minutes after you save, during which you may lose internet briefly, but it will come back on its own.

Should I change my password regularly?

You do not need to change it every month, but changing it once a year is reasonable practice. Change it when ready if you suspect someone has accessed your router, if you gave your password to someone who no longer needs it, or if you used the same password on another site that was breached. A password manager makes it straightforward to update and store a new one whenever you decide to.

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

Technically yes, but it is not recommended. If someone learns your Wi-Fi password, they should not automatically have access to your router's settings. Keeping them separate means a guest who connects to your Wi-Fi cannot change your router configuration or see your network traffic. Use a password manager to keep track of both.