Change your router login from the factory default in three steps

The fastest way is to open a web browser, type your router's IP address into the address bar, log in with the default username and password, then change both in the settings menu. Most home routers use 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 as the address. You will find the factory defaults on a sticker on the back or bottom of the router itself — often "admin" and "admin", or "admin" and a blank password. Once you are logged in, look for a section called Administration, Settings, or System Settings, find the option to change the login credentials, enter your new username and password, and save the changes. The router will restart, and you will use your new credentials the next time you log in.

This matters because anyone on your network — or anyone who finds your router's default password online — can change your settings, see what devices are connected, or lock you out of your own equipment. Changing the password is one of the first steps in securing your home network, alongside updating the router's firmware and changing the default WiFi network name.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your router's IP address and default login on the sticker attached to the device itself, then type the IP address into a web browser to reach the login page.
  • The default username and password are usually printed on the router or in the manual — do not guess, because wrong attempts may lock you out temporarily.
  • After logging in, navigate to Administration or System Settings and look for an option labeled "Change Password", "Credentials", or "User Management".
  • Write down your new username and password in a place you can find it later, because you will need them if you ever need to log back into the router.
  • The router will restart after you save changes, which takes one to three minutes — do not unplug it during this time.

Locate your router's IP address and default credentials

The sticker on the back or bottom of your router shows the IP address you need to type into a browser. Look for a line that says "IP Address", "Default Gateway", or "Web Address" — it will be four numbers separated by periods, like 192.168.1.1. If the sticker is worn or missing, try 192.168.1.1 first, then 192.168.0.1 if that does not work. Some routers use other addresses; if neither of those works, you can find the address in your router's manual or by searching the model number online.

The same sticker shows the default username and password. Write these down before you start — you will need them to log in for the first time. If the password field is blank on the sticker, try leaving it blank when you log in. If you cannot find the sticker or manual, the manufacturer's website usually lists the defaults for each model.

Open your router's login page in a web browser

Open any web browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge — and click on the address bar at the top. Type the IP address from your router's sticker, then press Enter. A login page should appear with fields for username and password.

If nothing appears, make sure you are connected to your router's WiFi network or plugged in with an ethernet cable. If you still see nothing after waiting 10 seconds, try the other common IP address (192.168.0.1 instead of 192.168.1.1). If you get an error message saying the page cannot be reached, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting two minutes for it to fully start up.

Log in with the factory default credentials

Type the default username and password from your router's sticker into the login page. If the password field is blank on the sticker, leave the password field empty and click Log In. Click the Log In or Submit button.

If you see an error message saying the username or password is wrong, double-check that you typed them exactly as they appear on the sticker — they are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters matter. If you have tried three times and still cannot log in, wait 15 minutes before trying again; many routers temporarily lock you out after multiple failed attempts. If you are still stuck, you may need to reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, which will erase any changes you have made and return it to the original state.

Navigate to the password change section

Once you are logged in, look for a menu on the left side, top, or in a dropdown that says Administration, Settings, System Settings, or Management. Click on it. Inside that section, find an option labeled "Change Password", "User Management", "Login Credentials", or "Account Settings". The exact wording varies by manufacturer — TP-Link uses "System Tools", Netgear uses "Administration", and Linksys uses "Administration".

If you cannot find it after looking through the main menus, try searching the page for the word "password" using Ctrl+F (Windows) or Command+F (Mac). This will highlight any mention of password on the current page and help you locate the right section faster.

Enter your new username and password

You will see fields asking for your current username and password, followed by fields for your new username and new password. Type your current credentials first to confirm you have permission to make the change. Then type your new username and new password in the fields provided.

Choose a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — something like "BlueSky#2024Router" is stronger than "password123". Avoid using your WiFi password, your email password, or anything based on your name or address. Write your new username and password down on paper and store it somewhere safe, like a locked drawer or a password manager. You will need these credentials if you ever need to log back into the router to change settings, update firmware, or troubleshoot connection problems.

Save the changes and wait for the router to restart

Click the Save, explore, or Confirm button. The router will show a message saying the changes have been saved and will restart. Do not unplug the router or close the browser during this time — let it restart completely, which usually takes one to three minutes.

Once the restart is finished, you will be logged out automatically. Close the browser and wait 30 seconds, then open a new browser window, type the IP address again, and log in using your new username and password. If the login works, you have successfully changed your router credentials. If it does not work, wait another minute and try again — the router may still be finishing its restart.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I forget my new router password?

You will need to reset the router to factory defaults by holding the small reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink. This erases all your changes and returns the router to its original state, so you will have to set up your WiFi network and password again from scratch. This is why writing down your new password is important.

Can I use the same username and password for my router and WiFi?

You can, but it is not recommended. Your router login controls access to all your network settings, while your WiFi password only controls who can connect to the internet. Using different passwords means that if someone guesses your WiFi password, they cannot change your router settings or see your connected devices.

Do I need to change my username, or just the password?

Changing the password is the most important step. The username is less critical because it is usually the same across all routers of that model, so changing it adds only a small amount of extra security. If you want to keep things straightforward, you can leave the username as "admin" and just change the password to something strong and unique.

Will changing my router password affect my WiFi connection?

No. Your router login password and your WiFi password are separate. Changing your router login credentials will not disconnect your devices from WiFi or require you to re-enter your WiFi password on your phone or computer.

How often should I change my router password?

Change it once when you first set up the router, and again if you suspect someone has accessed your router settings without permission. You do not need to change it regularly unless your router manufacturer recommends it in their security guidelines.