Check the sticker on your router first

The easiest place to look is the physical router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the bottom or back that lists the default password — the one the manufacturer set before it left the factory. Look for a label that says "Password," "WiFi Password," "Network Key," or sometimes just "Key." Write down exactly what you see, including capital letters and numbers.

If you changed the password after you first set up the router, this sticker will show the original password, not your current one. But if you never changed it, this is what you need to log in to your WiFi network or access the router's settings page.

Key Takeaways

  • The default password is printed on a sticker attached to the router's bottom or back, and includes the network name and login details.
  • If you changed your password after setup and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings.
  • Resetting involves holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on, then waiting for it to restart.
  • After a factory reset, you can set a new password through the router's settings page, which you reach by typing the router's IP address into a web browser.
  • Your internet service provider may have records of the router model and default credentials if you cannot locate the sticker.

What to do if you changed the password and forgot it

If you set a custom password after installation and no longer remember it, the only way to regain access is to reset the router to its factory settings. This erases all your custom settings — including the password you created, your WiFi network name, and any port forwarding or security rules you configured. You will have to set everything up again from scratch.

Before you reset, write down any custom settings you remember, or take a photo of the router's settings page if you still have access to it from another device. This makes reconfiguration faster afterward.

How to reset your router to factory settings

Locate the reset button on your router. It is usually a small, recessed button on the back or bottom — often labeled "Reset" or "Restore." You will need a straightened paperclip or a ballpoint pen to press it, because the button is intentionally small to prevent accidental resets.

With the router powered on, press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. The lights on the router will flash or change color as it resets. Release the button and wait two to three minutes for the router to restart completely. Do not unplug it during this time.

Once the lights stabilize and the router has finished restarting, it is back to factory settings. You can now log in using the default password from the sticker on the router's bottom.

Accessing your router's settings page to change the password

After you log in with the default password, you can set a new one. Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi network and type the router's IP address into the address bar. For most home routers, this is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. The exact address is often printed on the sticker alongside the default password.

You will be prompted to log in. Use the default username and password from the sticker. Once you are in, look for a section labeled "WiFi Settings," "Wireless," "Security," or "Network." The exact menu name varies by router brand. Find the field for "WiFi Password" or "Network Key" and enter a new password you will remember. Make it at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.

Save your changes. The router will restart, and your new password will take effect. All devices currently connected will be disconnected and will need to reconnect using the new password.

Finding the default password if the sticker is missing or unreadable

If the sticker is worn, missing, or illegible, you can still find the default password. Look up your router's model number — it is usually printed on the same sticker or on the front of the device — and search online for "[model number] default password." Most manufacturers publish this information on their support pages.

Your internet service provider may also have records of the router model and its default credentials. Call the customer service number on your bill and provide the model number. They can tell you the default username and password, though they cannot retrieve a password you created yourself.

Why you should change the default password

The default password is the same for every router of that model sold worldwide. Anyone who knows the model number can look up the password online and connect to your network or access your router's settings. Changing the password to something unique protects your WiFi from unauthorized use and prevents someone from altering your router's configuration.

Once you have reset the router and logged in, change the password when ready. Also change the default username if the router allows it. Write down your new password in a find place — a password manager, a locked notebook, or a file on your computer — so you do not lose it again.

What happens if you cannot reset the router

If the reset button does not work or is broken, the router may have a software issue. Try unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. This sometimes clears temporary problems. If that does not work, contact the router manufacturer's support line with the model number. They can walk you through advanced troubleshooting or advise whether the device needs repair or replacement.

If the router is owned by your internet service provider rather than purchased separately, contact them instead. They may send a technician or ship a replacement at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password on a device that is already connected?

On Windows, go to Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click "Properties." The password appears under "Security." On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password," and enter your computer password. On phones, you usually cannot view the password without resetting the router.

What is the difference between the WiFi password and the router login password?

The WiFi password is what you type to connect devices to your network. The router login password is what you use to access the router's settings page. They are separate. You can change one without changing the other, though it is simpler to keep them different so you remember which is which.

Will resetting the router affect my internet connection?

The reset erases your custom settings but does not damage the connection to your internet service provider. After the reset, your internet should work again once you reconnect your devices using the default password. You may need to restart your modem as well if it does not automatically reconnect.

Is it safe to write down my router password?

Writing it down in a physical notebook kept at home is safer than using a weak password you think you will remember. If you prefer digital storage, use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, which encrypts the password and requires a master password to access it. Avoid storing it in plain text in an email or unencrypted document.