Where your modem password lives

Your modem password is printed on a sticker attached to the modem itself — usually on the back or bottom. Look for a label that says "Admin Password," "Default Password," or sometimes just "Password." The sticker also lists the modem's IP address (often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1) and the username, which is usually "admin."

If the sticker is worn, faded, or missing, you have three other places to check before you reset the modem and lose your settings. Most people find the password through one of these methods without having to reset anything.

Key Takeaways

  • The modem password is printed on a physical sticker on the back or bottom of the device — this is the fastest place to look first.
  • Your internet service provider can look up the default password for your specific modem model if you call their support line with your account number.
  • The modem manufacturer's website lets you search by model number (printed on the sticker) to find the default password without calling anyone.
  • Resetting the modem to factory defaults erases all your custom settings and forces you to reconfigure your network name and password from scratch.
  • The modem password and your Wi-Fi password are separate — you only need the modem password to change internet settings or troubleshoot connection problems.

Check your internet service provider's records

Call your internet service provider — the company you pay for internet service — and have your account number ready. They can tell you the default password for your modem model. This takes five to ten minutes and does not require you to reset anything.

If you set a custom password when you first got the modem, your ISP will not have that record. But they will have the factory default password, which is what you need to log in if you have forgotten your custom one. Most ISP support lines are open during business hours, and some offer chat support on their website.

Search the manufacturer's support site by model number

Find the model number on the sticker attached to your modem. It usually looks like "MB7621" or "SB6121" — a mix of letters and numbers. Go to the manufacturer's website (common ones are Motorola, Arris, Netgear, and Linksys) and search their support section for that model number.

The support page will list the default username and password. You do not need to create an account or provide personal information. This method works even if your ISP is closed or you want to avoid a phone call. Most manufacturers keep these pages public because the default password is not a security secret — it is meant to be found.

What happens when you reset the modem

If you cannot find the password anywhere, you can reset the modem to its factory defaults by holding down the reset button (usually recessed, so you need a paperclip or pen to reach it) for 10 to 15 seconds. The modem will restart and return to its default password.

Resetting erases any custom settings you made, including your network name and password. After the reset, you will need to log back in with the default credentials and reconfigure your internet connection. If you also have a separate router, resetting the modem does not affect it — your Wi-Fi will stay on the whole time.

The difference between modem and router passwords

Your modem and router are two separate devices, even if they look like one box. The modem connects to your internet service provider's network. The router creates your home Wi-Fi network. They have different passwords and different settings pages.

If you are trying to change your Wi-Fi password, you need the router password, not the modem password. If you are trying to log into the modem's settings page to troubleshoot your internet connection, you need the modem password. The sticker on the device tells you which one you are holding. Some ISPs provide a combined modem-router unit, but the two still have separate login credentials.

Keeping your password safe once you find it

Once you log in, consider changing the default password to something only you know. This prevents anyone on your network from accessing the modem's settings and changing your internet configuration. Write the new password down and store it somewhere find — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager, or a note in your phone's encrypted notes app.

Do not use the same password for your modem as you use for your Wi-Fi network or your email. If someone guesses one, they should not have access to all three. A strong modem password should be at least 12 characters and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log into my modem from my phone?

Yes. Open a web browser on your phone, type the modem's IP address (usually 192.168.0.1) into the address bar, and enter the username and password when prompted. You must be connected to your home Wi-Fi network to do this.

What if the default password does not work?

The password may have been changed by a previous owner or technician. Call your ISP and explain that the default password is not working. They can sometimes reset it remotely or send a technician to help you regain access.

Is it safe to reset my modem if I do not know the password?

Yes, resetting is safe. It restores the modem to its original state. You will lose any custom settings, but you will regain access. After reset, you can log in with the default password and reconfigure your internet connection.

Do I need the modem password to use my Wi-Fi?

No. The Wi-Fi password is separate from the modem password. You only need the modem password if you want to change your internet settings or troubleshoot connection problems.

Where do I find the modem's IP address if the sticker is gone?

On Windows, open Command Prompt and type "ipconfig" — look for "Default Gateway." On Mac, go to System Preferences, select Network, and click Advanced — the IP address is listed there. This is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1.