Where to look first: the physical router and its documentation

Your router's default password is usually printed on a sticker attached to the device itself — typically on the bottom, back, or side. Look for a label that shows "Password", "WiFi Password", "Network Key", or sometimes just "Key". This sticker often lists both a username (usually "admin") and the password you need to log in to the router's settings page.

If the sticker is missing or unreadable, check any paperwork that came with your router when you first set it up. The manual, quick-start guide, or a separate card often includes the default login credentials. If you still have the box, check inside — manufacturers sometimes tape documentation to the inside of the packaging.

Write down what you find before moving forward. You will need both the username and password to access your router's settings, where you can change the password if you want something more memorable.

Key Takeaways

  • The default password is almost always printed on a sticker physically attached to your router — check the bottom, back, or sides first.
  • If the sticker is gone, your original paperwork, manual, or the router's box may have the credentials written down.
  • You can look up the default password online using your router's model number, which is also on the device label.
  • If you changed the password yourself and forgot it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases your WiFi network and requires you to set it up again.
  • Your Internet Service Provider may have set a custom password during installation — call them if the default does not work.

Finding the model number to search online

Every router has a model number printed on its label. It usually looks like "ASUS RT-AX88U" or "TP-Link Archer A7" — a brand name followed by letters and numbers. This number is your key to finding the default password online if the sticker is damaged or missing.

Once you have the model number, search for it plus the word "default password" in any search engine. You will find pages listing the standard credentials that came with that exact model. Write down both the username and password before you try to log in.

Be careful to use only well-known tech sites or the manufacturer's own documentation. Avoid sites that ask you to read software or create an account just to see the password — that is not necessary.

Logging in to your router with the default credentials

Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi network. In the address bar, type one of these addresses: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or routerlogin.net. Most routers use one of the first two, but some brands use their own web address.

A login page will appear. Enter the username (usually "admin") and the password you found on the sticker or in your documentation. Click the button to log in. If it does not work, try the other IP address, or search online for your specific model's login page address.

Once you are logged in, you will see your router's settings page. From here you can view your current WiFi password, change it to something new, or adjust other network settings. The exact location of the WiFi password varies by brand — look for sections labeled "Wireless", "WiFi", "Network", or "Security".

What to do if the default password does not work

If you typed the default password correctly and it still will not let you in, your Internet Service Provider may have changed it during installation. Call your ISP's customer support number — it is usually on your bill or on their website. Tell them you need the router login password, and they can provide it or reset it for you.

Another possibility is that someone else changed the password after the router was set up. If you are the only person who would have done that and you cannot remember what you chose, you will need to reset the router to factory settings. This erases all your custom settings and returns it to the default state.

Before you reset, know that you will have to set up your WiFi network again from scratch — choose a new network name and password, reconnect all your devices, and reconfigure any special settings you had. It takes 15 to 30 minutes but is the only way forward if you have truly lost access.

Resetting your router to factory settings

Every router has a small reset button, usually recessed into the case so you cannot press it by accident. It is often on the back or bottom of the device. You will need a paperclip, pen, or similar thin object to reach it.

With the router powered on, press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. The lights on the front will blink or go dark, and the router will restart. This process takes about two minutes. Once it finishes restarting, the router is back to its factory default state, and you can log in using the default password from the sticker.

After you log in, you will see a setup wizard or be taken to a blank settings page. Follow the on-screen steps to create a new WiFi network name and password. Write down your new password somewhere safe — a notes app, a password manager, or even a piece of paper in a drawer. This prevents you from losing it again.

Keeping track of your password going forward

The easiest way to avoid this situation is to store your router password somewhere you can find it later. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your browser will save it securely and let you retrieve it on any device.

If you prefer not to use a password manager, write it down on a piece of paper and keep it in a safe place — a drawer, a file folder, or a safe. Include the router model number and the WiFi network name alongside the password so you have all the information you need if you need to log in again months or years from now.

You can also take a photo of the router's label sticker with your phone and store it in a photo album or cloud storage. This gives you a backup copy of the default credentials if you ever need to reset the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The WiFi password is what you type into your phone or laptop to connect to the internet. The router login password is what you use to access the router's settings page on a computer. They are two separate passwords, and you need the login password to change the WiFi password.

Can I see my WiFi password if I am already connected to the network?

Yes. On Windows, go to Settings, then Network, then WiFi, then Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click Properties — the password appears under "Network Security Key". 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 see it without resetting the network.

Is it safe to use the default password, or should I change it?

You should change it. The default password is the same for every router of that model, so anyone who knows the model number can potentially log in. Create a new password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. This keeps your network settings find.

What happens if I reset the router but still cannot log in?

The router itself may be faulty, or there may be a hardware issue preventing it from starting up properly. Try unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting two minutes for it to fully boot. If the lights do not come on or behave normally, contact the manufacturer's support or consider replacing the device.

Can my Internet Service Provider see my router password?

Your ISP can see the router login password if they set it during installation, but they cannot see your WiFi password unless you tell them. The WiFi password is stored only on your router and the devices connected to it. Your ISP can see what websites you visit and how much data you use, but not your WiFi password itself.