Where your modem password is stored

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 "Password," "WiFi Password," "Network Key," or sometimes just "Key." The sticker also shows your network name (SSID) and often your username, usually "admin."

If the sticker is missing or faded, the password is also stored inside the modem's settings page, which you can reach from any device already connected to your network. You do not need the password to access this page if you are already online through that modem.

Your internet service provider (ISP) — the company that installed your modem — also has a record of the default password. If you cannot find it any other way, calling them is the fastest route to getting back in.

Key Takeaways

  • The modem password is printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device, usually labeled "Password" or "WiFi Password."
  • You can view the password in the modem's settings page if you are already connected to the network, without needing to enter the password first.
  • If you changed the password yourself and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the modem to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings.
  • Your ISP can tell you the default password over the phone and can sometimes reset the modem remotely.
  • Resetting the modem takes about 10 minutes and requires you to set up your network name and password again from scratch.

Checking the sticker on your modem

Turn off your modem and flip it over or look at the back panel. The sticker should be white or silver and contain several lines of text. Find the line labeled "Password," "WiFi Password," "Network Key," or "Passphrase" — the exact wording depends on the modem brand. Write down the full password exactly as it appears, including capital letters, numbers, and special characters.

If the sticker is there but the text is faded or worn away, try shining a flashlight at an angle across the sticker. Sometimes the text becomes readable in certain light. If that does not work, move to the next method.

Viewing the password through your modem's settings page

Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi network. Type 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 into the address bar and press Enter. One of these addresses will take you to your modem's login page.

At the login screen, enter your username and password. The username is almost always admin. For the password, try admin, password, or 12345 — these are the most common factory defaults. If none of those work, check the sticker on your modem again or call your ISP.

Once you are logged in, look for a section called "WiFi," "Wireless," "Network," or "Settings." Inside that section, find the field labeled "Password," "WiFi Password," "Pre-Shared Key," or "Network Key." The password will be displayed there, though it may be hidden behind dots or asterisks. Some modems have a "Show" button next to the password field that reveals it in plain text.

Resetting your modem if you changed the password

If you changed the password yourself and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the modem to its factory settings. This erases all your custom settings, including the network name and password you created, and returns everything to the default state.

Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the modem — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds while the modem is powered on. The lights on the front will blink, and the modem will restart. This takes about two to three minutes.

Once the modem has restarted, the password will be back to the default one printed on the sticker. You can then log in with that password and create a new custom password if you wish. You will also need to reconnect all your devices to the network using the default network name and password.

Contacting your ISP for the default password

Call your internet service provider's customer support number, which is usually on your bill or on their website. Tell them you need the default password for your modem. They will ask for your account number or the phone number associated with your account to verify you are the account holder.

Some ISPs can reset your modem remotely, which is faster than doing it yourself. Ask if they offer this service. If they do, they will walk you through the process or handle it on their end, and your modem will restart with the default settings.

If your ISP installed the modem for you, they may have set a custom default password that is different from the manufacturer's standard. In that case, they are the only source for the original password, and calling them is your only option short of resetting the device.

Protecting your new password

Once you have found or reset your password, consider changing it to something only you know. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters — at least 12 characters long. Avoid using your name, address, or birth date.

Write down your new password and store it somewhere safe, separate from your modem. A password manager, a locked drawer, or a notebook kept away from your desk all work. Do not email it to yourself or store it in a note on your phone, where it could be exposed if your device is lost or hacked.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if 192.168.0.1 and 192.168.1.1 do not work?

Try 192.168.100.1 or 10.0.0.1. Different modem brands use different addresses. You can also search "[your modem model] default IP address" online to find the correct one. The model number is usually on the sticker on your modem.

Will resetting my modem disconnect my internet?

Yes. After you reset the modem, it will restart and you will need to reconnect your devices using the default network name and password. The internet will be down for about two to three minutes during the restart. If you have devices that need constant internet connection, plan the reset for a time when you can afford a brief outage.

Can I change my password without logging into the settings page?

No. You must log into the modem's settings page to change the password. If you cannot remember your custom password, you will need to reset the modem to factory settings first, then log in with the default password and create a new one.

Is the password on the sticker the same as my WiFi password?

Yes. The password printed on the sticker is your WiFi password — the one you enter when connecting a phone, laptop, or other device to your network. It is also the password you use to log into the modem's settings page, along with the username "admin."

What should I do if my modem does not have a reset button?

Some older or simpler modems do not have a physical reset button. In that case, call your ISP and ask them to reset it remotely, or unplug the modem for 30 seconds and plug it back in — this sometimes returns it to default settings, though not always. Your ISP can confirm whether your modem model supports a remote reset.