Where Cox stores your login information

Your Cox username and password are stored in your online account portal at cox.com, not in your modem or router. Cox does not print these credentials on your bill or equipment — you have to retrieve them through the website or by calling their support line. If you have never set up an online account, you will need to create one first using your account number and service address.

The username Cox assigns you is usually different from your email address, even if you use email to log in. Your password is something you create yourself during setup. If you have forgotten either one, Cox can reset your password when ready, but retrieving your username takes a few more steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Cox username and password live in your online account at cox.com, not on your bill or equipment.
  • If you have never logged in before, you will need your account number and service address to create an account first.
  • A password reset takes minutes and can be done from the Cox login page without calling anyone.
  • Your username can be retrieved by phone or by checking any past Cox emails that mention your account name.
  • The credentials you find in your Cox account are the same ones you use for PPPoE setup on your modem.

Reset your password through Cox.com

Go to cox.com and click "Sign In" in the top right corner. On the login page, look for the link that says "Forgot Password?" — it is usually below the password field. Click it and enter your account number (the one on your Cox bill) and your service address. Cox will send a password reset link to the email address on file with your account.

Check your email inbox and spam folder for the message from Cox. The reset link is usually valid for 24 hours. Click it, create a new password, and you will be able to log in when ready. Write down your new password somewhere safe before you close the page, because you will need it for your modem setup.

Find your username if you have already logged in

Once you are logged into your Cox account, your username appears in the top right corner of the page, next to your name. You can also find it by going to "Account Settings" or "Profile" — the exact location varies depending on which version of the Cox website you are using. Take a screenshot or write it down exactly as it appears, including any numbers or special characters.

If you see your email address displayed instead of a username, that is because Cox allows you to log in with your email. Your actual PPPoE username is still listed somewhere on the account page — look for a section labeled "Internet Username" or "PPPoE Username." That is the one you need for your modem.

Call Cox if you cannot access your account

If you have never created an online account and do not have your account number handy, call Cox customer service at 1-855-269-3639. Have your service address and phone number ready. A representative can look up your account, reset your password, and read your username to you over the phone. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

If you are calling from outside your service area or do not have a phone, you can also use the Cox website to create an account without logging in. Go to cox.com, click "Sign In," then look for "Create Account" or "New Customer." You will need your account number and the phone number or service address on file.

Check your Cox bill or old emails

Your Cox bill does not list your PPPoE username, but any welcome email from Cox when you first signed up might. Search your email for messages from Cox with the subject line "Welcome," "Account Setup," or "Internet Service Activated." These emails sometimes include your username or instructions on where to find it.

If you have changed your email address since you opened your account, those old emails may be in a different inbox. Check any email address you have used with Cox in the past. If you cannot find the original welcome email, the phone call to Cox remains your fastest option.

What to do once you have both credentials

Once you have your username and password, log into your modem's configuration page (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1 in your browser's address bar) and enter them in the PPPoE section. Your modem will use these credentials to connect to Cox's network every time it powers on. If the connection fails after you enter them, double-check that you copied the username and password exactly — spaces and capitalization matter.

If your modem still will not connect after you have verified the credentials are correct, restart the modem by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. If the problem continues, contact Cox support with your account number and the error message your modem is showing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Cox username?

No, Cox assigns your username and it cannot be changed. You can change your password as many times as you want through your online account, but the username stays the same for the life of your account. If you need a different username, you would have to close your account and open a new one, which is not practical.

What if I do not remember my account number?

Your account number is on your Cox bill. If you do not have a recent bill, call Cox at 1-855-269-3639 and give them your service address and phone number — they can look it up. You can also log into your online account if you remember your username and password, and your account number will be displayed there.

Is my Cox username the same as my email address?

Not necessarily. Cox lets you log into the website with your email address, but your actual PPPoE username (the one you need for your modem) is usually different. Check your account settings to see your real username — it is listed separately from your email.

What if Cox says my username and password are wrong when I enter them in my modem?

Make sure you are copying the username exactly as it appears in your Cox account, including any numbers, hyphens, or underscores. Passwords are case-sensitive, so check that capital and lowercase letters match. If you are still stuck, reset your password again through cox.com and try the new one in your modem.

Can I use my Cox email password for PPPoE?

No. Your Cox email password and your internet PPPoE password are separate. If you have a Cox email address, that account has its own password. Your PPPoE password is the one you use to log into cox.com for your internet account, and that is what goes in your modem.