Where to change your PPPoE credentials

Your PPPoE username and password live in two places: your modem's configuration page and your ISP's customer account portal. Changing one without the other will break your internet connection. You need to update both, and the order matters — change your ISP account first, then update the modem within a few minutes.

Most people change these credentials because they want a password they can actually remember, or because someone else knew the old one. The process takes about ten minutes total and requires you to restart your modem at the end.

Key Takeaways

  • Change your PPPoE password in your ISP's customer portal first, then update your modem's configuration page within a few minutes.
  • Your modem's configuration page is usually accessed by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser on a device connected to your network.
  • The login credentials for your modem's configuration page are different from your PPPoE credentials — check your modem's label or manual for those.
  • After you update both places, restart your modem by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for the lights to stabilize.
  • If your internet drops after the change, log back into your modem and re-enter the new PPPoE credentials manually.

Step 1: Change the password in your ISP account

Log into your ISP's customer portal using your account email and password. This is not your PPPoE username and password — it is the login for your billing account. Most ISPs have this portal on their main website under "My Account" or "Customer Portal".

Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Internet Settings", "PPPoE Settings", "Connection Settings", or "Manage Modem". The exact name varies by provider. Click into that section and find the field labeled "PPPoE Password" or "Internet Password". Enter your new password and save the changes. Write down the new username and password before you leave this page.

Some ISPs also let you change your PPPoE username here, though most people leave it as-is. If you do change the username, write that down too. Do not close this page yet — you will need these credentials in the next step.

Step 2: Log into your modem's configuration page

Open a web browser on any device connected to your home network — a computer, phone, or tablet. Type 192.168.1.1 into the address bar and press Enter. If that does not load, try 192.168.0.1 instead. One of these two addresses will bring up your modem's login screen.

You will see a login prompt asking for a username and password. This is not your PPPoE credentials — this is the login for the modem itself. Check the label on the back or bottom of your modem for the default username and password, usually something like "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and a blank password. If you changed this login before, use the password you set then.

If you cannot find or remember the modem login, you can reset the modem to factory defaults by holding down the reset button (usually a small hole on the back) for 10 to 15 seconds while the modem is powered on. This will erase all settings, so only do this if you have no other option. After a reset, use the default credentials from the label.

Step 3: Find and update the PPPoE settings

Once you are logged into your modem, look for a menu item called "Internet", "WAN", "Connection", or "PPPoE Settings". The location varies by modem brand — Netgear, TP-Link, Arris, and others organize their menus differently. If you cannot find it, check your modem's manual or search the manufacturer's website for your specific model number.

Click into that section and locate the fields for "PPPoE Username" and "PPPoE Password". Clear the old username and password, then type in the new ones exactly as they appear in your ISP account. PPPoE credentials are case-sensitive, so if your ISP shows "MyUsername@isp.com", do not type "myusername@isp.com". Copy and paste if possible to avoid typos.

After you enter the new credentials, click "Save" or "explore". Your modem will usually disconnect and reconnect within 30 seconds. You may see error messages during this process — that is normal. Wait at least one full minute before moving to the next step.

Step 4: Restart your modem

Unplug the power cable from the back of your modem and wait 30 seconds. Count them out — do not rush this step. Plug the power cable back in and wait for all the lights to stabilize. This usually takes two to three minutes. You should see a solid or blinking light indicating an active internet connection.

Once the lights are stable, open a web browser and try to load a website like Google.com. If the page loads, your new PPPoE credentials are working. If you see an error or the page does not load, move to the troubleshooting section below.

What to do if your internet does not come back

If your modem restarts but you have no internet connection, the most common cause is a typo in the PPPoE password. Log back into your modem's configuration page (using 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and double-check the PPPoE username and password character by character. Copy the credentials directly from your ISP account portal and paste them into the modem to avoid mistakes.

If the credentials are correct but you still have no connection, wait another five minutes — some modems take longer to fully reconnect. If it still does not work after that, restart the modem again by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If you still have no connection after a second restart, contact your ISP support line. They can verify that the password change went through on their end and troubleshoot from there.

Do not reset your modem to factory defaults unless support tells you to — resetting will erase all your settings and you will have to enter the PPPoE credentials again from scratch.

Why you might need to change these credentials

The most common reason to change your PPPoE password is that you inherited it from a previous owner or tenant and do not know if anyone else has it. Changing it cuts off any unauthorized access to your connection. Another reason is that the default password your ISP assigned is too complicated to remember, so you swap it for something simpler.

Changing your PPPoE username is less common and usually only happens if your ISP requires it for security reasons or if you are switching between different service tiers. Most people leave the username alone. If your ISP support asks you to change it, they will usually tell you what the new username should be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my PPPoE password without restarting the modem?

You can change it in both places without restarting, but your internet will drop and reconnect on its own when the modem detects the new credentials. Restarting manually gives you control over the timing and makes it easier to see when the connection is stable again. It also clears any temporary connection errors.

What if I do not know my ISP account login?

Call your ISP's customer support line. They can verify your account and either reset your account password or change your PPPoE credentials for you over the phone. This is faster than trying to recover your account login yourself.

Is my PPPoE password the same as my WiFi password?

No. Your PPPoE password connects your modem to your ISP's network. Your WiFi password (also called the network key or passphrase) connects your devices to your modem. They are completely separate. You can change one without affecting the other.

What happens if I change the PPPoE password but forget to update the modem?

Your internet will stop working. The modem will keep trying to connect with the old password and fail. Log back into the modem's configuration page and enter the new PPPoE password to restore your connection.

Do I need to change my PPPoE credentials if I change my WiFi password?

No. Changing your WiFi password does not affect your PPPoE credentials at all. They control different parts of your connection. You only need to change PPPoE credentials if your ISP tells you to or if you want to restrict who can access your internet connection at the modem level.