Your PPPoE credentials are the login details your internet provider gave you, not your WiFi password

Your PPPoE username and password are separate from your WiFi name and password. PPPoE stands for Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet, and it is the method your modem uses to connect to your internet service provider's network. When you plug an ethernet cable directly into your modem, the modem needs these credentials to authenticate — to prove to the ISP that you are a paying customer with an active account.

Most people never see these credentials because they stay buried in modem settings. Your WiFi password is what you give to guests and devices in your home. Your PPPoE username and password are what your modem sends upstream to the ISP every time it powers on or reconnects. If you are setting up a new modem, troubleshooting a connection problem, or replacing equipment, you will need to find or reset these details.

Key Takeaways

  • PPPoE credentials are issued by your ISP and are different from your WiFi password — they authenticate your modem to the provider's network, not your devices to your home network.
  • You can find your PPPoE username and password on your ISP's account page, in your account welcome email, or by calling your provider's customer service line.
  • If you have changed your PPPoE password and cannot remember it, your ISP can reset it to a temporary one that you can change again after logging in.
  • When you enter PPPoE credentials into a new modem, use the exact username and password your ISP provided — spaces, capitalization, and special characters all matter.

Where to find your PPPoE username and password

Your ISP sent these credentials to you when you first signed up for service. Check your email for a welcome message from your provider — it usually contains your account number, PPPoE username, and a temporary password. If you cannot find that email, log into your ISP's customer portal or account management website. Most providers list PPPoE credentials under a section called "Account Details", "My Services", "Internet Settings", or "Modem Settings".

If you do not have online account access, call your ISP's customer service number. Have your account number or phone number ready. The representative can confirm your identity and either read the credentials to you or email them to the address on file. Some providers also print these details on your monthly bill or on a card that came with your modem.

What happens if you forget or lose your PPPoE password

If you know your PPPoE username but not the password, you can reset it through your ISP's account portal. Look for a "Reset Password", "Forgot Password", or "Internet Settings" option. The system will usually send a reset link to your email or ask you to verify your identity with your account number and service address.

If you cannot reset it online, call your ISP and ask them to reset your PPPoE password. They will set it to a temporary one — often something like a random string of numbers or your account number. You can then log into your modem settings and change it to something you will remember. Write down the new password somewhere safe, or use your ISP's portal to reset it again if you forget it a second time.

How to enter PPPoE credentials into your modem

When you set up a new modem or need to re-enter your credentials, you will access your modem's admin panel. Open a web browser and type 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1 into the address bar — the exact address depends on your modem model. You may be asked to log in with a default username and password (often "admin" and "admin", or printed on the modem itself).

Once inside, look for a section called "Internet", "WAN", "Connection", or "PPPoE Settings". Enter your PPPoE username exactly as your ISP provided it — including any numbers, hyphens, or special characters. Capitalization usually does not matter, but spaces do. Paste the password rather than typing it if you can, to avoid mistakes. Save or explore the settings. Your modem will disconnect and reconnect using the new credentials, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes.

The difference between PPPoE credentials and other passwords

Your ISP may have given you several different passwords, and it is straightforward to mix them up. Your PPPoE password is for the modem. Your WiFi password is for devices connecting to your home network — you set this yourself or it came pre-printed on your modem. Your account password is for logging into your ISP's customer portal online. These are three separate things.

If you change your WiFi password, your modem still connects to the ISP using the PPPoE credentials — your home network is not affected. If you change your PPPoE password, your modem reconnects to the ISP, but your WiFi password stays the same. If you change your account password, you can still access your ISP's website, but it does not affect your modem or WiFi. Keep them organized so you do not confuse them when troubleshooting.

When you need PPPoE credentials for a new device

Most people only enter PPPoE credentials once, into their modem. But if you are replacing your modem, moving to a different ISP's equipment, or setting up a second connection, you will need them again. Some ISPs also use PPPoE for business accounts or for customers with multiple internet lines.

If your ISP provided you with a gateway or combo unit that includes both modem and router, the PPPoE credentials go into the modem portion, not the router. The router then connects to the modem and broadcasts WiFi. If you are using a standalone modem with a separate router, the credentials go into the modem, and the router connects to the modem via ethernet.

What to do if your ISP changed your PPPoE setup

Some ISPs have moved away from PPPoE and now use other authentication methods, such as DHCP or static IP. If your ISP tells you that you no longer need PPPoE credentials, they may have switched your account to a different connection type. Ask them which method your account now uses and what settings to enter into your modem.

If you are switching ISPs, the new provider will issue you new PPPoE credentials — they are not portable between providers. Do not try to use your old ISP's credentials with a new provider's modem. The new ISP will send you credentials during signup or when your service is activated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my PPPoE username the same as my account number?

Not always. Your account number and PPPoE username are separate identifiers. Your account number is used for billing and customer service. Your PPPoE username is what the modem sends to authenticate. Some ISPs use a format like "accountnumber@isp.com" as the PPPoE username, while others use a completely different string. Check your welcome email or account portal to see which one is your PPPoE username.

Can I change my PPPoE username?

Most ISPs do not allow you to change your PPPoE username — it is tied to your account and service address. If you want a different username, contact your ISP and ask if they support custom usernames. Some do; many do not. You can always change your PPPoE password through your account portal or by calling customer service.

What if I enter the wrong PPPoE password?

Your modem will fail to connect to the internet. You will see a "PPPoE authentication failed" or "connection error" message. Check that you entered the password exactly as your ISP provided it, including spaces and special characters. If you are still stuck, reset your password through your ISP's portal or call them for a new temporary password.

Do I need to know my PPPoE password to use WiFi at home?

No. Once your modem is set up with the correct PPPoE credentials, your devices only need your WiFi password to connect. The PPPoE password stays in the modem and is not used by phones, laptops, or tablets. You only need to know it if you are setting up a new modem or changing your internet connection.

Can someone else use my PPPoE credentials to steal my internet?

If someone has your PPPoE username and password, they could set up a modem on your ISP's network and potentially use your bandwidth or interfere with your connection. Keep these credentials private, just like you would your account password. Do not share them with anyone except a technician your ISP sends to your home.