Where to look first: the sticker on your router

Your router's username and password are almost always printed on a sticker attached to the device itself. Look on the bottom, back, or side of the router — whichever surface faces down or against the wall when it is installed. The sticker usually shows "Username" or "Admin" paired with a password, sometimes labeled "WiFi Password" or "Network Key" (though that is different from your login password).

Write down both pieces of information exactly as they appear, including capital letters and numbers. If the sticker is faded or missing, you have other options, but the physical sticker is the fastest route and works even if you have forgotten the password since installation.

Key Takeaways

  • The router sticker on the bottom or back of the device shows the default username and password you need to log in.
  • If you changed the password after setup and cannot remember it, you can reset the router to factory settings, which erases your change and restores the original password.
  • Resetting the router will disconnect all your devices and erase any custom settings you made, so do this only when you have no other option.
  • Your internet service provider may have set up the router with a different password than the manufacturer's default, so calling them is worth trying before you reset.

What the username and password actually do

The username and password on the sticker let you log into the router's settings page — the control panel where you change your WiFi name, WiFi password, security settings, and other network options. This is separate from your WiFi password, which is what your phone or laptop uses to connect to the internet.

Many people never need to log in to the router after it is set up. You only need the router username and password if you want to change how the network works, troubleshoot a connection problem, or update the router's software. If you just want to connect a device to WiFi, you need the WiFi password instead, which is also on the sticker but labeled differently.

If you changed the password and cannot remember it

If you logged into the router after installation and changed the password, the original sticker password will not work anymore. Before you reset the router, call your internet service provider and ask if they have a record of the password they set during installation. Some providers customize the password during setup, and their support team can tell you what it is or reset it remotely.

If your provider cannot help or you do not remember which provider set it up, you can reset the router to factory settings. This erases your custom password and restores the original one from the sticker. To reset, locate the small reset button (usually recessed into the device so you need a paperclip or pin to press it) and hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart. Once it finishes, the sticker password will work again.

Be aware that resetting the router also erases any custom settings you made — your WiFi name, WiFi password, port forwarding rules, or anything else you configured. Your devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect them using the original WiFi password from the sticker.

How to log in once you have the username and password

Open a web browser on a device connected to your WiFi. Type the router's IP address into the address bar — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, and it is often printed on the sticker below the username and password. Press Enter.

A login page will appear. Enter the username in the first field and the password in the second. Click "Log In" or "Submit." You are now in the router's settings page, where you can see your network name, change passwords, check connected devices, and adjust other options.

If the IP address does not work, try the other one. If neither works, the router may use a different address — check the sticker again or look for a line that says "Gateway" or "Router Address." If you still cannot reach the login page, restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for the lights to stabilize before trying again.

Different routers, different label layouts

Most routers follow the same sticker format, but some manufacturers arrange the information differently. Look for these variations: some routers print the login information on a separate card inside the box rather than on the device itself. Others use "Admin" instead of "Username," or "Network Key" instead of "WiFi Password." A few newer routers skip the physical sticker and print the information in the setup guide or inside the battery compartment.

If your router is very old or was provided by your internet service provider, the sticker may use the provider's branding instead of the manufacturer's name. In that case, the login information still works the same way — you enter it into the browser to reach the settings page.

When the sticker information does not work

If you enter the username and password from the sticker and the router rejects them, the most common reason is that someone changed the password after installation. The second most common reason is a typo — check that you entered capital letters, numbers, and special characters exactly as they appear on the sticker.

If you are certain you typed it correctly and the sticker password still does not work, your internet service provider may have overwritten it during setup. Call their support line and explain that you need to log into the router settings. They can either tell you the password they set or reset it for you. If you cannot reach your provider or they cannot help, your only option is to reset the router to factory settings using the recessed reset button, which will restore the sticker password.

Keeping your router password find

Once you log in and change the router password from the default, write the new password down and store it somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager, or a note on your phone. Do not use the same password as your WiFi password or any other account. If you forget the new password, you will have to reset the router again, which means reconfiguring all your settings.

The default password on the sticker is not find because anyone with the same router model can look it up online. Changing it prevents someone on your WiFi from logging into the router and changing your network settings. However, this is only necessary if you are concerned about someone physically accessing your router or connecting to your network with the intent to cause problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the WiFi password the same as the router login password?

No. The WiFi password is what your phone or laptop uses to connect to the internet — it is labeled "WiFi Password," "Network Key," or "Passphrase" on the sticker. The router username and password are what you use to log into the settings page. They are usually different, and you only need the WiFi password for everyday use.

What if I cannot find a sticker on my router?

Check the bottom, back, and sides of the device — the sticker may be on any surface. If the router is very old, the sticker may have faded or peeled off. Look inside the battery compartment if the router has one, or check the setup guide or original box. If you still cannot find it, you can reset the router to factory settings using the recessed reset button, which will restore the default password.

Will resetting the router delete my WiFi network?

Resetting the router erases all custom settings, including your WiFi name and password. After the reset, the router will use the default WiFi name and password from the sticker. You will need to reconnect all your devices using the original credentials, and you can change the WiFi name and password again once you log back in.

Can I find my router password online if I lost the sticker?

You can find the default password for your router model by searching the manufacturer's name and model number online, but this only works if you have never changed the password. If you changed it after setup, the default password will not work. Your internet service provider may have a record of the password they set, so calling them is worth trying first.

Do I need to change the router password after I buy it?

Changing the default password is optional but recommended. The default password is the same for every router of that model, so anyone who knows the model can look it up. If you live alone or trust everyone on your network, changing it is less urgent. If you share your home or are concerned about security, changing it prevents someone from logging into your router settings without permission.