Where to look first: the sticker on your modem
The fastest way to find your modem username and password is to look at the physical sticker on the device itself. Most modems have a label on the bottom or back that lists the default login credentials — usually something like "admin" for the username and a string of numbers or letters for the password. This sticker is put there by the manufacturer so you can access the modem's settings if you forget the login later.
The sticker may say "Default Username" and "Default Password", or it might use shorthand like "User" and "Pass". Write down exactly what you see, including capital letters and numbers, because these logins are case-sensitive — typing "Admin" when the password is "admin" will lock you out.
If the sticker is worn, faded, or missing, move to the next section. Do not assume the credentials are lost — you have other ways to find them.
Key Takeaways
- The modem's physical sticker on the bottom or back usually shows the default username and password you need to log in.
- If you changed the password after setup, the sticker will no longer work — you will need to reset the modem to factory settings to regain access.
- Resetting a modem erases your custom settings and returns it to the defaults on the sticker, which takes about five minutes.
- Your internet service provider can tell you the default credentials if the sticker is missing or unreadable.
Check your modem's manual or the manufacturer's website
If the sticker is illegible or gone, the manufacturer's documentation has the default credentials. Search online for your modem model number (printed on the sticker or the device itself) plus the word "manual" or "default password". Most manufacturers publish this information in PDF manuals you can read free.
Common modem brands include Motorola, NETGEAR, Arris, Technicolor, and Linksys. Go to their support website, enter your model number, and look for a user guide or quick-start document. The default login is almost always listed in the first few pages under "Access the Web Interface" or "Initial Setup".
If you cannot find the manual online, the manufacturer's support phone line can give you the default username and password over the phone. Have your modem model number ready when you call.
Reset the modem to factory settings if you changed the password
If you set up the modem yourself and changed the password after the initial login, the sticker credentials will not work anymore. The only way to regain access is to reset the modem to its factory defaults. This erases all your custom settings and returns the device to the state it shipped in — including the default username and password from the sticker.
To reset, 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 straightened paperclip or a pen tip to hold the button down for 10 to 15 seconds while the modem is powered on. The lights will blink and the modem will restart. This takes about two to three minutes.
Once the modem finishes restarting, the default credentials from the sticker will work again. After you log in, you can set a new password if you want — just write it down somewhere safe this time, or use a password manager to store it.
Contact your internet service provider for the default credentials
Your internet service provider — the company that bills you for internet service — has records of the modem model they issued to you and knows the default login. Call their customer support line or log into your account online and look for a "Modem Settings" or "Device Management" section. Many providers now let you view or reset modem credentials through your online account without calling.
If you rent the modem from your provider rather than owning it, they may have changed the default password during setup. In that case, they can reset it for you or provide the credentials they set. Have your account number and the modem's serial number (on the sticker) ready when you contact them.
Some providers, like Comcast Xfinity and Charter Spectrum, allow you to manage modem settings through their mobile app. Check whether your provider offers this before calling — it is often faster than waiting on hold.
Understand the difference between modem and router credentials
A modem and a router are two separate devices, and they have separate logins. The modem connects directly to your internet service provider's network and handles the signal coming into your home. The router takes that signal and broadcasts it as WiFi to your devices. If you are looking for WiFi password, you need the router login, not the modem login.
The modem sticker has modem credentials. The router sticker — usually on a different device — has router credentials. If you have a combined modem-router unit (sometimes called a gateway), it has one set of credentials that controls both functions, and the sticker will say so.
If you arrived here from the router password article, you may have the wrong device. Check whether the sticker you are looking at says "Modem" or "Router" before proceeding.
What to do if the modem is not yours
If you rent the modem from your internet provider, you own the login credentials but the provider owns the device. You can reset it to factory defaults if you forget the password, but resetting will interrupt your internet service for a few minutes while the modem restarts and reconnects.
Before you reset a rented modem, call your provider first. They can often reset it remotely without you having to touch the device, and they may have already set a custom password during installation. Asking them first saves you the restart time and ensures you get the correct credentials right away.
If you own the modem outright, you can reset it whenever you want without calling anyone. The tradeoff is that you are responsible for remembering the login — the provider will not have a record of a password you set yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I reset the modem and the sticker password still does not work?
The sticker password may be incorrect or the modem may have a hardware issue. Try logging in with just "admin" and no password, or "admin" and "password" — these are common defaults if the sticker is unclear. If those do not work, contact your internet provider or the modem manufacturer's support line with the model number.
Can I change the modem password to something I will remember?
Yes. After you log in with the default credentials, look for a "Settings" or "Administration" section in the modem's web interface. You can usually change the password there. Write it down or store it in a password manager so you do not lose it again.
Will resetting the modem affect my internet service?
Yes, but only temporarily. The modem will restart and reconnect to your provider's network, which takes about two to three minutes. Your internet will be down during that time. After the restart completes, everything returns to normal.
Do I need the modem password to use WiFi?
No. The modem password lets you access the modem's settings through a web browser. The WiFi password is separate and is usually on your router sticker. You need the WiFi password to connect devices to the internet, not the modem password.
What if my modem is a combined modem-router unit?
Combined units have one set of credentials that controls both the modem and router functions. The sticker will show one username and password. Use these to log into the device's settings page, where you can usually change the WiFi password separately from the modem login password.