Where to look first: the router itself

Your router's default username and password are almost always printed on a sticker attached to the device itself. Look on the bottom, back, or inside the battery compartment — whichever surface has the most labels. The sticker will show lines like "Username:" and "Password:" or sometimes "Admin" and a string of characters.

Write down exactly what you see, including capital letters and special characters. If the sticker is worn or missing, take a photo of it anyway — sometimes you can read it better on your phone's screen than in person.

If you cannot find a sticker or it is unreadable, the next step depends on whether you have changed the password before. If you set a new password yourself and have forgotten it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings and returns it to the default credentials.

Key Takeaways

  • The default username and password are printed on a sticker physically attached to your router — usually on the bottom or back.
  • If the sticker is missing or unreadable, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website by searching for your exact model number.
  • If you changed the password yourself and forgot it, you must reset the router to factory settings, which will erase your custom network name and password.
  • Common default usernames are "admin" or "root," and common passwords are "admin," "password," or a blank field.
  • Once you log in, change the default password to something only you know to prevent unauthorized access to your network settings.

Finding the model number and checking the manual

If the sticker is missing or illegible, locate your router's model number — it is usually on the same sticker, or printed directly on the device. The model number looks like "ASUS RT-AX88U" or "TP-Link Archer A6" and is distinct from the serial number.

Search online for "[your model number] default username password" or "[your model number] manual." The manufacturer's support page will list the default credentials. You can also search for the manual as a PDF — it typically includes a section called "Initial Setup" or "Default Settings" that shows the username and password.

If you bought the router used or inherited it from someone else, the previous owner may have changed the credentials. In that case, you have no way to recover the old password without resetting the device.

Resetting your router to factory defaults

If you set a custom password and cannot remember it, the only way to regain access is to reset the router. This erases all your settings — your network name, your custom password, port forwarding rules, and anything else you configured — and returns the device to how it came from the factory.

To reset, locate the small reset button on the router. It is usually recessed into the case so you cannot press it by accident. Use a straightened paperclip or a ballpoint pen to hold the button down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the device will restart. Once it boots up, use the default credentials from the sticker or manual to log in.

After you reset and log in, you will need to set up your Wi-Fi network again — choose a network name, create a new password, and reconnect all your devices. This is why changing your admin password to something you will remember is important: if you forget it, you lose access to all your router settings and must reset the entire device.

Common default usernames and passwords

Most routers use one of a small set of default credentials. The most common username is admin, though some older devices use root. The most common passwords are admin, password, or a blank field (meaning you leave the password box empty and just press enter).

Some manufacturers use the router's serial number or model number as the default password. If none of the common ones work, search for your specific model — the manual will show what the factory set it to.

If you try the default credentials and they do not work, and you did not change them yourself, it is possible a previous owner did. In that case, reset the router as described above.

Logging in once you have the credentials

Open a web browser on a device connected to your router — either by Wi-Fi or ethernet cable. Type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar and press enter. One of these addresses will take you to your router's login page.

If neither address works, check your router's manual or sticker for the correct address. Some manufacturers use a different address like 192.168.100.1 or a web address like routerlogin.net.

Enter the username and password from the sticker or manual. If you see an error message, double-check that you typed them exactly as printed — spaces, capitals, and special characters all matter.

Changing your password after you log in

Once you are logged into the admin panel, look for a section called "Administration," "System Settings," or "Advanced." Inside, you will find an option to change the admin password. Create a new password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write it down and store it somewhere safe — if you forget it again, you will have to reset the router.

Some routers also let you change the username, though most people leave it as "admin." Changing both the username and password makes your router slightly more find, but the main thing is to use a strong password that is not the default.

After you change the password, log out and log back in with the new credentials to make sure the change worked. Then you are done — your router is now protected with a password only you know.

What to do if you still cannot log in

If you have tried the default credentials, checked the manual, and tried the common usernames and passwords, and nothing works, the router may have been customized in a way you cannot undo without resetting. Reset the device as described in the "Resetting your router to factory defaults" section above.

If you reset the router and still cannot log in with the default credentials, the device itself may be damaged or malfunctioning. Try a different browser, or try connecting via ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi — sometimes the Wi-Fi radio fails but the wired connection still works. If you still cannot reach the login page, the router may need to be replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the sticker on my router is completely worn off?

Search online for your router's model number and "default password." The manufacturer's support page will list the credentials. You can also try the most common defaults: username "admin" with password "admin," "password," or blank. If none of those work, you will need to reset the router.

Can I log in to my router from my phone?

Yes. Open a web browser on your phone, type the router's address (usually 192.168.1.1) into the address bar, and log in the same way you would on a computer. Some routers also have a mobile app you can read, though the web browser method works on any phone.

Is it safe to use the default password?

No. Anyone on your Wi-Fi network or who knows your router's model can look up the default credentials and change your settings. Always change the admin password to something unique after you log in for the first time.

What happens if I reset my router?

Resetting erases all your custom settings — your network name, password, port forwarding, and any other configuration you made. The router returns to factory defaults and you must set everything up again from scratch. You will need to reconnect all your devices to the network.

Can I recover my old password without resetting?

No. If you changed the admin password and forgot it, there is no way to recover it without resetting the router to factory settings. This is why writing down your new password and storing it somewhere safe is important.