Where Netgear stores your default login information

Your Netgear router comes with a default username and password printed on a sticker attached to the device itself. The sticker is usually on the bottom or back of the router. The default username is almost always admin, and the default password is almost always password.

If the sticker has worn away or you cannot find it, you can look up the defaults for your specific model on Netgear's support website by entering your router model number. The model number appears on the same sticker as the login credentials, or in the router's settings under System Settings.

If you changed the username or password after setup and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory defaults. This erases all your custom settings, so it should be your last option.

Key Takeaways

  • The default Netgear username is admin and the default password is password, printed on a sticker on the router's bottom or back.
  • You can find your router's model number on the same sticker and use it to look up defaults on Netgear's website if the sticker is unreadable.
  • If you changed your password and forgot it, a factory reset will restore the defaults but will erase all your custom network settings.
  • A factory reset requires holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on, then waiting for it to restart.

Checking the physical sticker on your router

Start by looking at the bottom of your Netgear router. Most models have a label with white or light-colored text on a dark background. The label lists the model number, serial number, MAC address, and the default login credentials. Write down the username and password exactly as they appear — they are case-sensitive.

If your router is mounted on a wall or in a cabinet, the sticker may be on the back instead. If the sticker is faded or partially peeled off, take a photo with your phone and zoom in. You may be able to read enough to confirm the defaults or to identify the model number for a web search.

Looking up your model's defaults online

Go to Netgear's support website at support.netgear.com. In the search box, type your router's model number — it looks like R6400, MR60, or RAXE500. The support page for your model will list the default username and password in the specifications or in a "Getting Started" section.

If you do not have the model number, check your router's web interface. Open a browser, type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in the address bar, and look at the page that loads. The model name usually appears at the top or in the page title. You can also check your router's settings menu: log in with admin/password, then go to System Settings or About to find the model number.

Resetting your router to restore default credentials

If you changed the password and cannot remember it, you can reset the router to factory defaults. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. You will need a paperclip or the tip of a ballpoint pen to reach it.

With the router powered on, press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. You will see the lights on the front of the router flicker or turn off. Release the button and wait 2 to 3 minutes for the router to restart. Once the lights stabilize, the router is back to its factory defaults, and you can log in with admin/password.

A factory reset erases all your custom settings: your Wi-Fi network name, password, port forwarding rules, and any other changes you made. You will need to set up your network again from scratch. Write down your current settings before you reset if you want to restore them afterward.

What to do if the default password does not work

If you enter admin and password but the router rejects them, the device may have been reset by a previous owner or may be a refurbished unit with non-standard defaults. Try these steps in order: first, check the physical sticker again for any text you may have missed. Second, try the model number on Netgear's support site to confirm the defaults for that specific version.

Third, try common variations: some older Netgear models use admin/admin or admin/1234. If none of these work, a factory reset is your only option. After the reset, the defaults will work.

Logging in after you find your credentials

Open a web browser on a device connected to your Netgear network — either by Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable. Type 192.168.1.1 in the address bar. If that does not load, try 192.168.0.1. The Netgear login page will appear.

Enter admin in the username field and password in the password field. Click Log In. You are now in the router's web interface, where you can change your Wi-Fi password, adjust security settings, or check connected devices. If you plan to use the router regularly, change the admin password to something you will remember — write it down and store it somewhere safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find my Netgear password if I never wrote it down?

If you changed the default password after setup and did not write it down, you cannot recover it without resetting the router. A factory reset will restore the default username (admin) and password (password), but it will erase all your custom settings. You will need to set up your network again.

What is the IP address to log into my Netgear router?

Most Netgear routers use 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Type one of these into your browser's address bar. If neither works, check your router's manual or the sticker on the device. Some models use a different IP address, though this is rare.

Is it safe to use the default username and password?

The default credentials are the same on every Netgear router of that model, so anyone on your network could log in and change your settings. Change the admin password to something unique as soon as you log in for the first time. Do not use the same password as your Wi-Fi network password.

How do I reset my router without losing my Wi-Fi password?

A factory reset erases everything, including your Wi-Fi password. There is no way to reset only the admin password without resetting the entire device. Before you reset, write down your Wi-Fi network name and password so you can set them up again after the reset is complete.

What if my router is still under warranty?

A factory reset does not void your warranty. If your router is not working correctly, you can reset it without losing coverage. If the reset does not fix the problem, contact Netgear support with your model number and serial number (both on the sticker) to discuss repair or replacement options.