How to Find Your Router Username and Password

Where to Find Your Router Credentials

Your router username and password are usually printed on a sticker attached to the back or bottom of the device itself. Look for a label that shows "Username" (often "admin") and "Password" — this is the information you need to log in to your router's settings page. If the sticker is missing or worn away, the default credentials may also be in the manual that came with your router, or you can search the manufacturer's website using your router model number.

The username is almost always admin on most home routers. The password varies by manufacturer and model — it might be printed as a string of numbers and letters, or it might say "admin" as well. Some routers use a QR code on the sticker that links directly to the login page. Write down what you find before you try to log in, because you will need both pieces of information at once.

Key Takeaways

Your router's default username and password are printed on a physical sticker on the back or bottom of the device.
The username is almost always "admin," but the password varies and must match exactly what is printed on your router.
If the sticker is missing, check the manual that came with your router or search the manufacturer's support site using your router model number.
Once you log in, you can change the password to something you choose, which is recommended for security.
If you have already changed the password and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings.

Finding the Sticker on Your Router

The label with your credentials is usually on the back of the router, but some models place it on the bottom. Flip or turn the router over and look for a white or silver sticker with printed text. The sticker typically shows the model number, serial number, Wi-Fi network name (SSID), and the login credentials you need. Use a flashlight if the area is dark — the text can be small and hard to read.

If the sticker has faded or peeled off, try gently rubbing it with a dry cloth or a pencil eraser to see if you can make the text visible again. If that does not work, move on to checking the manual or the manufacturer's website. Do not guess at the password — entering the wrong one repeatedly may lock you out temporarily.

Checking Your Router Manual or Manufacturer Website

The manual that came in the box with your router will list the default username and password. If you no longer have the physical manual, you can find a digital copy by visiting the manufacturer's support page and searching for your router model number. The model number is printed on the sticker you just looked for — it usually starts with letters followed by numbers (for example, "TP-Link Archer A6" or "Netgear Nighthawk AX12").

Go to the manufacturer's website — common ones are TP-Link, Netgear, Linksys, ASUS, and D-Link — and use their search bar to find your model. Look for a "Support," "Downloads," or "Manuals" section. Once you find the manual, search within it for "default password" or "login credentials." The manual will show you exactly what the username and password should be for your specific router.

Logging In With Your Credentials

Open a web browser on a device connected to your router — either by Wi-Fi or ethernet cable. In the address bar, type the router's IP address, which is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Press Enter. A login page should appear asking for a username and password.

Enter "admin" as the username (unless your router's sticker shows something different) and type the password exactly as it appears on the sticker. Passwords are case-sensitive, so if the sticker shows capital letters or numbers, match them exactly. Click "Log In" or "Submit." If the login fails, double-check that you typed the password correctly — a single wrong character will be rejected.

What to Do If You Cannot Find the Credentials

If the sticker is completely gone and you cannot find the manual, your last option is to reset the router to factory settings. This erases all your custom settings — including any password you may have changed — and restores the default credentials. To reset, locate the small reset button (usually recessed into the device) and hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen. The router will restart and return to its factory defaults.

After the reset, you will be able to log in using the default username and password from the manufacturer's website. However, you will also lose your Wi-Fi network name and any other settings you had customized, so you will need to set those up again. Reset should be your last resort because of this disruption.

Changing Your Password After Login

Once you have logged in successfully, you should change the default password to something only you know. This prevents anyone else on your network from accessing your router settings. Look for a "Settings," "Administration," or "Security" section in your router's menu — the exact location varies by manufacturer. Find the option to change the password (sometimes called "Change Admin Password" or "Change Login Password") and enter a new password twice to confirm it.

Write down your new password somewhere safe, or use a password manager to store it. If you forget this new password later, you will have to reset the router again, so keeping a record is important. The default password printed on the sticker will no longer work once you change it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I try to log in and get an error message?

The most common cause is typing the password incorrectly — passwords are case-sensitive and must match exactly. Try again slowly, checking each character. If you still get an error after three attempts, wait a few minutes before trying again, as some routers temporarily lock you out after repeated failed attempts. If the problem continues, try a different web browser or use a different device to rule out a browser issue.

Can I log in from my phone instead of a computer?

Yes, you can use any device connected to your router — phone, tablet, or computer. Open a web browser and type the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into the address bar just as you would on a computer. The login page will appear the same way, and you can enter your credentials and access the settings.

What is the difference between the Wi-Fi password and the router login password?

The Wi-Fi password is what you use to connect devices to your wireless network — it is printed on the sticker as "Password" or "Key" next to the network name. The router login password is what you use to access the router's settings page in a web browser. They are two separate passwords, and you can change them independently.

Is it safe to use the default password long-term?

No. The default password is the same for every router of that model, so anyone who knows the model can potentially log in. Changing it to a unique password protects your router settings from unauthorized access. This is especially important if you have guests on your network or if your router is visible to neighbors.

What if the IP address 192.168.1.1 does not work?

Try 192.168.0.1 instead — some routers use this address. If neither works, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the correct IP address. You can also find it by looking at your network settings on a connected device, though this varies by operating system and is more complicated than trying the two common addresses first.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.