Where to find your router's default login

Your router's default username and password are printed on a sticker attached to the device itself — usually on the back or bottom. Look for a label that says "Default Login", "Admin Credentials", or straightforward lists a username and password. Most routers use admin as the username and either admin, password, or a blank field as the password, though this varies by manufacturer.

If the sticker is worn or missing, the manual that came with your router has this information. You can also find it by searching "[your router model number] default username password" online — manufacturer support pages like those for TP-Link, Netgear, Linksys, and Arris publish these credentials publicly since they are not secret once the router is in your home.

Write down what you find before you try to log in. You will need these credentials to access your router's settings through a web browser.

Key Takeaways

  • The default username and password are printed on a physical sticker on your router, usually on the back or bottom panel.
  • If you cannot find the sticker, search your router's model number plus "default credentials" on the manufacturer's website.
  • Most routers use admin as the username, with admin or password as the default password, but this varies by brand.
  • Once you log in, you should change the default password to something only you know to prevent others from accessing your router settings.

How to access your router using those credentials

Open a web browser on any device connected to your router — a computer, phone, or tablet. 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 screen should appear asking for a username and password.

Enter the default username and password from the sticker. If the login fails, try the other common default IP address, or check your router's manual for the correct one. Some routers also let you type the router's hostname (like routerlogin.net) instead of the IP address — this is printed on the sticker as well.

What to do if the default password does not work

If someone has already changed the default password, you will need to reset the router to factory settings. This erases all custom settings, including the changed password, and returns the router to its original state with the default credentials active again.

To reset, locate the small reset button on the router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold the button down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. Once it finishes restarting, the default username and password will work again.

Be aware that resetting also removes any custom network name (SSID), password, or port forwarding rules you or a previous owner set up. You will need to reconfigure these after logging in.

Why you should change the default password when ready

Default credentials are public knowledge. Anyone on your network or within range of your Wi-Fi can look up your router model and find the default login online. Once logged in, they can change your Wi-Fi password, access connected devices, or alter security settings.

After you log in with the default credentials, navigate to the settings page (usually labeled "Administration", "System Settings", or "Security") and change the password to something strong and unique. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use information someone could guess, like your address or birthdate.

Finding credentials for routers you do not own

If you are trying to log into a router that belongs to someone else — a rental property, a workplace, or a shared network — you will need permission from the owner or administrator. Accessing a router without authorization is illegal in most places, even if you are physically near the device.

If you are a tenant and need to change Wi-Fi settings in a rental, contact your landlord or property manager. If you are an employee, contact your IT department. If you are a guest, ask the network owner for the Wi-Fi password or for help changing settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log into my router from outside my home?

Not by default. Most routers only let you log in from devices connected to your network. Some allow remote access through a special feature you must enable in settings, but this creates a security risk and is not recommended unless you have a specific need.

What if I forgot my custom password but remember the default one?

The default password will not work if someone has changed it. You will need to reset the router to factory settings using the recessed reset button. This removes all custom settings, so you will need to reconfigure your Wi-Fi name and password afterward.

Is it safe to leave the default password on my router?

No. Anyone who knows your router model can find the default credentials online and log in to change your settings or access your network. Change the password to something unique as soon as you first log in.

Where is the reset button on my router?

It is usually a small, recessed button on the back or bottom of the device, sometimes labeled "Reset" or "Restore". Check your manual or the manufacturer's website for the exact location on your model, as placement varies.