Where to look first: the router itself and your paperwork

The easiest place to find your router username and password is on a sticker attached to the router itself. Most routers have a label on the bottom or back that lists the default username (often "admin") and password. If you have the paperwork that came with your router when you first set it up, the login details are usually printed there as well.

If you've changed the password since installation and can't remember it, you'll need to reset the router to its factory defaults. This erases all your custom settings and returns the username and password to what the manufacturer set originally. Before you do this, write down any custom settings you want to keep — like your WiFi network name or any port forwarding rules you've configured.

Key Takeaways

  • The default username and password are printed on a sticker on your router's body, usually on the bottom or back panel.
  • If you changed your password and forgot it, you can reset the router to factory settings using a small reset button, which restores the default login details.
  • Resetting the router erases all your custom settings, so write down anything important before you press the reset button.
  • After you log in, change the default password to something only you know so your network stays find.

Finding the sticker label on your router

Turn off your router and unplug it from power. Look on the bottom of the device first — most manufacturers place the label there. If you don't see it on the bottom, check the back panel and the sides. The label is usually white or silver and printed in small text.

The sticker will show several pieces of information. Look for lines labeled "Username" or "User" and "Password" or "Pass". The username is almost always "admin". The password is typically a string of letters and numbers specific to your router model. Write these down exactly as they appear, including capital letters and numbers.

Resetting your router if you can't find the sticker

If the sticker has worn away or you can't locate it, you can look up the default credentials online using your router's model number. The model number is also on the label or printed on the device itself. Search for "[your router brand] [model number] default username password" to find what the manufacturer set.

If you still can't find the defaults or the sticker is completely illegible, you'll need to perform a factory reset. Locate the small reset button on your router — it's usually recessed into the body so you can't press it by accident. Use a straightened paperclip or a thin pen to hold down the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the router will blink, indicating the reset is happening. Once the lights stop blinking and return to normal, the router has been restored to factory settings and you can use the default username and password.

Logging into your router with the username and password

Open a web browser on a computer or phone connected to your router's WiFi network. Type your router's IP address into the address bar — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's label or manual if neither of those works. Press Enter.

A login page will appear asking for a username and password. Enter the credentials from the sticker or from your paperwork. Click the login button. If the login fails, double-check that you've typed the username and password exactly as they appear, including any capital letters or special characters.

Changing your password after you log in

Once you're logged into your router's settings page, look for a section called "Administration", "System Settings", or "Security". The exact name depends on your router brand. Find the option to change the password or change the login credentials.

Create a new password that is at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write this new password down and store it somewhere safe — a password manager, a locked drawer, or a note on your phone. Do not use the default password long-term, because anyone with access to your router model number can look up the default and log in to your network settings.

What to do if you're locked out of your router

If you changed the password and now can't remember it, the only way back in is a factory reset. This will erase any custom settings you've made, including changes to your WiFi network name, security settings, or any port forwarding rules. After the reset, you'll be back to the default username and password, and you can log in again.

To avoid this situation in the future, write down your new password and store it in a place you'll remember. Some people keep a small notebook in a drawer, others use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password. The goal is to have the password written down somewhere other than your memory, so you can retrieve it if you need to log back in months or years later.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the default username and password don't work?

Check that you've typed them exactly as they appear on the sticker, including capital letters and numbers. If you're still locked out, try a factory reset using the recessed reset button. Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on, then try the default credentials again.

Will resetting my router delete my WiFi network?

Yes. A factory reset erases all your custom settings, including your WiFi network name and password. After the reset, your router will broadcast its default network name (usually something like "TP-Link-1234" or "Netgear"). You'll need to log back in and set up your WiFi network again from scratch.

Can I find my router password if I'm not connected to it?

You need to be connected to the router's network to access the login page. If you're locked out of WiFi, you can connect using an ethernet cable plugged directly into the router. Then open a browser and navigate to your router's IP address to log in.

Is it safe to keep the default password?

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