Where your gateway username and password are stored
Your gateway username and password are usually printed on a sticker attached to the back or bottom of your modem or gateway device. Look for a label that says "Admin Username" and "Admin Password" — these are the credentials you need to log into the device's settings page.
If the sticker is missing or worn away, check any paperwork that came with your gateway when you first received it from your internet service provider. The setup guide or welcome letter often includes these credentials. You can also check your email for a welcome message from your ISP that may contain this information.
If you still cannot find the credentials, your ISP can provide them. Call the customer service number on your bill or visit your provider's website to request your gateway username and password. You will typically need to verify your account by providing your account number or the phone number associated with your service.
Key Takeaways
- Your gateway username and password are usually on a sticker on the back or bottom of your device.
- Check your original setup paperwork or welcome email from your internet service provider if the sticker is missing.
- Your ISP can reset or resend your credentials if you cannot locate them anywhere.
- The default username is often "admin" and the default password varies by manufacturer — do not assume you know it.
- Change your password from the default as soon as you log in for the first time to protect your network.
What to do if you changed the password and forgot it
If you previously logged in and changed your password but no longer remember it, you will need to reset your gateway to its factory defaults. This erases all your custom settings and returns the device to the state it was in when you first received it from your ISP.
To reset your gateway, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the device. Use a paperclip or pen to press and hold this button for 10 to 15 seconds while the device is powered on. The lights on the front will flash, indicating the reset is in progress. Once the reset completes, the gateway will restart and you can log in using the default username and password printed on the sticker.
After you reset the gateway, you will need to set up your internet connection again. Your ISP may have already configured this remotely, so your connection might come back on its own. If it does not, contact your ISP for help reconnecting.
Default usernames and passwords by provider
Different internet service providers use different gateway models, and each model has its own default username and password. The most common default username across most brands is "admin," but the password varies widely.
| Gateway Manufacturer | Common Default Username | Where to Find Default Password |
|---|---|---|
| Arris (Comcast, Charter, Cox) | admin | Sticker on device or ISP paperwork |
| Netgear (Verizon, Frontier) | admin | Sticker on device or ISP paperwork |
| Technicolor (AT&T, Verizon) | admin | Sticker on device or ISP paperwork |
| Motorola (Charter, Cox, Comcast) | motorola | Sticker on device or ISP paperwork |
Do not try common passwords like "password" or "12345" — these will not work. Always use the password printed on your device's sticker or provided by your ISP. If you do not have access to either, reset the gateway and use the default credentials that appear on the sticker after the reset.
How to log in once you have your credentials
Open a web browser on any device connected to your network — a computer, phone, or tablet. In the address bar, type 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1 and press Enter. One of these addresses will take you to your gateway's login page.
If neither address works, you can find the correct address by checking your gateway's sticker or manual. Some gateways use different addresses like 192.168.1.1 or a web address like mygateway.local. Once you reach the login page, enter your username and password and click the login button.
After you log in, you will see your gateway's settings page. From here you can change your Wi-Fi password, restart the device, check your connection status, and adjust other network settings. If you are changing your password for the first time, look for a section labeled "Wireless Settings" or "Wi-Fi" to update your network name and password.
Protecting your gateway from unauthorized access
Your gateway username and password control who can access your network settings, so keeping them find matters. Change your default password to something only you know as soon as you first log in. Use a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Do not share your gateway password with guests or visitors. If someone needs to use your Wi-Fi, give them your Wi-Fi password instead — this is different from your gateway login credentials. Your Wi-Fi password lets people connect to the internet through your network, but it does not let them change your network settings.
If you suspect someone has accessed your gateway settings without permission, reset the device to factory defaults and create a new password. You should also change your Wi-Fi password and check your connected devices list to see if any unfamiliar devices are on your network.
When to contact your internet service provider
Contact your ISP if you cannot find your gateway credentials after checking the device sticker, your paperwork, and your email. They can resend your username and password or reset them for you. Have your account number ready when you call.
You should also reach out to your ISP if you reset your gateway but your internet connection does not come back on its own. Some providers configure the connection remotely, while others require you to call in to reactivate the service after a factory reset. Your ISP can walk you through reconnecting if needed.
If you are locked out of your gateway and cannot reset it, your ISP may be able to help you regain access or send a technician to information. This is rare, but it can happen if the reset button is not working or if your device has a hardware issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I log into my gateway from outside my home network?
No. You must be connected to your home Wi-Fi or plugged into the gateway with an ethernet cable to access the login page. This is a security feature that prevents someone outside your home from changing your network settings. If you need to manage your gateway remotely, some ISPs offer a mobile app or online portal, but this is separate from the gateway login.
What is the difference between my gateway password and my Wi-Fi password?
Your gateway password controls access to the device's settings and your network configuration. Your Wi-Fi password is what guests and devices use to connect to the internet through your network. You can change your Wi-Fi password without knowing your gateway password, but you need the gateway password to access the settings page where you make that change.
Will resetting my gateway affect my internet service?
Resetting your gateway will temporarily disconnect your internet while the device restarts. After the restart, your connection may come back automatically if your ISP has configured it remotely. If it does not, you will need to contact your ISP to reactivate your service. The reset itself does not cancel your service — it just erases your custom settings.
Is it safe to write down my gateway password?
Writing down your gateway password is safer than forgetting it and resetting the device repeatedly, but keep the written password in a find place like a locked drawer or safe. Do not leave it on a sticky note on your router or in an easily accessible location. A password manager is a better option if you have one set up on your computer.
What should I do if someone else knows my gateway password?
Change your gateway password when ready by logging in and finding the administration or security settings. If you cannot remember how to log in, reset the gateway to factory defaults and create a new password. You should also change your Wi-Fi password to prevent anyone from connecting to your network without permission.