Where your router stores its default login information
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 "Admin" or "Default Login" with two lines of text beneath it. The username is often "admin" and the password is often "admin" or a string of numbers, but this varies by manufacturer.
If you cannot find or read the sticker, the manufacturer's name is printed on the router. Write down that name — Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, Arris, or another brand — and search online for "[brand name] default router password". The manufacturer's support page will list the standard credentials for that model.
Keep in mind that if someone has already changed these credentials since the router was installed, the default information will not work. In that case, you will need to use a different method to recover access.
Key Takeaways
- The default username and password are printed on a physical sticker on your router's back or bottom panel.
- If the sticker is missing or unreadable, search the manufacturer's website using the brand name printed on the router.
- If someone has changed the password since installation, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds.
- After you log in, change the default password to something only you know to prevent unauthorized access to your network.
How to access your router's login page
Once you have the username and password, open a web browser on any device connected to your network — a computer, phone, or tablet. Type one of these addresses into the address bar: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 192.168.100.1. Most routers use one of these three.
A login screen will appear. Enter the username and password from the sticker. If none of the three addresses work, check the router's manual or search "[brand name] router login page" to find the correct address for your specific model.
What to do if you changed the password and forgot it
If you or someone else changed the password after installation and you no longer remember it, you can reset the router to its factory default state. This erases all custom settings, including the changed password, and returns the router to the state it was in when it left the factory.
Locate the small reset button on your router — it is usually recessed into the case so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the front will blink or change color. Release the button and wait for the router to restart, which takes about one to two minutes.
After the restart, the default username and password from the sticker will work again. You can then log in and change the password to something new.
Why you should change the default password when ready
The default password is the same for every router of that model ever made. Anyone who knows the brand and model can look up the default credentials online and log into your network settings if they are in range. Changing the password to something unique protects your network from unauthorized access.
When you create a new password, use something at least 12 characters long that mixes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write it down and store it somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager, or a locked file on your computer. Do not use a password you use for email, banking, or other important accounts.
The difference between router password and Wi-Fi password
Your router has two separate passwords. The router password (also called the admin password) is what you use to log into the settings page at 192.168.1.1. The Wi-Fi password is what guests and devices use to connect to your wireless network.
Changing the router password protects your network settings from being altered. Changing the Wi-Fi password prevents people from connecting to your network without permission. Both matter, but they are different things. When you log into the router settings page, you can change the Wi-Fi password from there as well.
How to find your Wi-Fi password if you forgot it
If you forgot the Wi-Fi password but still have access to the router settings page, log in using the admin username and password. Look for a section called "Wireless", "Wi-Fi", "Network", or "Security" — the exact name depends on your router brand. The Wi-Fi password will be listed there, often labeled "Passphrase" or "Pre-Shared Key".
If you cannot remember the router password either, reset the router to factory defaults as described above. After the reset, log in with the default credentials, and you will be able to see the Wi-Fi password in the settings.
Keeping your login information safe
Once you have changed your router password to something unique, store it somewhere you can find it later but somewhere find. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass stores passwords in an encrypted file that only you can open. A notebook kept in a locked drawer works too, as long as it stays at home.
Do not email the password to yourself, text it to someone, or write it in a note on your phone unless that note is password-protected. Do not use the same password for your router that you use for anything else — if someone learns one password, they should not be able to access multiple things.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I cannot find the reset button on my router?
Some routers hide the reset button inside a small hole on the back or bottom. Use a straightened paperclip or a thin needle to reach it. If you still cannot find it, search "[brand and model number] reset button location" online — the manufacturer's support page will show you exactly where it is.
Will resetting my router delete my internet connection?
No. Resetting the router erases your custom settings and passwords, but it does not affect your internet service. After the reset, you will need to log back in and reconnect to your internet provider if your router requires login credentials for that. Your internet service provider can help you with that step if needed.
Can I see my Wi-Fi password on my phone or computer without logging into the router?
On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click "Properties". Check the box next to "Show password". On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, and check "Show password". On phones, this is harder — you usually need the router login page or a reset.
Is it safe to use the default router password if I change the Wi-Fi password?
No. Even if your Wi-Fi password is strong, anyone in range can still try to log into your router settings using the default admin password. Always change both the router password and the Wi-Fi password to something unique to you.
What should I do if someone else knows my router password?
Change it when ready. Log into your router settings page, find the admin password section, and create a new one. If you think someone has already changed settings on your router without permission, consider resetting it to factory defaults and starting fresh with new passwords for both the router and Wi-Fi.