Where to find your router's 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 "Default Login", "Admin Credentials", or straightforward lists a username and password. The username is often "admin" and the password is frequently "admin", "password", or a string of numbers, but this varies by manufacturer.
If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can find this information in three other places: the router's manual (if you still have it), the manufacturer's website, or the router's setup documentation that came in the box. Most manufacturers also print the information on their support pages if you search for your specific model number.
Your model number is usually on the same sticker as the login credentials. It looks something like "TP-Link Archer A6" or "Netgear Nighthawk AX12". Write this down — you will need it to search the manufacturer's site if the sticker is gone.
Key Takeaways
- The default username and password are printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router.
- If the sticker is missing, search the manufacturer's website using your router's model number to find the credentials.
- Common default usernames are "admin" or "administrator", and common passwords are "admin", "password", or a manufacturer-specific code.
- Write down your model number before searching online, as each router model has different default credentials.
- Once you log in, you should change the default password to something only you know to protect your network.
Checking the physical router for the sticker
Start by looking at the back panel of your router. Most manufacturers place the sticker in a spot that is straightforward to see but not in the way of cables. If you do not see it there, check the bottom of the device — flip it over carefully and look for a white or silver label with text printed on it.
The sticker usually includes several pieces of information: the model name and number, the MAC address (a unique identifier for your device), the default network name (SSID), and the login credentials. You may see multiple usernames or passwords listed — for example, one for the admin panel and one for the Wi-Fi network. The admin credentials are what you need to log into the router's settings.
If the sticker is faded or partially torn, try taking a photo with your phone's flash on. The light often makes faded text readable on the screen even if you cannot read it with your eyes.
Finding credentials on the manufacturer's website
If the sticker is completely missing or illegible, go to the manufacturer's support website. Common router makers include TP-Link, Netgear, Linksys, ASUS, and D-Link. Search for "[Your Model Number] default password" or "[Your Model Number] admin login".
For example, if you have a TP-Link Archer C7, search "TP-Link Archer C7 default password" on the manufacturer's site or in a search engine. The support page will usually list the default username and password in a table or in the setup instructions. Some manufacturers also provide a PDF manual you can read that includes this information on the first or last page.
If you cannot find your model number, look at the router itself for any text printed directly on the plastic casing. You can also log into your internet provider's account online — they often have a record of which router model they issued to you, and some providers even list the default credentials in your account settings.
What to do if you cannot find the default credentials
If you have searched everywhere and cannot locate the default username and password, you have one remaining option: reset the router to its factory settings. This erases all your custom settings and returns the device to the state it was in when it left the factory, which means the default credentials will work again.
To reset most routers, locate the small reset button (usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident) on the back or bottom of the device. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold this button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the front will flash or go dark, and the router will restart. Once it boots back up, the default username and password from the sticker should work.
Be aware that resetting erases your Wi-Fi password, port forwarding rules, and any other custom settings you have made. You will need to set up your network again from scratch. This is why checking the sticker or the manufacturer's website first is much faster than resetting.
Common default usernames and passwords by brand
| Manufacturer | Common Default Username | Common Default Password |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | admin | admin |
| Netgear | admin | password |
| Linksys | admin | admin |
| ASUS | admin | admin |
| D-Link | admin | admin |
These are the most common combinations, but they are not universal. Your specific model may use different credentials — always check the sticker or manual first. Some older routers or models sold in specific regions use different defaults.
Why changing your default password matters
Once you log in with the default credentials, change the password when ready. Default usernames and passwords are public knowledge — anyone with your router's model number can look them up online. If someone gains access to your router's admin panel, they can change your Wi-Fi password, redirect your internet traffic, or access devices on your network.
To change the password, log into your router's admin panel using the default credentials, then look for a section called "Administration", "System Settings", or "Security". There will be a field for the current password and a field for the new password. Choose something strong — at least 12 characters, mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write it down somewhere safe, like a password manager.
Changing the admin password is separate from changing your Wi-Fi password. Both matter: the admin password protects access to the router's settings, and the Wi-Fi password protects access to your network itself. Most routers let you change both from the same admin panel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I try the default password and it does not work?
Someone may have already changed it. If you are the owner of the router, reset it to factory settings using the reset button on the back. If this is a router you inherited or rented from your internet provider, contact your provider or the previous owner to ask for the current password.
Can I log in to my router from my phone?
Yes. Open a web browser on your phone and type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar. You will see a login screen where you can enter the default username and password. Some manufacturers also offer mobile apps for managing the router, though the web browser method works on any phone.
Is it safe to write down my router password?
Writing down your admin password is safer than using a weak one you can remember. Store it in a physical location only you can access — a locked drawer or a safe — or use a password manager app that encrypts your passwords. Never email it to yourself or leave it on a sticky note on your router.
What if the sticker says the password is blank?
Some routers ship with no default password, meaning you can log in with just the username "admin" and leave the password field empty. If this does not work, try typing "admin" in both fields, or reset the router and try again.
Do I need the default password to connect to Wi-Fi?
No. The default password is only for logging into the router's admin settings. To connect to Wi-Fi, you need the Wi-Fi password, which is usually different and is printed on the same sticker. If you have forgotten your Wi-Fi password, you can reset it by logging into the admin panel with the default credentials.