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", or straightforward lists credentials like "Username: admin" and "Password: [a string of characters]". This sticker is the fastest way to recover your login information if you have not changed it since installation.
If the sticker is missing or unreadable, the manufacturer's documentation that came with your router will have the same information. Check the quick-start guide or the inside cover of the manual. Many manufacturers also print this information on their website — you can search "[your router model] default password" to find it.
Common default usernames across most routers are admin or root. Common default passwords vary widely by brand and model, but many manufacturers use straightforward defaults like admin, password, or 12345. If you have changed these credentials since setup and cannot remember them, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings.
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 gone, check the printed manual or the manufacturer's support website for your specific model number.
- Most routers use admin as the default username, but passwords vary by brand and model.
- If you changed the password and forgot it, you can reset the router to factory defaults using the reset button, which will restore the original login information.
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 your router's IP address into the address bar. The most common IP address is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but some manufacturers use different addresses. Check your router's sticker or manual to confirm the correct address for your model.
Press Enter and you should see a login screen. Enter your username and password exactly as they appear on the sticker. If the login fails, double-check that you typed the credentials correctly — these fields are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters matter. If you still cannot log in, try the other common IP address, or search your router model online to find its specific login address.
What to do if you changed your password and forgot it
If you customized your password after setup and no longer remember it, you will need to reset your router to its factory default state. This erases all your custom settings, including your Wi-Fi network name, password, and any port forwarding rules you created. After the reset, you can log in with the default credentials again and reconfigure your network from scratch.
To reset your router, locate the small reset button — usually recessed into the device 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 flash and the router will restart. Once it boots up, the default username and password will work again.
Before you reset, write down any custom settings you want to keep, such as your Wi-Fi password or any devices you have allowed or blocked. Some routers have a backup feature in their settings menu that lets you save your configuration to a file before resetting, which you can then restore afterward — check your router's manual to see if this option is available.
Differences between username and password across router brands
Most routers use admin as the default username, but the password varies significantly by manufacturer. Netgear routers often use password as the default. TP-Link routers typically use admin for both username and password. Linksys routers commonly use admin and admin. Asus routers often use admin and admin. These are generalizations — your specific model may differ, so always check the sticker first.
Some newer routers, particularly mesh systems like Eero or Google Nest Wifi, do not use a traditional username and password at all. Instead, they require you to log in through a mobile app using your email address and a password you create during initial setup. If you have one of these systems, you cannot access the router through a web browser in the traditional way — you must use the manufacturer's app.
How to change your router password after you log in
Once you are logged into your router's settings page, look for a section labeled "Administration", "System Settings", or "Advanced". The exact location varies by brand, but most routers group login credentials in one of these areas. You should see fields for the current username and password, and fields to enter a new password.
Enter your new password — make it something you can remember but that is not obvious, like a birthdate or pet name. Avoid using the same password as your Wi-Fi network password or any other account you use. Write the new password down and store it somewhere safe, like a password manager or a locked drawer. After you save the change, the router will log you out and you will need to log back in with your new credentials.
Recovering your Wi-Fi password if you forgot that instead
Your router's login password and your Wi-Fi network password are two separate things. If you forgot your Wi-Fi password but remember your router login, you can recover it through the router's settings page. Log in with your username and password, then look for a section called "Wireless", "Wi-Fi", or "Network Settings".
In that section, you should see your network name (SSID) and the password associated with it. The password may be hidden behind dots or asterisks for security. Some routers have a "Show Password" button or checkbox that reveals it. Write down the password and you can then reconnect your devices to the network.
Why you should change your default password
Default passwords are public knowledge — anyone with the same router model can find them online. If someone gains access to your router settings, they can change your Wi-Fi password, redirect your internet traffic, or access files on devices connected to your network. Changing your router password to something unique protects your network from unauthorized access.
You should also change your Wi-Fi password for the same reason. Use a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. This makes it much harder for someone to guess or crack through brute-force attempts. Most routers allow you to change the Wi-Fi password in the same settings area where you change the router login password.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between my router password and my Wi-Fi password?
Your router password is what you use to log into the router's settings page through a web browser. Your Wi-Fi password is what you use to connect your phone, computer, or other devices to your wireless network. They are separate credentials. You can change one without affecting the other.
Can I log into my router from outside my home network?
By default, no — you can only access your router's settings page from a device connected to your network. Some routers have a remote management feature that allows access from outside the network, but this is disabled by default for security reasons. Enabling it is not recommended unless you have a specific reason and understand the security risks.
What happens if I reset my router?
Resetting your router erases all custom settings and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. This includes your Wi-Fi network name, Wi-Fi password, router login password, port forwarding rules, and any devices you have blocked or allowed. You will need to set up your network again from scratch using the default credentials.
Is it safe to keep the default password?
No. Default passwords are publicly available online, so anyone with your router model can potentially access your settings. You should change your router password to something unique as soon as you set up your network. This prevents unauthorized access to your router and the devices connected to it.
Where do I find my router's IP address if I do not know it?
Check the sticker on your router or the manual that came with it — the IP address is usually listed there. Common addresses are 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1. If neither works, you can find your router's IP address by opening your computer's network settings and looking for the "Default Gateway" — that address is your router's IP.