Where to look first: the router itself
Your router username and password are almost always printed on a sticker attached to the back or bottom of the device. Look for a label that says "Admin", "Username", "Password", or sometimes just lists both together. The default username is often admin, and the password might be a string of numbers, a word, or sometimes blank.
If you see the sticker but the text is faded or worn away, take a photo with your phone's flashlight and zoom in — the contrast often makes faded text readable on screen. If the sticker is completely gone, you will need to try the other methods below.
Keep this information somewhere safe once you find it. Many people write it down in a password manager or a locked notes file rather than relying on memory.
Key Takeaways
- The router sticker on the back or bottom of your device almost always has the default username and password printed on it.
- If you have changed the password since setup, the sticker will show the original default, not your current one.
- Resetting the router to factory settings will restore the default username and password, but erases all your custom settings.
- Your internet service provider can tell you the default credentials if you cannot locate the sticker or remember what you changed the password to.
If you changed the password and cannot remember it
If you set up the router yourself and changed the password from the default, you have three options. The first is to check whether you saved it in your browser's password manager — open your browser settings, find "Passwords" or "Saved Passwords", and search for your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) or your router model name.
The second option is to call your internet service provider. They can tell you the default username and password for your specific router model, though they cannot tell you what you personally changed it to. This is useful because resetting the router (see below) will restore the default, and you will need to know what that is.
The third option is to reset the router entirely. This erases all your custom settings — your Wi-Fi name, Wi-Fi password, port forwarding rules, and anything else you configured — and returns everything to factory defaults. You would then use the default username and password from the sticker to log in again.
How to reset your router to factory settings
Locate the small reset button on the back of your router. It is usually recessed into the case so you cannot press it by accident. You will need a paperclip, pen tip, or similar object to reach it.
With the router powered on, press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. The lights on the front will flash or change color. Release the button and wait two to three minutes for the router to restart completely. Once the lights settle back to their normal pattern, the router has been reset to factory settings.
After a reset, you can log in using the default username and password from the sticker. You will then need to set up your Wi-Fi network again — choose a new Wi-Fi name and password, reconnect your devices, and reconfigure any other settings you had customized.
Finding your router's login address
To enter your username and password, you need to reach your router's login page. Open a web browser on any device connected to your Wi-Fi and 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.
If none of those work, you can find the correct address by looking at your router's manual or the sticker on the device itself — it is often listed there. You can also find it by opening your computer's network settings and looking for "Default Gateway" or "Router Address".
Once you reach the login page, you will see fields for username and password. Enter the credentials from the sticker (or the ones you changed them to), and you will be inside the router's settings.
What to do if the sticker is missing or unreadable
If the sticker is gone and you cannot remember your password, contact your internet service provider with your account number and router model. They can provide the factory default username and password. You can find your router model on the device itself — it is usually printed on the front, back, or bottom.
Once you have the default credentials, you can reset the router using the method above and log in fresh. This is the most straightforward path when you have no other record of the password.
If you want to avoid this situation in the future, take a photo of the sticker with your phone and store it in a cloud service or password manager. That way you have a backup even if the physical sticker wears away.
Common router models and their default addresses
| Router Brand | Common Default Username | Common Default Password | Typical Login Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netgear | admin | password | 192.168.1.1 or routerlogin.net |
| TP-Link | admin | admin | 192.168.0.1 or tplinkwifi.net |
| Linksys | admin | admin | 192.168.1.1 or myrouter.local |
| D-Link | admin | admin | 192.168.0.1 |
| Asus | admin | admin | 192.168.1.1 or router.asus.com |
These are the most common defaults, but your specific router may differ. Always check your sticker or manual first, as manufacturers sometimes use different combinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I log into my router from my phone?
Yes. Open your phone's web browser, connect to your Wi-Fi network, and type the router's login address (usually 192.168.1.1) into the address bar. You will see the same login page as on a computer. Some routers also have a mobile app you can read instead.
What if I try the default password and it does not work?
The password may have been changed since the router was set up. Try resetting the router to factory settings using the recessed reset button. This restores the default username and password, though it will erase any custom settings you made.
Is it safe to keep the default username and password?
No. Once you log in with the default credentials, you should change the password to something only you know. This prevents anyone else on your network from accessing your router settings. Keep your new password written down somewhere find.
My router does not have a sticker. How do I find the defaults?
Look up your router model number online — it is printed on the device — and search for "[model number] default password". You can also call your internet service provider with your account number and router model, and they will provide the factory defaults.
Will resetting the router affect my internet connection?
The reset itself does not disconnect your internet, but it erases your Wi-Fi settings. After the reset, you will need to reconnect your devices to Wi-Fi using the default network name and password, then set up a new Wi-Fi password.