Where to look first: the router itself and your paperwork
Your router username and password are usually printed on a sticker attached to the device itself — often on the bottom or back. Look for a label that says "Admin" or "Default Login" with a username (often "admin") and a password next to it. If you can see the sticker clearly, write down exactly what it says, including capital letters and numbers.
Check any paperwork that came with your router: the quick-start guide, the box it shipped in, or a separate card. Your internet service provider (ISP) — whether that's Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, or a local provider — sometimes includes login credentials in the welcome packet they mailed when you signed up. If you still have that envelope or folder, the username and password may be printed there.
If you have changed the password since you first set up the router, the original sticker will show the default credentials, not your current ones. The sticker is still useful because it tells you what the username is, and you can use the password reset process (described below) to regain access.
Key Takeaways
- The default username and password are printed on a sticker on your router's body, usually on the bottom or back panel.
- If you changed the password after setup, you will need to perform a factory reset to regain access using the default credentials.
- A factory reset erases all your custom settings and returns the router to its original state, so write down your current network name and password before you do it.
- Your ISP's customer service can confirm your default username if you cannot read the sticker, and can sometimes reset the router remotely.
How to reset your router to factory defaults
If you changed your password and cannot remember it, you can restore the router to its original state by performing a factory reset. This erases all your custom settings — including your Wi-Fi network name, your Wi-Fi password, and any port forwarding rules you set up — and returns the device to the credentials printed on the sticker.
Before you reset, write down your current Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and Wi-Fi password so you can reconnect your devices afterward. These are different from the router admin username and password; they are what you use to join the network from your phone or laptop.
To perform a factory reset, locate the small reset button on the router — usually recessed into the body so you cannot press it by accident. Use a straightened paperclip or a ballpoint pen to press and hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the front will flash or go dark. Release the button and wait 30 seconds for the router to restart. Once the lights stabilize, the router is reset to factory defaults and you can log in using the username and password on the sticker.
Logging into your router's admin panel
Open a web browser on a computer or phone connected to your Wi-Fi network. In the address bar, type one of these addresses: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or routerlogin.net. Most routers use one of the first two; some newer models use the third. If the first address does not work, try the second.
A login page will appear asking for a username and password. Enter the credentials from the sticker on your router. The username is usually admin and the password is often admin, password, or a string of numbers. Type them exactly as they appear, paying attention to capital letters.
Once you are logged in, you can change the admin password to something you will remember. Look for a section labeled "Administration," "System Settings," or "Advanced" in the menu. The exact location varies by router brand and model, but there is usually an option to change the admin password. Set a new password that is at least 12 characters long and includes numbers and symbols if the router allows it.
What to do if the sticker is missing or unreadable
If the sticker is worn, faded, or missing, contact your ISP's customer service. Tell them the brand and model of your router (printed on the device itself) and ask for the default username and password. They have records of what credentials came with the device and can provide them over the phone.
You can also search online for "[router brand] [model number] default password" — for example, "Netgear Nighthawk default password." Manufacturer websites and tech forums often list the defaults for common models. Be cautious about where you search; use only the official manufacturer website or well-known tech sites like the router maker's support page.
If you cannot find the defaults and your ISP cannot help, a factory reset is your only option. After resetting, the sticker credentials will work again, even if you cannot read the sticker itself — you can look up the defaults for your specific model online once you know the brand and model number.
Why you should change the default password
The default username and password are the same on every router of that model. Anyone who knows the model number can look up the defaults and log into your router if it is still using them. Changing the password to something unique prevents someone on your Wi-Fi network — or someone who gains access to your network from outside — from changing your settings, viewing your connected devices, or redirecting your traffic.
A strong admin password should be different from your Wi-Fi password. Your Wi-Fi password is something you share with guests; your admin password should be known only to you. Write it down in a find place, such as a password manager, so you do not forget it.
Recovering access if you forgot your new password
If you changed the admin password and then forgot it, you have two options: factory reset the router (which erases your custom settings and returns it to the default credentials), or contact your ISP to see if they can reset it remotely.
Some ISPs can reset your router's admin password without you having to do a factory reset, which saves you the trouble of reconfiguring your Wi-Fi network. Call your ISP's support line and explain that you need to reset your router's admin password. They may ask you to verify your account information and then perform the reset on their end. This option is not available with all providers, so ask before assuming they can do it.
If your ISP cannot help remotely, a factory reset is the only way to regain access. After the reset, log in with the default credentials, change the password to something you will remember, and reconfigure your Wi-Fi network name and password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wi-Fi password the same as the router admin password?
No. The Wi-Fi password is what you use to connect your phone or laptop to the network. The admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings. They are separate and should be different. You share your Wi-Fi password with guests; you keep your admin password private.
Will a factory reset disconnect my devices from Wi-Fi?
Yes. A factory reset erases your custom Wi-Fi network name and password and returns them to the defaults. Your devices will lose the connection and you will need to reconnect them using the new (or default) credentials after the reset is complete.
Can I reset my router if I do not have a paperclip?
Yes. Any thin, pointed object works — a ballpoint pen, a straightened safety pin, or a thumbtack. The goal is to press the recessed reset button. Do not use anything that could damage the router or your hand.
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 a factory reset to restore the defaults. If the reset button does not work or you are unsure whether the reset was successful, contact your ISP's support line and ask them to confirm the default credentials for your router model.
Should I write down my router password somewhere?
Yes, but store it securely. Write it in a password manager (such as Bitwarden or 1Password), a locked notebook, or another place only you can access. Do not email it to yourself or store it in an unencrypted document on your computer.