Where to look first: the router itself and its documentation
The easiest place to find your router username and password is on a sticker attached to the router itself. Most manufacturers print the default credentials on the back or bottom of the device. Look for lines labeled "Username" and "Password," or sometimes "Admin" and "Password." Write down exactly what you see — these are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters matter.
If the sticker is worn or missing, check the documentation that came with your router. The manual, quick-start guide, or warranty card often lists default login information. If you no longer have the physical paperwork, you can usually find a PDF version on the manufacturer's website by searching for your router model number plus "manual."
Your router model number is printed on that same sticker or on the front of the device. It typically looks like "ASUS RT-AX88U" or "TP-Link Archer C7" — search for "[your exact model] default username password" and you will find the manufacturer's documentation.
Key Takeaways
- Default router credentials are printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device, or in the manual that came with it.
- If you changed the password yourself and forgot it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases your Wi-Fi network and all custom settings.
- The reset button is usually a small hole on the back of the router that requires holding a paperclip or pin for 10 to 15 seconds.
- After resetting, you will log in with the default credentials again and can set up a new password you will remember.
What to do if you changed the password and cannot remember it
If you set up a custom password and have forgotten it, there is no way to recover it without resetting the router. A reset erases all your custom settings — your Wi-Fi network name, password, port forwarding rules, and any other changes you made — and returns the router to the state it left the factory.
To reset your router, locate the reset button on the back or bottom of the device. It is usually a small recessed hole labeled "Reset" or "Restore." You will need a straightened paperclip, a ballpoint pen, or a similar thin object. Press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the front will blink or change color, and the router will restart. This process takes one to two minutes.
Once the router finishes restarting, you can log in using the default username and password from the sticker or manual. After you log in, you can set up a new Wi-Fi network name and password, and reconfigure any other settings you had customized.
How to log in once you have the credentials
Open a web browser on any device connected to your Wi-Fi network or plugged into the router with an ethernet cable. In the address bar, type the router's IP address. For most home routers, this is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Press Enter.
A login page will appear. Enter the username in the first field and the password in the second field, exactly as they appear on the sticker or in the manual. Click "Log In" or "Submit." You are now in the router's settings page, where you can change your Wi-Fi password, network name, and other configurations.
If neither IP address works, check the manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific model. Some routers use a different address like 192.168.100.1 or a web address like myrouter.local.
Finding your router model number and manufacturer
The model number is printed on the sticker on your router's exterior. It is usually a combination of letters and numbers — for example, "Netgear R7000" or "Linksys EA7500." The manufacturer name is also on this sticker.
Once you have the model number, visit the manufacturer's official website and search for "support" or "downloads." Enter your model number in their search box. You will find the user manual as a PDF read, which contains the default username and password. You can also search Google for "[manufacturer name] [model number] default password" to find this information quickly.
Common router manufacturers include Netgear, TP-Link, ASUS, Linksys, D-Link, and Arris. If you are not sure which company made your router, the brand name is always on the sticker or the front of the device.
Why routers have default credentials
Manufacturers set default usernames and passwords so that anyone can access the router's settings page during initial setup. This allows you to configure your Wi-Fi network, change the password, and customize other features. The default credentials are the same for every router of that model, which is why they are printed on the device — they are not secret.
For security, you should change the default password as soon as you set up your router. This prevents anyone else who knows the default credentials from accessing your network settings. However, changing the password does not affect your Wi-Fi password — those are two separate things. Your Wi-Fi password is what guests and devices use to connect to your network. Your router password is what you use to access the settings page.
Accessing your router from outside your home network
By default, you can only log into your router's settings page from a device connected to your Wi-Fi network or plugged into the router with an ethernet cable. You cannot access it from a different network or from outside your home.
Some routers have a feature called "remote management" that allows you to log in from anywhere, but this is turned off by default for security reasons. If you want to enable it, you must first log in to the router from inside your home network, then look for a "Remote Management" or "Remote Access" option in the settings. Enabling this feature carries security risks, so only turn it on if you have a strong, unique password set for your router.
What to do if the default credentials do not work
If you try the default username and password from the sticker or manual and the router rejects them, the most likely explanation is that someone has already changed them. If you own the router and set up the network yourself, you may have changed the password and forgotten it — in that case, you will need to reset the router as described above.
If you inherited the router from a previous owner or tenant, or if someone else set it up, you will not be able to access the settings without the password they created. Your only option is to reset the router to factory settings using the reset button. After the reset, the default credentials will work again.
If you are trying to log into a router you do not own — for example, at a workplace or in a rental property — contact the person or organization responsible for that network. They can provide you with the correct credentials or reset the device for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my Wi-Fi password from the router settings page?
Yes. Once you log in to the router settings page, look for a section called "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," or "Network." Your Wi-Fi network name and password are displayed there. Most routers show the password as dots or asterisks for security, but there is usually a "Show Password" checkbox you can click to reveal it in plain text.
What is the difference between the router password and the Wi-Fi password?
The router 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. They are completely separate. You can change one without affecting the other.
Is it safe to use the default router password?
No. The default password is the same for every router of that model, so anyone who knows the model number can access your settings. You should change it to a strong, unique password as soon as you set up the router. This prevents unauthorized access to your network settings, though it does not affect your Wi-Fi password.
Will resetting the router delete my files or internet history?
A router reset does not affect files on your computer or devices. It only erases the router's own settings — your Wi-Fi network name, password, and any custom configurations. Your internet history and files remain on your devices. You will need to reconfigure your Wi-Fi network after the reset.
What if I cannot find the reset button on my router?
Some routers have the reset button on the side or front instead of the back. Check the manual for your specific model, which will show you exactly where the button is located. If your router has no physical reset button, you may be able to reset it through the settings page itself — look for a "Restore Factory Settings" or "Reset" option in the administration menu.