Where to find your router credentials
Your router's admin username and password are almost always printed on a sticker attached to the device itself — usually on the back or bottom. Look for a label that says "Admin", "Username", "Password", or sometimes just lists them as "Default Login". The username is often "admin" and the password might be a string of numbers, letters, or a word related to the router brand.
If the sticker is missing or worn away, the second place to check is the documentation that came with your router — the quick-start guide or the box itself often has this information printed inside. If you no longer have the physical materials, you can find the manual online by searching for your router model number plus "manual" or "default credentials".
Your router's model number is printed on the same sticker as the credentials. It usually looks like "ASUS RT-AX88U" or "TP-Link Archer C7" — write this down before you search, because it matters. Different models from the same manufacturer often have different default passwords.
Key Takeaways
- The admin username and password are printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router, usually labeled "Admin" or "Default Login".
- If the sticker is missing, check the quick-start guide or original box, or search online for your specific router model number plus "manual".
- The username is commonly "admin", but the password varies by manufacturer and model, so the sticker or manual is your most reliable source.
- If you changed the password yourself and forgot it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases your network name and password too.
What to do if the sticker is completely gone
Search for your router model number on the manufacturer's website. Most companies — TP-Link, ASUS, Netgear, Linksys, Ubiquiti — publish a support page or manual read for each model that lists the default credentials. Type the model number into the search box on their support site, and look for "manual", "datasheet", or "default login" in the results.
If the manufacturer's site does not list it, try a general search engine with the model number and "default username password". You will often find the information on tech forums or router specification databases. Write down exactly what you find — do not guess or try variations, because wrong credentials will lock you out after a few attempts.
Resetting the router if you changed the password and forgot it
If you changed the admin password yourself and no longer remember it, the only way back in is a factory reset. This erases all your settings, including your Wi-Fi network name and password, so you will have to set those up again from scratch.
To reset, locate the small reset button on the router — it is usually recessed into the case so you cannot press it by accident. Hold a straightened paperclip or a pen tip against it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. Once it boots back up, the username and password will return to the factory defaults printed on the sticker.
After the reset, log in with the default credentials, then when ready change the password to something you will remember. Write it down somewhere safe — a password manager, a notebook in a drawer, or a note on your phone. Do not rely on memory alone.
Logging in to the router once you have the credentials
Open a web browser on any device connected to your Wi-Fi or plugged into the router with an ethernet cable. Type the router's IP address into the address bar — this is usually printed on the sticker as well, and is commonly 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, exactly as they appear on the sticker — usernames and passwords are case-sensitive, so "Admin" is not the same as "admin". Click the login button or press Enter.
If the login fails, double-check that you typed the credentials correctly, including capital letters and numbers. If you are still locked out after three or four attempts, wait a few minutes before trying again — many routers temporarily block login attempts after repeated failures as a security measure.
Common default usernames and passwords by brand
While the sticker is always your most reliable source, here are the defaults for the most common router manufacturers. If your sticker is illegible, these are a reasonable first try, though your specific model may differ.
| Brand | Common Default Username | Common Default Password |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | admin | admin |
| ASUS | admin | admin |
| Netgear | admin | password |
| Linksys | admin | admin |
| D-Link | admin | admin |
These are starting points only. Newer models often use unique passwords printed on the sticker, and some manufacturers have changed their defaults over time. Always check your specific model's documentation first.
Why you should change the default password
The default credentials are public knowledge — anyone on the internet can look them up for your router model. If someone gains access to your router's admin panel, they can change your Wi-Fi password, monitor your network traffic, or alter settings that affect your security. Changing the password to something unique and strong protects your network from unauthorized access.
After you log in with the default credentials, look for a "Settings", "Administration", or "System" section in the router's menu. Find the option to change the admin password — it is usually labeled "Change Password" or "Admin Password". Create a new password that is at least 12 characters long, includes numbers and letters, and is not a word you use elsewhere. Save it somewhere you can retrieve it later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I try the default password and it does not work?
The previous owner may have changed it, or your specific model may use a different default than others from the same brand. Check the sticker again for any printed credentials you might have missed. If the sticker is gone, look up your exact model number on the manufacturer's support site or in the manual. If you own the router and changed the password yourself, you will need to perform a factory reset.
Can I log in to my router from my phone?
Yes. Open a web browser on your phone, type the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into the address bar, and log in with your credentials. You must be connected to the router's Wi-Fi network or plugged in with an ethernet adapter for this to work. Some router manufacturers also offer a mobile app, which you can find by searching for your brand name in your phone's app store.
Is it safe to use the default username and password?
No. Default credentials are publicly known, so anyone who knows your router model can attempt to log in. Change the admin password to something unique as soon as you log in for the first time. This prevents unauthorized access to your network settings and protects your Wi-Fi security.
What if the IP address 192.168.1.1 does not work?
Try 192.168.0.1 instead — this is the second most common default. If neither works, check the sticker on your router for the correct IP address, or search for your router model plus "default IP address". You can also find it by opening your computer's network settings and looking for the "Gateway" or "Default Router" address.
Do I need the admin password to connect to Wi-Fi?
No. The admin password controls access to the router's settings. The Wi-Fi password is separate and is what you use to connect devices to your network. You only need the admin password if you want to change router settings like the Wi-Fi name or password.