Where to Find Your Router Login Information
Your router's 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 Username" and "Default Password," or sometimes just "Admin" and a password next to it. The sticker typically also shows your Wi-Fi network name and Wi-Fi password, which are different from your login credentials.
If the sticker is missing or worn away, the default username is almost always admin, and the default password is either admin, password, or 12345. Your router's manual or the manufacturer's website will confirm which one applies to your specific model. Write down what you find before you try to log in — you will need both pieces of information at once.
Key Takeaways
- The default username and password are printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router.
- If the sticker is missing, try admin as the username and admin, password, or 12345 as the password.
- You can find your router model number on the sticker and look up the defaults on the manufacturer's support website.
- If you changed the password before and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases your Wi-Fi network name and password too.
Checking the Router Sticker
Unplug your router and turn it over or look at the back panel. The sticker should be straightforward to spot — it is usually white or silver and contains several lines of text. Read carefully: you are looking for lines labeled "Username," "User," "Admin," or sometimes just a colon followed by a name. The password line may say "Password," "Pass," "Default Password," or "Pwd."
Some routers print this information in a table format with multiple rows. Make sure you are reading the router login credentials, not your Wi-Fi password. The Wi-Fi password is separate and controls who can connect to your network wirelessly — the router login is what you use to change router settings. Write both down, but keep them separate so you know which is which.
Finding Defaults for Your Router Model
If the sticker is illegible or missing, you need your router's model number. This is also on the sticker, usually near the top or bottom. It might say "Model," "Model No.," or just "Model:" followed by a code like "WRT3200ACM" or "ASUS RT-AX88U."
Go to the manufacturer's website — common router makers are Netgear, TP-Link, ASUS, Linksys, and D-Link. Search their support section for your model number. The support page will list the default username and password. If you cannot find it on the manufacturer's site, search the model number plus "default username password" in a search engine. You should find the answer within the first few results.
What to Do If You Changed the Password and Forgot It
If you previously changed your router login password and no longer remember it, you will need to reset the router to its factory defaults. This erases all your custom settings, including your Wi-Fi network name and password, so you will have to set those up again afterward.
Look for a small recessed button on the back or bottom of the router labeled "Reset" or "Restore." Use a straightened paperclip or a pen tip to press and hold this button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the front will blink, and the router will restart. Once it finishes restarting, the login credentials will be back to the factory defaults printed on the sticker.
Logging In to Your Router for the First Time
Open a web browser on a computer or phone connected to your router's Wi-Fi network. Type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar and press Enter. One of these addresses will take you to your router's login page. If neither works, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the correct address — some routers use a different one.
You will see a login screen with two fields: one for username and one for password. Enter the username and password from the sticker. If you are using the factory defaults, type admin in the username field and the password from the sticker in the password field. Click "Login" or "Sign In." If the credentials do not work, double-check that you typed them exactly as they appear — passwords are case-sensitive, so "Admin" is different from "admin."
Common Login Addresses and Default Credentials by Brand
| Router Brand | Login Address | Default Username | Default Password |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netgear | 192.168.1.1 or routerlogin.net | admin | password |
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 or tplinkwifi.net | admin | admin |
| ASUS | 192.168.1.1 or router.asus.com | admin | admin |
| Linksys | 192.168.1.1 or myrouter.local | admin | admin |
| D-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | admin |
Why You Should Change Your Default Password
Once you log in successfully, you should change the router password to something only you know. The factory defaults are public information — anyone who knows your router model can look them up. A custom password prevents someone on your Wi-Fi network from accessing your router settings and changing your network name, password, or other configurations.
Look for a section called "Administration," "System Settings," or "Advanced" in your router's menu. Find the option to change the admin password or login password. Enter your current password, then type a new one twice to confirm it. Make it at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write it down and store it somewhere safe — if you forget it again, you will have to reset the router.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between my router password and my Wi-Fi password?
Your router password (also called admin password) is what you type to log into the router's settings page. Your Wi-Fi password is what guests type to connect to your wireless network. They are completely separate. You can change one without changing the other.
I tried the default password and it did not work. What should I do?
First, make sure you typed it exactly as it appears — check for capital letters and spaces. If it still does not work, try the other common defaults: admin, password, 12345, or leave the password field blank. If none of those work, reset the router to factory settings using the reset button, then try the defaults again.
Can I log in to my router from my phone?
Yes, as long as your phone is connected to your router's Wi-Fi network. Open a web browser, type the login address (usually 192.168.1.1), and enter your credentials. Some router manufacturers also offer a mobile app that lets you log in and manage settings from your phone.
What if I cannot find the model number on my router?
Check the router's manual or the box it came in — the model number is usually printed there. You can also call your internet service provider and tell them your router's brand; they can tell you the model and the default login information.
Do I need to be connected to the router's Wi-Fi to log in?
Yes, you must be connected to the router's Wi-Fi network or plugged into it with an ethernet cable to access the login page. You cannot reach the router's settings from a different network.