Where to look first: the label on your router

The easiest place to find your router username and password is on a sticker attached to the device itself. Most routers have a label on the bottom or back that lists the default username (often "admin") and a default password. The label may also show your Wi-Fi network name and Wi-Fi password, which are different from the router login credentials.

Open the label and write down exactly what you see. The username and password on the sticker are what you need to log into your router's settings page — not the Wi-Fi password you use to connect your phone or laptop to the internet.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's username and password are printed on a sticker on the device itself, usually on the bottom or back.
  • The router login credentials are different from your Wi-Fi password — the sticker shows both, and they serve different purposes.
  • If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can reset the router to factory settings using a small button, which restores the default username and password.
  • If you changed the password yourself and forgot it, a factory reset is the only way to regain access without calling your internet provider.
  • Write down your new password somewhere safe after you change it, so you do not lose access again.

What to do if the sticker is missing or worn away

If the label is gone or the text is too faded to read, you can look up the default credentials online. Visit the manufacturer's support website — common router makers include Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, Asus, and D-Link — and search for your specific router model. The model number is usually printed elsewhere on the device, often on the back or side.

Most manufacturers publish a list of default usernames and passwords for each model. If you cannot find it on their site, a web search for "[your router model] default username password" will usually turn up the answer. Write down what you find before you try to log in.

Resetting your router to restore the default password

If you changed the password yourself and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings. This erases all your custom settings — including your Wi-Fi password — and returns the device to the state it was in when it left the factory.

To reset, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router. It is usually recessed, so you will need a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press it. Hold the button down 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 default username and password from the sticker will work again.

After you log back in, you will need to set up your Wi-Fi network again and choose a new router password. Write down the new password and store it somewhere you can find it — a notebook, a password manager, or a note on your phone.

How to log into your router once you have the credentials

Open a web browser on a computer or phone connected to your Wi-Fi network. 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 and password from the sticker. If the login fails, try the other IP address, or search online for "[your router model] login IP address" to confirm which one is correct. Once you are logged in, you can change the password, adjust Wi-Fi settings, or troubleshoot connection problems.

Why your internet provider might have set a different password

If your router came from your internet provider — Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, or another company — they may have changed the default password before sending it to you. In that case, the sticker will show the manufacturer's default credentials, but they will not work.

Call your internet provider's customer service and tell them you need the router login credentials. Have your account number ready. They can either tell you the password or reset it for you. Some providers also print the custom password on a separate card that came with the router, so check any paperwork that arrived with the device.

Keeping your router password find after you change it

Once you are logged in, change the default password to something only you know. Use a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your Wi-Fi password, your name, or anything straightforward to guess.

Store the new password in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass rather than writing it on a sticky note. If you must write it down, keep it in a locked drawer or safe, not taped to the router. The router password controls access to your home network settings, so treat it the same way you would treat a key to your house.

What happens if you still cannot log in

If you have tried the default password, reset the router, and confirmed the IP address, but the login still fails, the router may have a hardware problem or may have been locked by your internet provider. Try unplugging the router for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting two minutes for it to fully restart before trying again.

If that does not work, contact your internet provider's technical support. They can confirm whether the router is locked on their end or whether it needs to be replaced. If you own the router rather than renting it from your provider, you can also contact the manufacturer's support line, though they may charge a fee for phone support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Wi-Fi password the same as the router password?

No. The Wi-Fi password is what you type into your phone or laptop to connect to the internet. The router password is what you use to log into the settings page on the device itself. They are two separate passwords, and you need both to manage your network.

Can I change the router password to something I will remember?

Yes. Once you log in with the default credentials, look for a settings or administration page where you can change the password. Write down the new password and store it securely. If you forget it again, you will have to reset the router to factory settings.

What if my router came from my internet provider and I do not have the sticker?

Call your internet provider and ask for the router login credentials. They have a record of what password they set for your device. Have your account number ready when you call.

Do I need to change the default password if I just want to check my Wi-Fi settings?

You should change it eventually for security, but you can log in with the default password first to see what you need to adjust. Change the password before you leave the settings page so you do not forget to do it later.

What if I reset the router and now nothing works?

After a factory reset, you will need to set up your Wi-Fi network again from scratch. Log in with the default credentials, create a new Wi-Fi network name and password, and reconnect your devices. If your internet is not working at all, restart your modem (the device that connects to your internet provider's line) by unplugging it for 30 seconds.