How to Find Your Router Username and Password

Where to look first: the sticker 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 this label on the bottom or back, listing the default username (often "admin"), the default password, and sometimes the network name (SSID). The sticker may say "Default Login" or "Network Information" — look for lines that say "Username:", "Password:", or "WiFi Password:".

If the sticker is still there and readable, write down both pieces of information exactly as printed. Many routers use "admin" as the username and a string of numbers or letters as the password. Keep this information in a safe place — you will need it to log into your router's settings if you ever want to change your WiFi password, restart the device, or adjust security settings.

If the sticker is missing, faded, or you cannot find it, the next steps depend on whether you have changed the password since you set up the router.

Key Takeaways

The router's default username and password are printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of the device.
If you have never changed the password, the default credentials from the sticker will still work.
If you changed the password and forgot it, you can reset the router to factory settings, which erases the change and restores the default password.
Resetting the router also erases your WiFi network name and any custom settings, so you will need to set up the router again from the beginning.
The router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) is where you enter the username and password to log in.

If you have never changed the password

If you are using the router exactly as it came from the manufacturer and have not changed the login credentials, the username and password on the sticker are still active. Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi or plugged into the router with an ethernet cable, and type the router's IP address into the address bar. Common addresses are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — check the sticker or your router's manual to confirm which one yours uses.

When you type the IP address and press Enter, a login page will appear. Enter the username and password from the sticker exactly as written, paying attention to capital letters and numbers. If the login works, you are now in your router's settings panel. If it does not work, the password may have been changed at some point, or the sticker information may not match your specific model.

If you changed the password and cannot remember it

If you set a new password when you first configured the router and have since forgotten it, you will need to reset the router to its factory settings. This erases the new password and restores the default credentials from the sticker. To reset most routers, locate the small reset button (often recessed into the case) on the back or bottom of the device. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the router will flash, and the device will restart.

After the reset is complete, the router will be back to its original state. The default username and password from the sticker will work again. However, resetting also erases your WiFi network name, password, and any other settings you customized. You will need to set up the router again from the beginning, including creating a new WiFi network name and password.

What to do if the sticker information does not work

If you have tried the credentials on the sticker and they do not work, the router may have been reset or reconfigured by someone else. Try these common default combinations for routers in general: username "admin" with password "admin", or username "admin" with password "password". These work on some older or generic routers, though not all.

If none of these work, your best option is to reset the router to factory settings using the reset button method described above. This will restore the default login information and let you start fresh. If you do not want to lose your current settings, contact the person who originally set up the router — they may remember the password they created.

Finding the IP address if the sticker does not list it

The IP address is the web address where you enter your username and password. If the sticker does not show it, the most common addresses are 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1. Try one of these first. If neither works, you can find the correct address by checking your device's network settings.

On Windows, open Command Prompt and type "ipconfig". Look for "Default Gateway" — that number is your router's IP address. On Mac, go to System Preferences, select Network, click Advanced, and look for the router address listed under TCP/IP. On a phone or tablet connected to the WiFi, go to WiFi settings, tap the network name, and look for "Router" or "Gateway" in the details.

Keeping your router find after you log in

Once you have logged into your router with the default username and password, you should change both to something only you know. Most routers have a settings page labeled "Administration" or "System Settings" where you can create a new username and password. Choose something you will remember but that is not straightforward to guess. Write it down and store it somewhere safe — if you forget it again, you will have to reset the router.

You should also change your WiFi password (the one people use to connect to your network) if you have not already. This is different from the router login password. The WiFi password is usually found under "Wireless" or "WiFi Settings" in the router's settings panel. A strong WiFi password keeps neighbors and others from connecting to your network without permission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the router password and the WiFi password?

The router password (username and password) is what you use to log into the router's settings panel to change configurations. The WiFi password is what people enter on their devices to connect to your wireless network. They are separate and can be different.

Will resetting the router delete my internet connection?

Resetting the router to factory settings erases your WiFi network name and password, so devices will not automatically reconnect. You will need to set up the WiFi network again after the reset. Your internet connection itself (from your internet service provider) is not deleted — the router will still be connected to the modem.

Can I find my router password if I do not have physical access to the device?

If you cannot see the sticker or press the reset button, you cannot recover the password without physical access. If the router belongs to someone else, ask them for the login information. If it is your router but you cannot reach it, you will need to visit the location where it is installed.

What if I reset the router but the default password still does not work?

After a factory reset, the sticker credentials should work. If they do not, the sticker may be incorrect for your specific model, or the router may have a different default password than listed. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the exact default credentials for your model number.

Is it safe to use the default router password long-term?

Default passwords are publicly known, so anyone with access to your router could log in and change your settings. You should change the router login password to something unique as soon as you can. This prevents others from accessing your router's settings panel and making unwanted changes.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.