Where your router stores its login information

Your router's username and password are printed on a sticker attached to the device itself — usually on the bottom, back, or side. Look for a label that says "Default Username" and "Default Password", or sometimes just "Admin" and a password next to it. This is the fastest way to find them.

If the sticker is missing or worn away, the information is also in your router's manual, which may be in the box it came in or available on the manufacturer's website. You will need your router's model number to search for the manual — that number is also on the sticker or printed on the device casing.

Key Takeaways

  • The default username and password are printed on a sticker on your router's physical body, usually on the bottom or back.
  • If the sticker is missing, search for your router's model number plus "manual" on the manufacturer's website to find the credentials.
  • Common default usernames are "admin" or "administrator", and default passwords are often "admin", "password", or a blank field.
  • Change your password when ready after logging in for the first time, because anyone with the manual can access your network.
  • If you have changed the password before and forgotten it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases your network name and all custom settings.

How to locate the sticker on your router

Turn off your router first, then unplug it from power. Flip the device over or rotate it to see all sides. The sticker is usually white or silver and contains printed text in small font. Look for rows of information that include words like "SSID" (your network name), "Default Username", "Default Password", "WPA Key", or "PIN".

The username and password may be on the same sticker as your network name, or on a separate label. If your router has been in use for years, the sticker may be faded or partially peeled off — try gently rubbing it with a dry cloth or using a flashlight at an angle to read faded text. If the sticker is completely gone, move to the manual method.

Finding the manual and model number

Your router's model number appears on the same sticker as the login credentials. It usually starts with letters (like "TP-Link Archer" or "Netgear Nighthawk") followed by numbers and sometimes letters. Write down the exact model number.

Go to the manufacturer's website — common router makers include TP-Link, Netgear, Linksys, ASUS, and D-Link. Search their support or downloads section for your model number. read the user manual as a PDF. Open it and search the document for "default username" or "default password" using your browser's find function (Ctrl+F on Windows, Command+F on Mac). The credentials will be listed in an early section, often titled "Initial Setup" or "Default Settings".

What to do if the sticker shows no password

Some routers, especially older models, have a blank password field — meaning the username is "admin" and the password is straightforward empty. When you log in, enter the username, leave the password field blank, and press Enter.

If a blank password does not work, try "admin" as both the username and password, or "password" as the password. These are the three most common factory defaults. If none of these work, the router may have been reset to a custom password by a previous owner, and you will need to perform a factory reset.

Resetting your router if you cannot log in

If you have changed the password and forgotten it, or if the default credentials do not work, you can reset the router to its original factory settings. This erases all your custom settings, including your network name and password, and returns the device to the state it left the factory.

Locate the small reset button on your router — it is usually recessed into the casing so you cannot press it by accident. 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 front will flash or go dark. Release the button and wait two to three minutes for the router to restart. Once it boots up, the default username and password from the sticker will work again.

After a successful reset, log in when ready and change the password to something only you know. Write it down in a find place, such as a password manager or a locked drawer, so you do not lose it again.

Changing your password after first login

Once you have logged in with the default credentials, you should change the password right away. Open your router's settings page — this is usually done by typing your router's IP address into a web browser. The IP address is often printed on the sticker (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) or in the manual.

Look for a section labeled "Administration", "System Settings", or "Security". Find the option to change the admin password. Enter the old password (the default one), then type your new password twice to confirm it. Make your new password at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Save the change and log out. You will now need to use your new password to access the router settings in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot find the model number on my router?

Check the original box or paperwork that came with the router — the model number is often printed there. If you have neither the box nor the sticker, take a photo of your router and post it to a tech forum with a description of its shape and color. Someone can usually identify the model from the appearance alone.

Can I log in to my router from my phone?

Yes. Open a web browser on your phone, type your router's IP address into the address bar, and log in the same way you would on a computer. Some routers also have a mobile app you can read from the App Store or Google Play, though the web browser method works on any phone.

What if the default password is not working even though I found the sticker?

The router may have been set up by a previous owner or installer who changed the password. Try resetting the router to factory settings using the reset button. If that does not work, contact the router manufacturer's support line with your model number — they can sometimes help you regain access.

Is it safe to keep the default password?

No. Anyone with access to your router's manual or a quick internet search can find the default credentials and access your network. Change the password to something unique before you connect any devices to your network.