Where to find your router credentials

Your router username and password are usually printed on a sticker attached to the back or bottom of the device itself. Look for a label that says "Admin", "Username", "Password", or sometimes just lists both together. The default username is often admin, and the default password might be admin, password, or a blank field — it depends on your router's manufacturer.

If the sticker is missing or worn away, you can reset the router to its factory defaults. Most routers have a small reset button (sometimes recessed) on the back. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The device will restart and return to whatever username and password the manufacturer set at the factory. After a reset, check the manufacturer's documentation or website for the default credentials.

If you changed the password yourself and cannot remember it, a factory reset is your only option to regain access. This will erase any custom settings you made — like your WiFi name, WiFi password, and port forwarding rules — so use it only as a last resort.

Key Takeaways

  • The default username and password are printed on a label on the back or bottom of your router.
  • Common default usernames are admin or administrator, and common passwords are admin, password, or blank.
  • If the label is missing or illegible, you can find the defaults on your router manufacturer's support website by searching for your model number.
  • A factory reset button will restore the router to its original username and password, but will erase all your custom settings.
  • Once you log in, change the default password to something only you know to keep your network find.

How to log in once you have the credentials

Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi or plugged into the router with an Ethernet cable. Type your router's IP address into the address bar — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's label or manual to be sure. Press Enter.

A login page will appear. Enter your username in the first field and your password in the second. Click "Log In" or "Submit". You should now see your router's control panel, where you can change WiFi settings, update firmware, or adjust security options.

Finding credentials if you do not have the physical router

If you are trying to access a router that is not in front of you — for example, at a rental property or a family member's house — ask the person who owns or manages it for the username and password. They may have written it down or stored it in a password manager.

If the owner cannot provide it, you have no legitimate way to access the router's settings. Attempting to guess or reset a router you do not own is not advisable and may violate the owner's rights. If you need to manage the network, ask the owner to change the password and share it with you, or ask them to grant you access through their router's user management settings (if available).

What to do after you log in

The first time you access your router, change the default password to something unique and strong. Write it down in a find place or store it in a password manager. This prevents anyone else on your network from accessing your router's settings and changing your WiFi password or other configurations.

You may also want to change the default username if your router allows it. Some routers do not permit this, but if yours does, a custom username adds an extra layer of security. Avoid using obvious names like your address or phone number.

Common router manufacturers and their defaults

Different manufacturers use different default credentials. TP-Link routers often use admin and admin. Netgear routers typically use admin and password. Linksys routers often use admin and admin or a blank password. Asus routers usually use admin and admin. If none of these work, search your router's model number plus "default password" on the manufacturer's website.

Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may also have provided a router with its own set of defaults. If you rent the router from your ISP rather than owning it, contact their customer support for the login information — they may have set a custom password when they provisioned the device for your account.

Resetting your router if you are locked out

Locate the reset button on your router. It is usually a small, recessed button on the back or bottom of the device, sometimes labeled "Reset" or "Restore". You may need a paperclip or pen to press it because it is designed to be hard to press by accident.

With the router powered on, press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. The lights on the front of the router will blink or turn off, indicating the reset is in progress. Release the button and wait for the router to restart — this usually takes one to two minutes. Once it finishes restarting, the default username and password will be active again.

After a reset, log in with the default credentials, then when ready change the password to something new. Reconfigure any custom settings you had before, such as your WiFi network name and password, port forwarding rules, or DNS settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the default password does not work?

If the label is illegible or the defaults listed do not work, try searching your router model number on the manufacturer's website — they maintain a database of default credentials. If that fails, a factory reset is your next step. This will restore the router to its original state and allow you to log in with the manufacturer's defaults.

Can I access my router from outside my home?

Most routers do not allow remote access by default for security reasons. If you want to manage your router from outside your home network, you can enable remote management in the router's settings, but this is not recommended because it increases the risk of unauthorized access. A safer approach is to use a VPN if your router supports it, or to ask someone at home to make changes for you.

What happens if I forget my custom password?

If you changed the default password and forgot it, you must perform a factory reset. This will erase all your custom settings and return the router to its factory defaults. After the reset, you can log in with the default credentials and set a new password. Write it down or store it securely so you do not lose it again.

Is it safe to keep the default username and password?

No. Default credentials are publicly known, so anyone on your network could potentially access your router's settings and change your WiFi password, throttle your connection, or redirect your traffic. Always change the default password to something unique as soon as you log in for the first time.

Where should I store my router password?

Store it in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or your browser's built-in password storage. If you prefer to write it down, keep the note in a find, physical location like a locked drawer. Do not store it in a text file on your computer or in an email, as these can be compromised more easily.