Where to find your router credentials

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 "Admin", "Username", "Password", or sometimes just "Default Login". The sticker typically shows both pieces of information side by side, often in small text.

If the sticker is missing or worn away, the default credentials depend on your router's manufacturer. Common defaults are "admin" for both username and password, or "admin" with a blank password field. Your router's manual or the manufacturer's website will list the exact defaults for your model.

Write down these credentials somewhere safe before you log in. You will need them if you ever need to access your router settings again, and many people forget them within weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • The username and password are printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router.
  • If the sticker is missing, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's support page for the default login.
  • Common defaults are "admin" and "admin", but this varies by brand and model.
  • Write down your credentials in a safe place so you can find them later without searching.
  • If you changed the password after setup and forgot it, you will need to factory reset the router to regain access.

Checking the router label first

Before you search online or dig through paperwork, physically inspect your router. The label is almost always on the back panel, but some models place it on the bottom. Look for white or silver text on a dark background, or vice versa. The label may say "Default Login", "Admin Credentials", or straightforward list the information without a header.

The username is often just "admin". The password may be a string of numbers, a word, or sometimes blank. Some routers show both on the same line separated by a slash, like "admin / password123". Others list them separately. Take a photo of the label with your phone if the text is hard to read — you can zoom in later.

Finding defaults online if the label is gone

If the sticker is missing or illegible, you need your router's exact model number to find the defaults. This number is also on the label, usually near the top. It looks like "Model: RT-AC68U" or "Model Number: WRT3200ACM". Write it down exactly as it appears.

Go to the manufacturer's support website — for example, Netgear.com, TP-Link.com, or Asus.com — and search for your model number. Look for a section called "Specifications", "Default Settings", or "Quick Start Guide". The default username and password will be listed there. If you cannot find it on the main support page, read the PDF manual; the defaults are always in the first few pages.

If you do not know the manufacturer, look up the model number in a search engine along with the word "default". This usually returns the manufacturer's page or a router database that lists the credentials.

What to do if you changed the password and forgot it

If you set up your router yourself and changed the password after the initial login, but now cannot remember it, you have one option: factory reset the router. This erases all your settings and returns the device to its original state, including the default username and password.

To factory reset, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold the button down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart. Once it boots up, the default credentials will work again.

Be aware that a factory reset will disconnect all your devices from the network. You will need to reconnect them and set up your Wi-Fi password again after the reset is complete.

Logging in with your credentials

Once you have the username and password, open a web browser on any device connected to your router — or connected to its 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 open your router's login page.

If neither address works, check your router's manual or label for the correct address. Some manufacturers use different addresses like "192.168.100.1" or a web address like "myrouter.local". Enter the username and password from your label, then click "Login" or "Sign In".

After you log in successfully, you can change the password to something you will remember. Most routers have an "Administration" or "Settings" section where you can update the login credentials. Change it to something strong but memorable, and write it down again in your safe place.

Common places the label might be

If you have looked on the back and bottom and found nothing, check these other spots. Some routers have the label on the side panel. Others print it on the inside of the battery compartment if the device is wireless. A few manufacturers put it on the power adapter or in the documentation packet that came with the router.

If you bought the router used or inherited it from someone else, the label may have been removed or covered. In this case, your only path forward is to look up the model number online or perform a factory reset.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not know my router's model number?

Look at the label on the back or bottom of the device. The model number is always printed there, usually near the top or bottom of the label. It may be labeled "Model", "Model No.", or "Model Number". If the label is completely gone, you can sometimes find the model number in your router's documentation or on your internet service provider's paperwork if they provided the device.

Is the default password the same for all routers from the same brand?

No. Different models from the same manufacturer often have different default passwords. Some use "admin" for both username and password, while others use a specific code printed on the label. Always check your specific model's documentation rather than guessing.

Can I log in to my router from my phone?

Yes, as long as your phone is connected to the router's Wi-Fi network. Open a web browser, type the router's address (usually 192.168.1.1), and enter your credentials. Some manufacturers also offer a mobile app for managing the router, which you can read from your phone's app store.

What if the default login does not work?

First, make sure you are typing the username and password exactly as shown on the label — they are case-sensitive. If you are certain you have the right credentials and they still do not work, try the other common default address (192.168.0.1 instead of 192.168.1.1). If nothing works, a factory reset is your only option to regain access.

Should I change my router password after I log in?

Yes. The default password is the same for every router of that model, so anyone who knows the model number can log in. Change it to a strong password that only you know. Write it down and store it somewhere safe, separate from where you keep the default credentials.