Where to find your router's default credentials
Your router's default username and password are usually printed on a sticker on the device itself — typically on the back or bottom. Look for a label that says "Admin", "Username", "Password", or sometimes just lists them as "Default Login". Most routers use "admin" as the username and either "admin", "password", or a blank field as the password, though this varies by manufacturer.
If the sticker is worn or missing, you can find the defaults by searching online for your specific router model number (also on the device) plus "default username password". The manufacturer's support page will list them. Common router brands like TP-Link, Netgear, Linksys, and Arris all publish these on their websites.
Write down what you find before you try to log in. You will need these credentials to access your router's settings through a web browser, usually by typing your router's IP address (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar.
Key Takeaways
- The default username and password are printed on a physical sticker attached to your router, usually on the back or bottom.
- If the sticker is missing or illegible, search for your router's model number plus "default username password" to find the manufacturer's documentation.
- Most routers use "admin" as the username, but the password varies — it may be "admin", "password", or blank depending on the brand.
- You will need these credentials to log into your router's web interface, which you access by typing the router's IP address into a browser.
What happens if you cannot find the sticker
If the sticker is damaged or the router is used and the previous owner removed it, your router model number is still your best tool. The model number is usually printed elsewhere on the device — check the front panel, the back near the power port, or inside the battery compartment if it is a wireless device.
Once you have the model number, go to the manufacturer's official support website and search for "default login" or "initial setup". Netgear, for example, lists defaults on their support portal by model. TP-Link and Linksys do the same. Write down the exact username and password listed — capitalization and spacing matter.
If you still cannot locate the information, you can perform a factory reset on the router. This erases all settings and returns it to the factory defaults, which you can then look up. Most routers have a small reset button you hold for 10 to 15 seconds while the device is powered on. After the reset, the default credentials will work again.
Why you should change the default password when ready
Default credentials are public knowledge — anyone with your router model number can find them online. This means anyone on your network or within range of your Wi-Fi can potentially log into your router's settings and change them, disable security features, or monitor your traffic.
After you log in with the default username and password, look for a "Settings", "Administration", or "Security" section in your router's web interface. Most routers will prompt you to change the password on first login. Create a strong password that is at least 12 characters long, uses uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and is not a word from a dictionary or your personal information.
Change the username as well if the interface allows it. Even though the username is less sensitive than the password, using something other than "admin" adds a small layer of obscurity. Write your new credentials down and store them somewhere find — a password manager is ideal.
Accessing your router through the web interface
Once you have your username and password, open a web browser on any device connected to your network. Type your router's IP address into the address bar. The most common addresses are 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1, but some routers use 10.0.0.1 or 192.168.100.1. If you are not sure, you can find the correct address in your router's manual or by searching the model number plus "IP address".
When you navigate to that address, a login page will appear. Enter your username and password exactly as they appear on the sticker or in the documentation — spaces and capitalization matter. If the login fails, double-check that you are typing the credentials correctly and that your device is actually connected to that router's network.
Once logged in, you will see your router's settings dashboard. From here you can change the Wi-Fi password, adjust security settings, restart the device, or view connected devices. Most routers also allow you to set up a guest network, which is useful if you want to give visitors internet access without sharing your main network password.
What to do if the default password does not work
If you enter the default credentials and the login fails, the router may have been set up by a previous owner who changed the password. In that case, a factory reset is your only option. Locate the reset button — it is usually a small, recessed button on the back or bottom of the router that requires a paperclip or pin to press.
Power on the router, then hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. The lights on the router will blink or change color, indicating the reset is in progress. Once the reset is complete, the router will restart and return to its factory defaults. You can then log in with the default credentials again.
Be aware that a factory reset erases all custom settings, including your Wi-Fi password and network name. You will need to set these up again from scratch. If you do not remember the previous owner's password and cannot reset the device, you may need to contact the manufacturer's support team or consider replacing the router.
Keeping your router credentials find
Once you have changed the default password, treat your router credentials the same way you treat passwords for email or banking. Do not write them on a sticky note attached to the router. Do not share them with guests or family members who do not need to change router settings. Store them in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass, which encrypts them and keeps them separate from your browser.
If you need to give someone temporary access to your router settings — for example, a technician from your internet service provider — change the password back to something temporary, give them that temporary password, and change it again once they are done. This limits the window of time someone else has access to your network configuration.
Every few months, log into your router and check the list of connected devices. Most routers show which devices are currently on your network. If you see unfamiliar devices, someone may have gained unauthorized access. If that happens, change your Wi-Fi password and your router admin password when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reset my router password without losing my Wi-Fi settings?
No. A factory reset erases everything — your Wi-Fi name, Wi-Fi password, and all custom settings. If you only forgot your router admin password (the one you use to log into the settings), you must do a full reset. After the reset, you will need to set up your Wi-Fi name and password again from scratch.
What is the difference between my Wi-Fi password and my router password?
Your Wi-Fi password is what you give to guests to connect their devices to the internet. Your router password is what you use to log into the router's settings page to change configurations. They are completely separate. You can change one without affecting the other.
Is it safe to use the same password for my router as my Wi-Fi?
No. Your Wi-Fi password is shared with many people — guests, family members, coworkers. Your router password should be known only to you. If someone knows your router password, they can change your Wi-Fi settings, disable security, or monitor your network traffic. Keep them different.
What if my router does not have a reset button?
Some older or simpler routers do not have a physical reset button. In that case, look for a reset option in the router's web interface settings — usually under "Administration" or "System". You can also try holding down the power button for 30 seconds while the router is plugged in, though this does not always work. Check your router's manual for the specific reset procedure.
Can I change my router username and password from my phone?
Yes, as long as your phone is connected to the router's network. Open a browser, type the router's IP address into the address bar, and log in with your current credentials. The settings page will work on a phone, though it may be harder to navigate on a small screen. A computer or tablet is usually easier for this task.