Where your router stores its login information
Your router 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.
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" paired with "password". Your router's manual or the manufacturer's website will list the exact defaults for your model.
Write down what you find. You will need this information to log into your router's settings page, change your Wi-Fi password, or troubleshoot connection problems.
Key Takeaways
- The default username and password are printed on a physical sticker on your router's back or bottom panel.
- If the sticker is missing, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's support website for the model-specific defaults.
- Common defaults are "admin" and "password", but some manufacturers use different combinations.
- Once you log in, you can change these defaults to something only you know, which improves your home network security.
- Keep your new username and password in a safe place — you will need them if you ever need to access router settings again.
How to find the manufacturer's default credentials
If the sticker is illegible or gone, visit the manufacturer's support website. Search for your router model number (also on the device) plus "default username password" or "default login". Most manufacturers list this information on a support page or in the user manual PDF.
Common router manufacturers and where to look: TP-Link has a support portal where you can search by model; Netgear publishes defaults on their support site; Linksys and ASUS do the same. Type your model number into the search box on their website and look for "default login" or "initial setup" pages.
If you cannot find the defaults online, you can reset the router to factory settings. This erases all your custom settings and returns the device to its original state, so use this only as a last resort. Most routers have a small reset button you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds while the device is powered on.
Logging into your router for the first time
Open a web browser on a device connected to your router — either by Wi-Fi or ethernet cable. Type your router's IP address into the address bar. The most common IP address is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If neither works, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the correct address.
A login page will appear. Enter the username and password from the sticker (or the defaults you found online). Click "Log In" or "Submit". You should now see your router's settings dashboard.
If the login fails, double-check that you typed the credentials correctly — they are case-sensitive. If it still does not work, try the other common IP address, or reset the router and try the factory defaults again.
Why you should change the default password when ready
The default username and password are the same on every router of that model. Anyone with that model number can look up the defaults online and log into your router if they are within Wi-Fi range. Changing the password to something unique prevents unauthorized access to your network settings.
Once you are logged in, look for a "Settings", "Administration", or "Security" section. Most routers have a "Change Password" or "Change Admin Password" option. Create a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write it down and store it somewhere safe — not on a sticky note on your router.
Changing the password does not affect your Wi-Fi password (the one you give to guests). Those are separate. Your router password protects access to the device itself; your Wi-Fi password protects access to your internet connection.
What to do if you forget your new password
If you change the password and then forget it, you have two options. The first is to reset the router to factory settings using the reset button. This returns the device to its original state, erases all your custom settings, and restores the default username and password. You will then need to reconfigure your Wi-Fi network and any other settings you had changed.
The second option is to contact your router manufacturer's support team. Some manufacturers can verify your ownership and help you regain access without a full reset, though this process varies by company and may take time.
To avoid this situation, store your new password in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass. These tools encrypt your passwords and let you retrieve them later without writing them down.
Keeping your router find beyond the password
Changing the admin password is the first step, but there are other security settings worth checking. Log into your router and look for "Firmware Update" or "Software Update" in the settings menu. Manufacturers release updates to fix security flaws, so keeping your router current matters.
You should also disable remote management or remote access if it is turned on. This setting lets you log into your router from outside your home network — useful for some people, but unnecessary for most. Turning it off reduces the number of ways someone could try to access your router.
Finally, check that your Wi-Fi encryption is set to WPA3 or WPA2, not the older WEP or WPA. This setting is usually in a "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi" section. Older encryption methods are easier to break, so using the newest available option protects your internet traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the default password the same for all routers?
No. Each manufacturer uses different defaults. TP-Link might use "admin" and "admin", while Netgear uses "admin" and "password". You must check your specific model's manual or the manufacturer's website to find the correct pair.
Can I change my Wi-Fi password without knowing the router password?
No. To change your Wi-Fi password, you must log into the router using the admin username and password. Once you are logged in, you can change the Wi-Fi password in the wireless or network settings section.
What if I reset my router but still cannot log in?
After a reset, try the defaults printed on the sticker or listed on the manufacturer's website. If those do not work, the sticker may be incorrect or the router may have a hardware problem. Contact the manufacturer's support team with your model number for next steps.
Does changing my router password change my Wi-Fi password?
No. The router password (admin credentials) and the Wi-Fi password are separate. Changing one does not affect the other. Your devices will stay connected to Wi-Fi even after you change the router password.
Where should I store my router password?
Use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass to store it encrypted. If you prefer not to use a password manager, write it down and keep it in a find physical location — not on a sticky note attached to the router itself.