Your router username and password are usually printed on a sticker on the device itself
Most routers come with a default username and password printed on a label attached to the back or bottom of the device. The label typically shows both pieces of information together, often something like "admin" for the username and a string of numbers or letters for the password. This sticker is the fastest place to look first — before you try anything else.
If you cannot find the sticker or the label has worn away, the default credentials depend on who made your router. Different manufacturers use different standard usernames and passwords. Your router's model number (also on the device) tells you which defaults to search for.
Key Takeaways
- Check the physical sticker on your router first — the default username and password are usually printed there.
- If the sticker is missing or unreadable, search online for your router's model number plus "default username password" to find the manufacturer's standard credentials.
- Common default usernames are "admin" or "administrator," and passwords are often blank, "password," or a numeric string printed on the device.
- If you changed the password yourself and forgot it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases your Wi-Fi network and all custom settings.
Where the sticker usually is located
The label with login information is typically on the back of the router, below the ethernet ports. On some models it wraps around the bottom edge. On wall-mounted routers, check the back panel. The sticker is usually small and white or gray, with black text printed directly on it or on a paper label stuck to the plastic.
The information is formatted differently by each manufacturer, but you are looking for lines that say "Username," "User," "Login," or just show a colon followed by text. The password line may say "Password," "Pass," "Default Password," or "Wi-Fi Password" — though the Wi-Fi password is different from the router login password and is not what you need to access the settings.
Default usernames and passwords by router brand
If the sticker is gone, these are the most common defaults. Your router's model number is printed on the device — search for that model number online along with "default login" to confirm before you try anything.
| Router Brand | Common Default Username | Common Default Password |
|---|---|---|
| Netgear | admin | password |
| TP-Link | admin | admin |
| Linksys | admin | admin |
| D-Link | admin | admin |
| ASUS | admin | admin |
| Arris (cable modem/router combo) | admin | motorola |
These are starting points only — your specific model may differ. The safest approach is to find your exact model number on the device and search for it with "default credentials" to get the right information before you attempt to log in.
What to do if you changed the password and cannot remember it
If you set your own password and have forgotten it, the only way back in is to reset the router to factory settings. This erases everything — your custom Wi-Fi network name, your Wi-Fi password, port forwarding rules, and any other changes you made. After the reset, the router returns to its default username and password.
To reset, look for a small recessed button on the back of the router labeled "Reset" or "Factory Reset." Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart. Once it boots back up, you can log in with the default credentials printed on the sticker or listed for your model online.
After you log in, you will need to set up your Wi-Fi network again — choose a new network name and password, and reconfigure any other settings you had customized.
How to log in once you have the username and password
Open a web browser on a computer or phone connected to your router's Wi-Fi network. Type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar and press Enter. A login page should appear asking for your username and password.
Enter the credentials from the sticker or the defaults for your model, then click "Log In" or "Submit." You should now see your router's settings page, where you can change your Wi-Fi password, restart the device, update firmware, or adjust other network settings.
If the page does not load, try the other IP address (if you tried .1.1, try .0.1 next). If neither works, check that your device is actually connected to your router's Wi-Fi network, not a different one.
Why you should change the default password
Default passwords are publicly known — anyone with your router's model number can find them online. If someone gains access to your router settings, they can change your Wi-Fi password, block devices from connecting, or redirect your internet traffic. Changing the default password to something only you know prevents this.
Once you log in with the default credentials, look for a "Change Password," "Administration," or "Settings" section in your router's menu. Create a new, strong password that is different from your Wi-Fi password. Write it down or store it in a password manager so you do not forget it again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wi-Fi password the same as the router login password?
No. The Wi-Fi password is what you enter on your phone or laptop to connect to the internet. The router login password is what you use to access the router's settings page. They are separate. You need the router login password to change settings; you need the Wi-Fi password to connect devices to the network.
What if I try the default password and it does not work?
The password may have been changed by a previous owner or technician. Try the other common defaults for your brand (some routers use a blank password, or "admin" as both username and password). If none work, you will need to reset the router to factory settings using the reset button on the back.
Can I log in to my router from outside my home?
Not by default. You must be connected to your router's Wi-Fi network or plugged into it with an ethernet cable to access the settings page. Some routers offer remote access through an app or web portal, but this is disabled by default for security reasons.
My router is from my internet service provider — is the login different?
Yes. ISP-provided routers sometimes use different default credentials than retail models. Check the sticker on your device first. If that does not work, contact your ISP — they can tell you the default login or reset it for you remotely.