Your router's default username and password are usually printed on a sticker

The easiest place to find your router's login details is the physical sticker attached to the device itself. Most routers have a label on the bottom or back that lists the default username and password — often something like "admin" and "admin" or a manufacturer-specific combination. Flip your router over or look at the back panel. The sticker will show "Username" or "User ID" and "Password" or "Pass" next to the actual credentials.

If the sticker is missing, faded, or you cannot locate your router, the manufacturer's documentation or website usually has the default credentials listed. You can search "[your router model number] default username password" to find this information quickly. The model number is also printed on that same sticker or on the device itself.

Key Takeaways

  • The default username and password are printed on a sticker attached to your router, usually on the bottom or back.
  • Common defaults are "admin" for both username and password, but this varies by manufacturer and model.
  • If you cannot find the sticker, search your router's model number plus "default credentials" to find the information online.
  • If you changed the password after setup and forgot it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases your network name and password.
  • Your router's login credentials are different from your Wi-Fi network name and password — one logs you into the device itself, the other connects your phone or computer to the internet.

Where the sticker is usually located

Most manufacturers place the credential sticker on the bottom of the router, but some put it on the back or side. Unplug the router if it is mounted on a wall, or flip it over if it is sitting on a shelf or table. Look for a white or gray label with small text. The sticker will have fields labeled "Username," "User ID," "Password," or "Pass," along with the actual values you need.

On some models, especially older ones, the credentials might be printed directly on the device casing rather than on a separate sticker. Check all surfaces — bottom, back, sides, and even the front panel — before assuming the information is missing.

What to do if the sticker is missing or unreadable

If the sticker is gone or too faded to read, you can find the default credentials through the manufacturer's support website. Go to the company's website (for example, netgear.com, tp-link.com, or linksys.com), search for your specific router model, and look for documentation or a support page that lists default login information.

You can also try common default combinations. Many routers use "admin" as both the username and password. Others use "admin" with a blank password, or "admin" paired with the router's serial number or model number. If none of these work after a few attempts, the router may have been reset by a previous owner, and you will need to perform a factory reset yourself.

Resetting your router if you forgot the password you set

If you changed the password after initial setup and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings. This erases all your custom settings, including your Wi-Fi network name and password, and returns the device to its original state with the default credentials.

To reset most routers, locate the small reset button (usually recessed into the device 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 back up, you can log in using the default username and password from the sticker or the manufacturer's website. You will then need to set up your Wi-Fi network name and password again from scratch.

The difference between router login credentials and Wi-Fi password

Your router's username and password are used to log into the device itself — the physical box that connects to your internet service provider. This is how you access the settings to change your Wi-Fi network name, update security settings, or manage connected devices.

Your Wi-Fi password is completely separate. It is the password you enter on your phone, laptop, or tablet when you want to connect to the internet through that router. You set this password during initial setup, and you can change it anytime through the router's settings page. Many people confuse the two because they are both related to the same device, but they control access to different things.

How to log into your router once you have the credentials

Open a web browser on a computer or device connected to your router's network. In the address bar, type the router's IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, though some manufacturers use different addresses. Press Enter, and a login page will appear asking for your username and password.

Enter the credentials from the sticker or the manufacturer's documentation. If the login fails, double-check that you are typing the information correctly, including any capital letters or special characters. If you still cannot log in after several attempts, try the other common default IP address, or search "[your router model] login IP address" to confirm the correct one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I try the default password and it does not work?

The router may have been reset by a previous owner or the password may have been changed. Try other common defaults like "admin" with a blank password, or the router's serial number as the password. If none of these work, perform a factory reset using the recessed reset button held for 10 to 15 seconds.

Can I change my router's username and password after I log in?

Yes. Once logged in, look for a section called "Administration," "System Settings," or "Security." You can change both the username and password to something only you know. Write down your new credentials and store them somewhere safe in case you need to log in again later.

Is it safe to leave the default username and password on my router?

No. Anyone on your network or with access to your router can log in and change your settings if you leave the defaults in place. Change both the username and password to something unique after your first login. This prevents unauthorized access to your network configuration.

What is the IP address I type into my browser to access the router?

Most routers use 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Check your router's sticker or manual for the correct address. Some manufacturers use different addresses — for example, some Asus routers use 192.168.1.1, while some TP-Link models use 192.168.0.1. If you are unsure, search your router model plus "login IP address."

Do I need to be connected to Wi-Fi to log into my router?

You need to be connected to your router's network, but this can be either through Wi-Fi or an ethernet cable. If you are having trouble with Wi-Fi, plug a computer directly into the router with an ethernet cable, then open your browser and enter the router's IP address to log in.