Your router's default username and password are usually printed on a sticker attached to the device itself
The sticker is most often on the back or bottom of the router. Look for a label that says "Default Username" or "Admin" paired with a default password — these are the credentials the manufacturer set before the router left the factory. Common default usernames are admin or root. Common default passwords are admin, password, or a blank field (meaning no password).
If you cannot find or read the sticker, the manufacturer's name is printed on the router itself. You can search online for "[your router model] default username password" and the manufacturer's support page will list them. Write down exactly what you find — these credentials are case-sensitive, so Admin is different from admin.
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 unreadable, search the router's model number online plus "default username password" to find the manufacturer's documentation.
- Common defaults are admin/admin, admin/password, or admin with a blank password field.
- If you changed the password after setup and forgot it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases your Wi-Fi network name and password.
- Once you log in, change the default password to something only you know so no one else can access your router settings.
Where the sticker usually is located
Manufacturers place the sticker in different spots depending on the router model. Check the back panel first — most routers have the label centered or in a corner. If it is not there, flip the router over and look at the bottom. Some routers have the sticker on the side panel or even inside the battery compartment if it is a wireless model.
The sticker may be worn, faded, or partially peeled off. If you can see part of it, that is often enough. The username is almost always admin across different brands, so if you can only read the password, you can try admin with that password. If the sticker is completely gone, move to the next section.
Finding defaults when the sticker is missing
Look at the router itself to find the model number. It is usually printed on the same area where the sticker was, or on the front panel. The model number often starts with letters (like TP-Link Archer A6 or Netgear Nighthawk AC1900) and may include numbers or hyphens.
Go to a search engine and type the exact model number plus "default username password". The manufacturer's support page will appear in the first few results. Write down the credentials exactly as shown — spacing, capitalization, and special characters all matter. If the password field shows nothing or says "blank", that means you leave the password field empty when logging in.
What happens if you cannot log in with the defaults
If the username and password do not work, someone may have already changed them after the router was first set up. This is actually a good sign for security — it means the previous owner or user did not leave the defaults in place. However, you will not be able to access the router settings without those credentials.
Your only option is to reset the router to factory settings. Most routers have a small reset button (often recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it) on the back or bottom. 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, the default username and password will work again. Be aware that resetting erases your Wi-Fi network name, password, and any custom settings you or a previous user made.
Changing the default password after you log in
Once you successfully log in with the default credentials, your first step should be to change the password. This prevents anyone else who knows the defaults from accessing your router settings and changing your Wi-Fi network or security settings.
Look for a section called "Administration", "Settings", "System Settings", or "Password" in the router's web interface. The exact location varies by brand and model. You will see a field for the current password (enter the default) and a field for the new password. Choose something you can remember but that is not straightforward to guess — avoid birthdays, addresses, or straightforward sequences. Save the change and log out. The next time you need to access the router, use your new password.
Why routers come with default credentials
Manufacturers set default usernames and passwords so that anyone can set up a router for the first time without needing a unique code mailed separately. It is a convenience feature, not a security feature. The defaults are the same across thousands of devices of the same model, which is why they are printed on the sticker — they are not secret.
This is why changing the default password matters. If someone gains physical access to your router or knows your model number, they can look up the defaults online and log in unless you have changed them. Changing the password is a straightforward step that closes that door.
Common router brands and their typical defaults
| Brand | Typical Default Username | Typical Default Password |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | admin | admin |
| Netgear | admin | password |
| Linksys | admin | admin |
| D-Link | admin | admin |
| ASUS | admin | admin |
These are the most common defaults, but they are not may provide for every model. Always check your specific router's sticker or the manufacturer's documentation first. Some older or specialized models may use different credentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I log into my router from my phone or computer?
Yes. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar. You will see a login page. Enter the default username and password. If that does not work, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the correct IP address.
What if the default password has a special character I cannot type?
Check the router's manual or the manufacturer's support page to confirm the exact character. Some special characters look similar on screen but are different when typed (like a hyphen versus an underscore). Copy and paste the password if the website allows it, rather than typing it by hand.
Is it safe to leave the default password in place?
No. Anyone with access to your router model number can look up the default credentials online and change your Wi-Fi settings or access your network. Change the default password to something unique as soon as you log in for the first time.
What if I reset my router but still cannot log in?
Make sure you are using the exact username and password from the sticker or manufacturer documentation — check for extra spaces or capitalization. If you are still blocked, try a different web browser or clear your browser's cache. If the router still will not accept the defaults after a factory reset, the device may have a hardware problem and may need replacement.