Your router comes with a default username and password printed on a sticker
The sticker is usually on the back or bottom of the router itself. Look for a label that says "Admin", "Username", "Password", or sometimes just shows both together. On most routers made in the last ten years, the default username is admin and the default password is either admin, password, or a blank field (meaning you press enter without typing anything).
If you cannot find the sticker or it has worn away, the manufacturer's name on your router will tell you where to look online. Write down the exact model number — it is usually printed near the power port — and search "[brand name] [model number] default password" in any search engine. The manufacturer's support page will show you the factory defaults for that specific model.
Do not guess repeatedly. Most routers lock you out after three to five wrong attempts, and you may have to wait 15 minutes or perform a factory reset to try again.
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 manufacturer's website using your router's exact model number to find the factory defaults.
- The most common default username is admin, and the most common default password is admin or password, though some routers use a blank password.
- After you log in for the first time, you should change the password to something only you know to prevent unauthorized access to your network settings.
Where the sticker is usually located
Manufacturers place the label in different spots depending on the router design. On a box-shaped router that sits on a shelf or desk, check the back panel first — most have a label printed directly on the plastic. On a router with antennas that stands upright, the sticker is often on the bottom, so you may need to unplug it and flip it over carefully.
Some routers have the information printed on a separate card tucked into the box, especially if the router itself has no flat surface for a label. If you still have the original packaging, look inside. If you have thrown it away, the manufacturer's website remains your best option.
How to find defaults if the sticker is gone
Start by identifying your router brand and model number. The brand name is usually printed prominently on the front or top. The model number is smaller and often appears near the power port on the back, sometimes labeled as "Model:" or "Model No." Write both down exactly as they appear.
Open any web browser and search for "[brand] [model] default username password" — for example, "TP-Link Archer C7 default username password". The manufacturer's support page will appear in the results and will list the factory defaults for that exact model. Some manufacturers also offer a searchable database on their support site where you can enter your model number and retrieve the information directly.
If the search does not return results, try the brand's main support page and look for a section labeled "Manuals" or "Documentation". The user manual for your model will contain the default login information.
What happens after you log in the first time
Once you have entered the default username and password, you will see your router's settings page, also called the admin panel or dashboard. This page looks different depending on the brand, but it will show options like "Wireless Settings", "Network Settings", or "Security". You are now logged in as the administrator.
The first thing you should do is change the password to something unique that only you know. Look for a section labeled "Administration", "System Settings", or "Change Password". Enter a new password — use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols if the router allows it — and save the change. This prevents anyone else on your network from accessing your router's settings and changing your Wi-Fi name, password, or other configurations.
After you change the password, you will be logged out automatically. The next time you need to access your router settings, use your new password instead of the default one.
Common default usernames and passwords by brand
While defaults vary by model, certain combinations appear across many routers from the same manufacturer. The table below shows the most common defaults, but always check your specific model's sticker or manual first, as some models use different credentials.
| Brand | Most Common Default Username | Most Common Default Password |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | admin | admin |
| Netgear | admin | password |
| Linksys | admin | admin |
| D-Link | admin | admin |
| ASUS | admin | admin |
| Arris/Motorola | motorola | motorola |
Many newer routers also allow you to leave the password field blank and press enter to log in. If the username and password listed above do not work, try leaving the password blank before assuming the sticker information is wrong.
What to do if you are locked out
If you have entered the wrong password too many times, your router will lock you out for a period — usually 15 to 30 minutes. Wait for the timer to expire, then try again with the correct credentials from the sticker or the manufacturer's website.
If you have changed the password yourself and now cannot remember it, you will need to perform a factory reset. This erases all your custom settings and returns the router to its original state, including the default username and password. To reset, locate the small reset button (usually recessed into the case) on the back of the router, hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on, then release. The router will restart and return to factory defaults. After the reset, you can log in with the default credentials again.
A factory reset will also disconnect all devices from your Wi-Fi, so you will need to reconnect them and set up your network again from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I log into my router from my phone or tablet?
Yes. Open a web browser on your phone or tablet, type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar, and enter your username and password. You will see the same settings page as you would on a computer. Some routers also have a mobile app you can read instead of using a browser.
What is the difference between the Wi-Fi password and the router password?
The Wi-Fi password is what you enter on your phone or laptop to connect to the internet. The router password is what you enter to access the router's settings and change things like the Wi-Fi name or security type. They are separate — changing one does not change the other.
Is it safe to keep the default password?
No. Anyone on your network who knows the default password for your router brand can log in and change your settings, disable your Wi-Fi, or access other network information. Change the password to something unique as soon as you log in for the first time.
My router does not have a sticker and the manufacturer's website does not list defaults for my model.
Try the most common combination for that brand first — usually admin and admin. If that does not work, contact the manufacturer's support team with your model number and ask them to provide the default credentials. You can also try a factory reset if you have physical access to the reset button.
Do I need to log into my router often?
No. Most people log in once to change the Wi-Fi password and then do not need to return to the settings for months or years. You only need to log in again if you want to change your network name, security settings, or troubleshoot a connection problem.