Finding Your PPPoE Username and Password in Your Router

Where to find your PPPoE credentials on your router

Your PPPoE username and password are stored in your router's settings, not written on a sticker like your WiFi password. To find them, you log into your router's admin panel using a web browser on any device connected to your network, then navigate to the WAN or Internet settings page. The exact steps depend on your router brand, but the principle is the same across all of them.

You will need your router's admin username and password to access these settings. If you have never changed them, they are usually the defaults printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the router — often "admin" and "admin", or "admin" and the router's serial number. If you changed them and forgot them, you will need to factory reset the router, which erases all settings.

Key Takeaways

PPPoE credentials are found in your router's admin panel under WAN, Internet, or Connection settings, not on any physical label.
You access the admin panel by typing your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into a web browser.
The username and password fields in the router settings are where your ISP's PPPoE login is stored, separate from your WiFi password.
If you cannot remember your router's admin password, a factory reset will restore defaults, but you will lose all custom settings including your PPPoE credentials unless you have them written down elsewhere.

Step-by-step: accessing your router's admin panel

Open a web browser on any computer or phone connected to your WiFi. Type 192.168.1.1 into the address bar and press Enter. If that does not load a login page, try 192.168.0.1 instead — different router brands use different default IP addresses. You can also try typing your router's model name followed by ".local" (for example, "netgear.local" or "linksys.local").

When the login page appears, enter your router's admin username and password. If you have never changed these, check the sticker on the back of your router or look up the defaults for your specific model online. Once logged in, look for a section labeled WAN, Internet, Connection, or Network. Some routers hide this under "Advanced" settings.

In that section, you should see fields for PPPoE Username and PPPoE Password (or sometimes just "Username" and "Password" under a PPPoE heading). The username and password shown there are what your ISP gave you — these are your PPPoE credentials, not your WiFi password.

Finding the right settings page on your specific router

Different router brands organize their menus differently. On a Netgear router, go to Advanced > WAN Setup. On a TP-Link, look under Advanced > Network > WAN. On a Linksys, try Advanced > Internet Settings or WAN. On a D-Link, check Setup > Internet. If you cannot find it by browsing, search your router's manual or the manufacturer's support site for "PPPoE settings" along with your model number.

Some routers display the password as dots or asterisks for security. If you see this, you may be able to right-click the field and select "Inspect" or "Inspect Element" to view the underlying code, which sometimes reveals the actual characters. This works in Firefox and Chrome. Alternatively, many routers have a "Show Password" checkbox you can click to reveal it in plain text.

What to do if you cannot access the router settings

If you forgot your router's admin password and cannot log in, you will need to perform a factory reset. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. This erases all settings and returns the router to its factory defaults, including the default admin username and password.

After a factory reset, you can log back in with the default credentials and find your PPPoE username and password again. However, you will also lose any custom WiFi settings, port forwarding rules, or other configurations you had set up. Write down your PPPoE credentials somewhere safe after you find them so you do not have to repeat this process.

Why your ISP gave you PPPoE credentials in the first place

PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet) is an older authentication method that some ISPs still use, particularly for DSL and some fiber connections. Your ISP issued you a username and password so that your router could prove your identity to their network every time you connect. The router stores these credentials and uses them automatically — you do not have to enter them manually each time.

If you are switching routers or troubleshooting a connection problem, you may need to enter these credentials into a new device. Having them written down or knowing where to find them in your current router makes that process much faster. If you have lost them entirely and cannot access your router, contact your ISP and ask them to resend your PPPoE username and password.

Keeping your PPPoE credentials find

Your PPPoE username and password control your internet connection. If someone else has them, they can connect to your ISP's network using your account. Store this information in a password manager or a find location, separate from your WiFi password. Do not share it with anyone who does not need to set up or troubleshoot your internet connection.

If you suspect someone has accessed your PPPoE credentials, contact your ISP when ready. They can change your password and monitor your account for unauthorized access. Also change your router's admin password if it is still set to the default — this prevents someone on your WiFi from accessing the router settings and viewing your PPPoE credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my PPPoE password the same as my WiFi password?

No. Your PPPoE password is what your ISP gave you to authenticate your internet connection. Your WiFi password is what you set up to let devices connect to your router wirelessly. They are stored in different places and serve different purposes. You can change one without affecting the other.

What if the password field shows dots and I cannot click "Show Password"?

Try right-clicking the password field and selecting "Inspect" or "Inspect Element" (in Chrome or Firefox). In the code that appears, look for the password field and change the word "password" to "text" — this will display the actual characters instead of dots. Some routers also allow you to copy the field value directly from the code.

Can I change my PPPoE password in the router settings?

Most routers let you change the password stored in the settings, but this does not change your ISP's records. If you change it in the router and it does not match what your ISP has on file, your connection will drop. To change your actual PPPoE password, contact your ISP directly and ask them to update it in their system.

What should I do if I find my PPPoE credentials but they do not work?

First, make sure you are copying them exactly — PPPoE usernames and passwords are case-sensitive and may contain special characters. If they still do not work, contact your ISP to confirm the credentials are correct and that your account is active. They may need to reset your password or troubleshoot your connection on their end.

Do I need my PPPoE password if I am just replacing my router?

Yes. When you set up a new router, you will need to enter your PPPoE username and password so it can connect to your ISP's network. If you do not have them, you can retrieve them from your old router before you replace it, or contact your ISP to have them resent to you.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.