The fastest way: check your router's sticker or manual

Most routers ship with a default username and password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device. Look for a label that says "Admin", "Username", "Password", or sometimes just lists both together. The sticker usually looks like a small white or silver rectangle with black text. Write down exactly what you see — usernames and passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters matter.

If you cannot find a sticker or it is worn away, the manual that came with your router often lists the defaults inside the front cover or on a reference card. If you no longer have the physical manual, you can search online for "[your router model number] default username password" to find the manufacturer's documentation. The model number is usually printed on the same sticker as the defaults.

Default credentials work only if you have never changed them before. If you have already logged in and created your own username and password, the defaults will not work — you will need to use the method described in the next section instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Default username and password are printed on a sticker attached to the back or bottom of your router.
  • If you changed your login credentials after setup, you will need to reset the router to factory settings to regain access.
  • Resetting your router erases all your custom settings, including your Wi-Fi network name and password, so write down your current Wi-Fi details before you reset.
  • The reset button is usually recessed and requires a paperclip or pin held for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on.
  • After reset, log in with the default credentials from the sticker and set up your network again from scratch.

Reset your router if you changed the password and forgot it

If you created your own username and password after setup and no longer remember it, the only way to regain access is to reset the router to factory settings. This erases everything — your Wi-Fi network name, your Wi-Fi password, port forwarding rules, and any other changes you made. Before you reset, write down your current Wi-Fi network name and password so you can reconnect your devices afterward.

Locate the reset button on your router. It is usually a small recessed button on the back, sometimes labeled "Reset" or "Restore". You cannot press it with your finger — you need a paperclip, ballpoint pen, or similar thin object. While the router is powered on, press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights on the front blink or change color. This signals the reset is in progress. Let the router restart completely, which takes about two to three minutes.

Once the lights stabilize, your router is back to factory defaults. Log in using the default username and password from the sticker on the back. You will then need to set up your Wi-Fi network name and password again, configure your internet connection, and restore any other settings you had customized.

Log in through your router's web interface

Once you have your username and password, you access your router settings through a web browser on any device connected to your network. Open a browser and type one of these addresses into the address bar: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 10.0.0.1. Most home routers use one of these three. If none of those work, search online for "[your router model] default IP address".

A login page will appear asking for your username and password. Enter the credentials from the sticker exactly as they appear — watch for capital letters and numbers that might look like letters (the number zero versus the letter O, for example). After you log in, you will see your router's settings dashboard. From here you can change your Wi-Fi password, restart the router, check connected devices, or adjust other network settings.

If the login page does not appear, make sure you are connected to your router's network, either by Wi-Fi or by an ethernet cable plugged directly into the router. If you are still having trouble, try clearing your browser's cache or using a different browser entirely.

Find credentials you set yourself but cannot remember

If you changed your router password but wrote it down somewhere, check these common places: a notebook near your router, a password manager on your computer or phone, an email from your internet service provider, or a text message you sent to yourself. Some people write it on the router itself with a permanent marker, or tape a note to the back of the device.

If you truly cannot locate it anywhere, resetting the router (described above) is your only option. There is no "forgot password" recovery link for routers the way there is for email or social media accounts. The router has no way to contact you or verify your identity, so manufacturers do not offer remote password recovery.

Prevent this problem in the future

After you set up your router and create a new password, write it down in a safe place. Many people keep a small notebook in a drawer near the router, or store it in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into their phone. Some routers allow you to print a setup summary that includes your network name and password — if your router offers this during setup, take advantage of it.

Avoid using the same password for your router as you use for other accounts. Your router password protects access to your entire home network, so it deserves its own strong, unique password. A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

What to do if you cannot access the login page at all

If you type the IP address and nothing loads, first check that your device is actually connected to the router. On a computer, look at your Wi-Fi icon to confirm you are connected to your network. On a phone, go to Settings and verify the Wi-Fi connection. If you are using an ethernet cable, make sure it is plugged firmly into both the device and the router.

Next, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for the lights to stabilize before trying the IP address again. If the login page still does not appear, try a different IP address from the list above, or search for your router model's default IP address online. If none of these steps work, your router may have a hardware problem, and you may need to contact your internet service provider or the router manufacturer for further help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between my router password and my Wi-Fi password?

Your router password is what you use to log into the router's settings page. Your Wi-Fi password is what guests and your devices use to connect to your wireless network. They are separate — you can change one without changing the other. The router password protects access to network settings; the Wi-Fi password protects access to the internet itself.

Will resetting my router affect my internet connection?

Resetting the router erases your custom settings but does not affect your internet service itself. After reset, you will need to enter your internet service provider's login information again so the router can reconnect to the internet. Your ISP will have sent you this information — it is different from your router password.

Can I change my router username, or just the password?

Most home routers allow you to change the password but not the username. The username is usually locked to "admin" or "administrator" for security reasons. If you want to change the username, check your router's manual or contact the manufacturer, as this varies by model.

Is it safe to use the default username and password?

No. Default credentials are publicly known, so anyone on your network could potentially access your router settings. After you log in for the first time, change the password to something unique and strong. Keep the default username unless your router allows you to change it.

What if my router has no reset button?

Some older or specialized routers use a different reset method. Check your manual or search online for "[your router model] how to reset". Some routers reset through the settings menu instead of a physical button, or require holding down a power button for a specific amount of time.