The factory reset button is your fastest option
The quickest way to reset an Arris router is to hold down the small reset button on the back or bottom of the device for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. This button is usually recessed, so you will need a paperclip or similar tool to press it. When you release the button, the router will restart and return to its factory default username and password: both are typically admin.
After the reset completes — which takes about two to three minutes — the router will broadcast its default Wi-Fi network name again. You can then log in to the admin panel using the default credentials. Be aware that a factory reset erases all your custom settings, including your Wi-Fi password, port forwarding rules, and any other configuration changes you made.
If you cannot locate the reset button or prefer not to erase your settings, there are other paths forward. Some Arris models allow you to recover your username and password through the router's web interface itself, and some internet service providers have tools to help you regain access without a full reset.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset using the recessed button on the back of the router returns both username and password to admin, but erases all custom settings.
- After a factory reset, you will need to reconfigure your Wi-Fi network name, password, and any other custom settings from scratch.
- Some Arris routers allow you to reset the password through the web interface if you remember the username, without erasing other settings.
- Your internet service provider may have a separate tool or account portal that lets you reset router credentials without touching the device itself.
Resetting through the web interface without losing settings
If you remember your username but forgot the password — or vice versa — you may be able to reset just the password without a full factory reset. Open a web browser and type 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1 into the address bar. These are the most common IP addresses for Arris routers, though some models use different addresses.
When the login page appears, look for a link that says "Forgot Password" or "Reset Password." Not all Arris models display this option, but many do. If it is present, click it and follow the prompts. You will typically be asked to answer security questions you set up when you first configured the router, or to provide the serial number of the device (printed on a sticker on the back).
If no password reset link appears on the login page, this method is not available for your model, and you will need to use the factory reset button instead.
Finding your router's IP address if you cannot reach the login page
If typing 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1 does not bring up a login page, your router may use a different IP address. On a Windows computer, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig, then press Enter. Look for the line labeled "Default Gateway" — that IP address is your router's address.
On a Mac, open System Preferences, go to Network, select your Wi-Fi connection, and click Advanced. The router's IP address appears under the TCP/IP tab next to "Router." Once you have the correct IP address, type it into your browser's address bar to reach the login page.
What happens after you reset to factory defaults
Once you log in with the default username and password admin/admin, you should when ready change both to something only you know. Look for a section labeled "Administration," "System Settings," or "Advanced" in the router's menu. The exact location varies by model, but there will be an option to change the admin password.
After changing the password, you will also need to set up your Wi-Fi network again. Go to the wireless or Wi-Fi settings section, create a new network name (SSID), and set a strong Wi-Fi password. Write down both the new admin password and the new Wi-Fi password somewhere safe — a password manager, a locked drawer, or a trusted person's contact information.
If your internet service provider installed the router and configured it with custom settings, contact them before resetting. They may have set up specific configurations for your account, and resetting the router could disconnect your internet until those settings are restored.
Using your internet service provider's account portal
Many internet service providers — including Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, and Cox — allow you to reset your router credentials through their online account portal without touching the device. Log into your ISP account on their website, look for a section labeled "Devices," "Equipment," "Manage My Modem," or "Router Settings," and select your Arris router from the list.
The portal will usually offer options to restart the router remotely or to reset the admin password. If you reset the password through the ISP portal, the new temporary password is often sent to the email address on your account, or displayed on the screen when ready after the reset. You can then log in and change it to something you prefer.
This method is faster than a factory reset if your ISP offers it, because your internet connection and custom settings remain intact. However, not all ISPs provide this feature, and availability depends on your specific service plan and router model.
When the default password does not work
In rare cases, a previous owner or installer may have changed the default admin password and you have no way to recover it. If the "Forgot Password" link on the login page does not work and you cannot answer the security questions, a factory reset is your only option.
Before you reset, try logging in with common default passwords for Arris routers: motorola, arris, or password. Some older models or those configured by an ISP may use one of these instead of admin. If none of these work, proceed with the factory reset button.
Protecting your router after regaining access
Once you have reset your credentials and logged back in, take a few steps to prevent this situation from happening again. Change the default admin password to something strong and unique — at least 12 characters, mixing uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Store it in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your browser.
Enable any security features your router offers, such as automatic firmware updates or a firewall. Check the router's settings menu for an option to update the firmware to the latest version, as updates often include security improvements. Finally, write down the serial number of your router and store it with your account information — you may need it if you ever have to contact your ISP or the router manufacturer for support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting my router disconnect my internet?
Yes, a factory reset will disconnect your internet temporarily. Your ISP's connection settings are erased, so you will need to reconfigure them or contact your ISP to have them restored. If your ISP manages the router, they may be able to push the settings back to the device remotely. If you configured it yourself, you will need to log back in and re-enter your ISP account details.
How long does a factory reset take?
The reset button itself takes 10 to 15 seconds to hold down. The router then restarts, which usually takes two to three minutes. During this time, all lights on the front of the router will blink or turn off, then come back on once the reset is complete. Do not unplug the router during this process.
Can I reset just the Wi-Fi password without resetting everything?
Yes, if you can log into the admin panel. Go to the wireless or Wi-Fi settings section and look for an option to change the network password or security key. You do not need to reset the entire router. This keeps all your other settings intact, including port forwarding and any custom configurations.
What if I reset the router but still cannot log in?
Try the default credentials admin/admin again, making sure Caps Lock is off. If that does not work, try motorola or arris as the password. If none of these work, the router may have a hardware issue. Contact your ISP or the router manufacturer for further troubleshooting.
Do I need to reset my router if I only forgot the Wi-Fi password?
No. If you forgot the Wi-Fi password but remember the admin username and password, you can log into the router's admin panel and change the Wi-Fi password without a factory reset. Only use the factory reset button if you have forgotten the admin credentials themselves.