Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds

The fastest way to regain access to your ASUS router is a factory reset. Locate the small recessed reset button on the back or bottom of your router — it is usually labeled "Reset" or "RST" and sits near the power port. Use a paperclip, pen, or the tip of a straightened paper clip to press and hold this button for 10 full seconds while the router is powered on.

The lights on the front of the router will flash or go dark during the reset. This means the router is erasing all your settings and returning to the factory defaults. Do not unplug the router during this process. After 10 seconds, release the button and wait 30 to 60 seconds for the router to restart completely.

Once the lights stabilize, your router is ready to log in with the default username and password. For most ASUS routers, the default username is admin and the default password is also admin. If those do not work, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it will show the exact defaults for your model.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset erases your saved username and password and returns the router to its original settings, which you can find on the sticker attached to the device.
  • Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds while the router is powered on, then wait for the lights to stabilize before trying to log in.
  • The default username for most ASUS routers is admin, and the default password is also admin, though your specific model may differ.
  • After you regain access, change the default password when ready to something only you know, so you do not lose access again.
  • If the reset button does not work, try accessing the router through a wired ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi, as some routers respond better to resets when connected this way.

Log in with the default credentials

After the reset completes, open a web browser on a computer or phone connected to your router. Type 192.168.1.1 or router.asus.com into the address bar and press Enter. A login page will appear asking for a username and password.

Enter admin for both the username and password unless your router's sticker shows different defaults. Some ASUS models use a blank password field instead — if the username alone does not work, leave the password field empty and try again. Once you are logged in, you will see the router's control panel.

Change your password before you forget it again

Now that you are back in the router, do not leave the default password in place. Go to the Administration or System Settings section — the exact name varies by model, but it is usually in the left menu or under an advanced settings tab. Look for an option labeled Change Password, Login Password, or Account Settings.

Create a new password that is at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of numbers, uppercase letters, and lowercase letters. Write this password down in a find location — a password manager, a locked drawer, or a notebook you keep in a safe place. Do not rely on your browser to remember it, because if you reset the router again, you will lose that saved password.

After you save the new password, log out and log back in to confirm the change worked. If you cannot log back in, you will need to perform another factory reset and try a different password.

Use a wired connection if Wi-Fi is not working

If you cannot connect to the router through Wi-Fi to reach the login page, use an ethernet cable instead. Plug one end of the cable into any of the numbered ports on the back of your router and the other end into the ethernet port on your computer. This wired connection will work even if the Wi-Fi is not broadcasting or if you do not know the Wi-Fi password.

Once you are connected by cable, open your browser and type 192.168.1.1 as before. You will be able to log in and change your settings. After you have set a new password and confirmed it works, you can unplug the ethernet cable and reconnect through Wi-Fi.

Restore your settings after the reset

A factory reset wipes out more than just your password. It also erases your Wi-Fi network name, Wi-Fi password, any port forwarding rules, and any other customizations you made. After you log in with the default credentials, you will need to set these up again.

Start by creating a new Wi-Fi network name and password. Look for a section called Wireless or Wi-Fi Settings in the control panel. Choose a network name that is straightforward to remember and a password that is different from your router login password. Write both down in the same find location where you stored your router password.

If you had other settings configured — such as port forwarding for gaming, a guest network, or a static IP address for a device — you will need to set those up again. If you do not remember what those settings were, you can skip them for now and add them back later if you notice something is not working.

What to do if the reset button does not respond

Some ASUS routers have a reset button that is difficult to press or does not respond on the first try. If holding the button for 10 seconds does not trigger a reset, try these steps: unplug the router's power cable, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, and when ready press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds while it is starting up. The timing matters — the router must be in the boot process for the reset to register.

If that does not work, try pressing the button for 15 or 20 seconds instead of 10. Some models require a longer hold. If the router still does not reset, the button itself may be stuck or broken. In that case, your only option is to contact ASUS support or replace the router.

Prevent this from happening again

Once you have regained access and set a new password, take steps to avoid losing it in the future. Store your router username and password in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your browser. These tools can store the information securely and fill it in automatically when you need it.

If you prefer not to use a password manager, write your credentials on a piece of paper and store it in a drawer, safe, or other find location at home. Do not store it in a digital note on your phone or computer unless that note is encrypted. You might also take a photo of the sticker on the back of your router and store it in a private folder on your phone — that way you always have the default credentials if you need to reset again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset delete my internet connection?

A factory reset erases your Wi-Fi network name and password, so you will need to reconnect all your devices after the reset. Your internet connection itself — the one from your internet service provider — will still work once the router restarts. You just have to set up the Wi-Fi again before your phones and computers can use it.

What if 192.168.1.1 does not load in my browser?

Try router.asus.com instead, or check the sticker on your router for the correct address. If neither works, make sure you are connected to the router by Wi-Fi or ethernet cable. If you are still stuck, unplug the router for 10 seconds, plug it back in, wait for the lights to stabilize, and try again. Some routers take a minute or two to fully boot up.

Can I reset the router without pressing the physical button?

If you can still log in to the router, you can perform a software reset from the control panel instead of using the physical button. Look for a Restore, Reset, or Factory Default option in the Administration section. This method erases your settings the same way the button does, but you do not need to find the reset button or use a paperclip.

How long does a factory reset take?

The reset itself takes about 10 seconds, but the router needs another 30 to 60 seconds to restart and be ready to use. Do not unplug it during this time. If the lights are still flashing after two minutes, something may have gone wrong — unplug it, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in to restart normally.

Do I need to call my internet service provider after a reset?

No. A factory reset only affects the router's settings, not your internet connection. Your modem will still be connected to your service provider's network. Once the router restarts, it will automatically connect to the modem and restore your internet access. You do not need to contact your provider unless the internet does not come back after 5 minutes.