The factory reset button is your fastest path back in

The simplest way to reset your router username and password is to press and hold the small reset button on the back or bottom of the device for 10 to 15 seconds while it is powered on. This erases all your custom settings and returns the router to its original factory defaults — including the username and password that came with it when new.

After the reset completes (usually within a minute), the router will restart. You can then log in using the default credentials printed on a sticker attached to the device itself, typically found on the bottom or back panel. The default username is often admin and the password is often admin, password, or blank, but this varies by manufacturer.

A factory reset will disconnect all your devices from the network and erase your Wi-Fi network name and password, so you will need to set those up again from scratch. This is the trade-off for regaining access when you have lost your login information.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button on your router erases all settings and returns the device to factory defaults, allowing you to log in with the original username and password printed on the device label.
  • Hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on, then wait for it to restart before attempting to log in.
  • After a factory reset, you will need to reconfigure your Wi-Fi network name and password and reconnect all your devices.
  • The default username and password are printed on a sticker on the router itself, usually on the bottom or back panel.
  • If you cannot find the reset button or the default credentials, contact your internet service provider or the router manufacturer for help.

Locating the reset button on your device

The reset button is typically a small, recessed hole on the back or bottom of the router. It is deliberately small and hard to press so you do not accidentally trigger a reset. You will need a straightened paperclip, a ballpoint pen, or a similar thin object to reach it.

Look for a button labeled "Reset," "Rst," or sometimes just a small hole with no label. On some models, the reset button is combined with the power button or located near the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button. If you cannot locate it visually, check the router's manual or search the manufacturer's website for your specific model number — the model number is usually printed on the bottom sticker alongside the default login credentials.

Finding your default username and password

Before you press the reset button, locate the sticker on your router that shows the factory default credentials. This sticker is almost always on the bottom of the device, though some models place it on the back panel. The label will show the default username, default password, and sometimes the default Wi-Fi network name.

Common default usernames are admin, root, or administrator. Common default passwords are admin, password, 12345, or a blank field (meaning no password). Some routers use the serial number or MAC address as the default password. Write down these credentials before you reset, so you have them ready when the router restarts.

If the sticker is worn or unreadable, search online for "[your router model] default username password" or visit the manufacturer's support page. Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, ASUS, and other major brands publish default credentials for each model on their websites.

Performing the factory reset step by step

Make sure your router is powered on and has been running for at least one minute before you begin. Locate the reset button and prepare a straightened paperclip or thin pen.

Press and hold the reset button firmly for 10 to 15 seconds. You may see the lights on the front of the router blink or change color, which indicates the reset is in progress. Do not release the button early. After 15 seconds, release the button and step back.

The router will now restart, which typically takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, the lights will blink as the device boots up. Once the lights stabilize (usually a solid power light and a steady internet light), the reset is complete and you can proceed to log in.

Logging in after the reset

Open a web browser on a device connected to the router via ethernet cable or Wi-Fi. If you are connecting via Wi-Fi, look for the default network name on the sticker — it is often something like "TP-Link-1234" or "NETGEAR-5678" — and connect to that network using the default Wi-Fi password if one is listed.

In the address bar, type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (the most common router IP addresses). If neither works, try routerlogin.net or myrouter.local. A login page should appear asking for a username and password.

Enter the default username and password from the sticker. If the login succeeds, you are now in the router's settings page. You can now create a new username and password of your choice, set up your Wi-Fi network name and password, and reconfigure any other settings you had before the reset.

Reconfiguring your network after reset

Once you are logged in with the default credentials, look for a section called "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Network," or "Settings." This is where you will set a new network name (SSID) and password that you will actually remember.

Choose a network name that is straightforward to identify as yours and a password that is at least 12 characters long, mixing uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Write this new password down or store it in a password manager before you save the changes.

After you save the new Wi-Fi settings, the router will restart again. Once it comes back online, you can disconnect from the default network and reconnect using your new network name and password. Then reconnect all your other devices (phones, computers, smart home devices, etc.) using the new password.

What to do if the reset button does not work

If pressing the reset button for 15 seconds does not trigger a reset, the button may be stuck, the router may be malfunctioning, or you may not be pressing it hard enough. Try using a different thin object — sometimes a paperclip works better than a pen — and press with firm, steady pressure.

If the router still does not reset, try unplugging the power cable, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging it back in. Some older routers require this power cycle before they will accept a reset command. If that does not work either, contact your internet service provider or the router manufacturer's support line. They can walk you through model-specific reset procedures or arrange a replacement if the device is defective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset delete my internet connection?

A factory reset erases your custom Wi-Fi network name and password, so you will need to set those up again. However, it does not affect your internet service itself — your ISP connection remains active. Once you reconfigure the Wi-Fi settings, your internet will work as before.

What if I do not have a paperclip to press the reset button?

Any thin, pointed object will work — a ballpoint pen, a straightened bobby pin, a thumbtack, or even a toothpick. The goal is to reach the small button inside the recessed hole. Avoid using anything sharp enough to damage the device's internal components.

Can I reset the password without resetting everything else?

Not through the reset button — that always performs a full factory reset. However, if you can still log in to the router with your old password, you can change just the password in the router's settings page without resetting anything else. Look for "Administration," "Security," or "Change Password" in the settings menu.

How long does it take to reset a router?

The physical reset button press takes 10 to 15 seconds. The router then restarts, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes depending on the model. Plan for about five minutes total from start to finish before you can log in again.

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 service. Your ISP connection will resume automatically once the router restarts. You only need to contact your ISP if the internet does not come back online after 10 minutes, which may indicate a separate problem with your service.