Two ways to reset your Netgear router password

You can reset a forgotten Netgear router password in two ways: by using the default credentials if you have never changed them, or by performing a factory reset that erases all settings and returns the router to its original state. The method you choose depends on whether you remember any login information and whether you are willing to reconfigure your network from scratch.

The fastest route is the default username and password, which works if you have never customized your login. If you have changed the password and cannot remember it, a factory reset is your only option — but it means you will need to set up your Wi-Fi network name, password, and any other custom settings again.

Key Takeaways

  • The default Netgear router username is admin and the default password is password — these work only if you have never changed them.
  • To access your router settings, open a web browser, type 192.168.1.1 or routerlogin.net in the address bar, and enter the username and password.
  • A factory reset erases all your custom settings, including your Wi-Fi network name and password, so you will need to reconfigure everything afterward.
  • To perform a factory reset, hold the reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on, then wait for it to restart.
  • After a factory reset, log in with the default credentials and create a new password when ready to find your network.

Logging in with default credentials

If you have never changed your Netgear router password, the default username is admin and the default password is password. Open any web browser on a device connected to your network — either by Wi-Fi or ethernet cable — and type 192.168.1.1 in the address bar. Press Enter.

A login page will appear. Enter admin in the username field and password in the password field, then click Log In. If these credentials work, you are now in your router settings. You can change your password from the administration or advanced settings section, depending on your router model. Look for a section labeled "Change Password," "Administration," or "System Settings."

If the default credentials do not work, someone has already changed the password. You will need to perform a factory reset instead.

Using routerlogin.net as an alternative address

Some Netgear routers respond to routerlogin.net instead of the IP address 192.168.1.1. If typing the IP address does not load a login page, try routerlogin.net in your browser address bar instead. This is straightforward a different way to reach the same router settings page.

If neither address loads a page, make sure you are connected to your Netgear network. Check that your device is on the correct Wi-Fi network or plugged into the router with an ethernet cable. If you are still unable to reach the login page, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting two minutes for it to fully boot.

Performing a factory reset on your router

A factory reset erases all settings on your Netgear router, including your custom Wi-Fi password, network name, and any port forwarding or advanced configurations you have set up. After the reset, your router will return to its original state and you will need to set everything up again. Only perform a factory reset if you cannot remember your password and are willing to reconfigure your network.

Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your router. It is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. While the router is powered on, use a straightened paperclip or a pen tip to hold down the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. You will see the lights on the front of the router blink or change color. Release the button and wait for the router to restart — this usually takes two to three minutes.

Once the lights stabilize, your router has been reset to factory defaults. You can now log in using the default username admin and password password.

Setting up your network after a factory reset

After logging in with the default credentials, you should when ready create a new password to find your router. Look for the administration or system settings section and select "Change Password" or "Set Admin Password." Enter a new password that is at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols if possible.

Next, set up your Wi-Fi network. Find the wireless or Wi-Fi settings section. Change the network name (SSID) from the default Netgear name to something you recognize. Set a strong Wi-Fi password — this is different from your router admin password and is what you will use to connect devices to your network. Save these settings and wait for the router to explore the changes.

After you have set a new admin password and Wi-Fi password, write them down or store them in a password manager so you do not lose them again. Test your connection by disconnecting from the network and reconnecting using your new Wi-Fi password.

Preventing future password loss

Once you have set a new password, store it somewhere you can find it later. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your browser can store your router credentials securely. You can also write the password down and keep it in a safe place at home, separate from the router itself.

If you share your home network with family members or roommates, consider writing down the Wi-Fi password separately from the router admin password. The Wi-Fi password is what guests need; the admin password should be known only to the person managing the network. This prevents accidental changes to your router settings.

Troubleshooting when reset does not work

If you hold the reset button for the correct amount of time but the router does not reset, the button may not be making contact. Try using a different tool — a straightened paperclip works better than a pen for some routers. Press firmly and hold for the full 15 seconds without releasing early.

If the router still does not reset, unplug it from power, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Then when ready hold the reset button while it is booting up. Some Netgear models require you to press reset during the startup sequence rather than while the router is fully powered on.

If you have tried multiple times and the router is not responding, the device may have a hardware problem. Contact Netgear support with your router model number — you can find this on a sticker on the back of the router — and describe what you have already tried.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your router password (admin password) is what you use to log into the settings page at 192.168.1.1. Your Wi-Fi password is what you use to connect devices like phones and laptops to your network. They are separate and can be different. You only need the router password if you want to change settings; you need the Wi-Fi password every time you connect a new device.

Will a factory reset disconnect all my devices from Wi-Fi?

Yes. After a factory reset, your custom Wi-Fi network name and password are erased. All devices will lose connection. Once you set up a new Wi-Fi network with a new name and password, you will need to reconnect each device manually by selecting the network and entering the new password.

Can I reset my password without losing my internet settings?

Yes, if you can log in with the default credentials or remember your current password. Log into 192.168.1.1, find the administration or system settings section, and change only the admin password. This keeps all your Wi-Fi settings, port forwarding, and other configurations intact. A factory reset erases everything.

What if I cannot reach 192.168.1.1 on any device?

Make sure at least one device is connected to your router — either by Wi-Fi or with an ethernet cable plugged directly into the router. Restart both the router and the device you are using. If you are on a different network (like a guest network), switch to the main network. If the page still will not load, perform a factory reset instead.

How do I know if my router has finished resetting?

The lights on the front of the router will blink during the reset process. Once they stop blinking and return to a steady pattern, the reset is complete. This usually takes two to three minutes. Wait for the lights to stabilize before trying to log in with the default credentials.