The fastest way to reset your router password
To reset your router password, you need to perform a factory reset using the reset button on the back or bottom of the device. Hold a paperclip or pen against the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on, then release. The router will restart, and the password will return to the default password printed on a sticker on the device itself — usually on the back or bottom.
This process erases all your custom settings, including your Wi-Fi network name and password, so the router returns to how it came from the factory. After the reset completes (usually within two to three minutes), you can log in with the default credentials and create a new password you will remember.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset using the physical reset button is the only way to regain access if you have forgotten your password — there is no remote way to recover it.
- The reset button is usually recessed and requires a paperclip or similar tool to press; a regular button press will not work.
- After reset, your Wi-Fi network name, password, and all other settings return to factory defaults, so you will need to reconfigure everything.
- The default password is printed on a sticker attached to the router, typically on the back or bottom of the device.
- The entire reset and restart process takes two to five minutes, depending on your router model.
Locating and using the reset button
The reset button on most routers is small, recessed, and located on the back panel or the bottom of the device. It is intentionally hard to press by accident — you cannot push it with your finger. You will need a straightened paperclip, a ballpoint pen, or a similar thin, pointed object.
Power on the router and make sure it has finished starting up (all lights should be steady or blinking normally). Press and hold the reset button with your tool for 10 to 15 seconds. You may see the lights on the router flash or go dark during this time. After 15 seconds, release the button and step back. The router will restart automatically, which takes one to three minutes. Do not unplug the router during this restart.
Once the lights return to their normal pattern, the reset is complete. The router is now back to factory settings and ready to log into with the default password.
Finding the default password on your router
Every router ships with a default username and password printed on a label attached to the device. This label is almost always on the back panel, but some models place it on the bottom or inside the battery compartment. Look for text that says "Default Password," "Admin Password," or straightforward "Password" followed by a string of characters.
Common default usernames are admin or administrator. Common default passwords are admin, password, or a random string of numbers and letters. Write down both the username and password from the sticker before you attempt to log in.
If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can search online for your router model number (also printed on the label) plus the words "default password." Most manufacturers publish this information publicly. Your router model number usually starts with letters like TP-Link, Netgear, Linksys, or Arris, followed by numbers.
Logging in after the reset
Open a web browser on any device connected to your router by Wi-Fi or ethernet cable. Type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar and press Enter. A login page should appear asking for a username and password.
Enter the default username and password from the sticker on your router. If the login fails, try the other IP address (if you used 192.168.1.1, try 192.168.0.1 instead). Some routers use different addresses. If neither works, search online for your specific router model and "login address" to find the correct one.
Once you are logged in, you will see the router's settings page. Look for a section labeled "Administration," "System Settings," or "Password" and change the default password to something you will remember. Save your changes and log out. You are now back in control of your router.
What happens to your internet after a reset
A factory reset disconnects all your devices from Wi-Fi because the network name and password return to the defaults. Your internet connection itself is not affected — the modem (if you have a separate one) continues to work. However, you will need to reconnect each device to Wi-Fi using the default network name and password until you create new ones.
If your modem and router are combined into one device, your internet may drop for a few minutes during the restart. This is normal. Wait for all the lights to stabilize before trying to reconnect.
Any port forwarding, parental controls, or other custom settings you had configured will be erased. Write down any settings you want to keep before you reset, or take a photo of the settings page for reference.
Preventing this from happening again
After you create a new password, write it down and store it somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager, or a note in your phone. Many people use the same password for their router as they do for other devices, which makes it easier to remember but less find.
If you use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your browser, you can store your router password there. The next time you need to log in, you can retrieve it without resetting the device.
Some routers allow you to set a password hint or recovery email address in the settings. Check your router's administration page to see if this option is available. It will not recover a forgotten password, but it may help you remember it.
When a reset does not work
If the reset button does not seem to work, make sure you are holding it long enough — at least 10 seconds, and up to 30 seconds for some models. The button may require more pressure than you expect. Try using a different tool, such as a straightened paperclip or a thumbtack.
If the router still does not reset, check whether it is powered on. Some routers have a power button separate from the reset button. Make sure the power cable is plugged in and the device has power before trying again.
If you have tried multiple times and the reset still does not work, the reset button itself may be broken or the router may have a hardware problem. In this case, contact the router manufacturer's support line or consider replacing the device. Most routers last four to five years before hardware issues become common.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting my router affect my internet bill or service?
No. A factory reset only affects the router's settings, not your internet service. Your modem and internet connection remain unchanged. You may experience a brief interruption while the router restarts, but your service will resume once the restart completes.
Do I need to reset my modem too?
No. If you have a separate modem and router, resetting the router will not affect the modem. Reset only the device whose password you forgot. If your modem and router are one device, a factory reset will reset both, but this is rare in most home setups.
Can I reset the router without losing my internet?
A factory reset will disconnect you from Wi-Fi and erase all settings, so you will need to reconnect and reconfigure. If you want to change only the password without resetting everything, you can log in with your current password and change it in the settings. A factory reset is only necessary if you have forgotten the password.
What if I do not have a paperclip or tool to press the reset button?
You can use a ballpoint pen, a thumbtack, a straightened bobby pin, or any thin, pointed object. The reset button is recessed specifically so you cannot press it accidentally with your finger. If you have no tool available, you can wait until you can find one — there is no time limit on resetting a router.
How long does it take for the router to restart after a reset?
Most routers restart within one to three minutes. During this time, the lights on the front may flash or turn off completely. Wait until the lights return to their normal pattern before trying to log in. Do not unplug the router during the restart, as this can cause problems.