The fastest way to reset your router password

To reset your router password, you need 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. The router will restart, and the password will return to the factory default — usually printed on a sticker on the device itself or in the manual that came with it.

This reset erases everything: your Wi-Fi network name, your password, any port forwarding rules, and any other settings you customized. After the reset completes (usually within two minutes), you will need to set up your Wi-Fi network again from scratch, including choosing a new password.

If you cannot find the reset button or do not want to erase all your settings, there is a second route: log into your router's admin panel using the default credentials and change the password there. This keeps all your other settings intact.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset button on the router restores the default password but erases all custom settings, including your Wi-Fi name and any rules you created.
  • The default password is usually on a sticker attached to the router or in the printed manual that came with the device.
  • If you know the default password, you can log into the admin panel through a web browser and change the password without erasing other settings.
  • After any password reset, change the default password to something only you know, because default passwords are public information.

Finding and using the reset button

The reset button is a small, recessed button — usually smaller than a regular button — located on the back, bottom, or side of the router. On many models it is next to the power port or the ethernet ports. You will need a straightened paperclip, a ballpoint pen, or a similar thin object to press it, because the recess is designed to prevent accidental presses.

Power on the router and let it fully boot (all lights should be steady or blinking normally). Then press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. The lights will usually blink rapidly or turn off, signaling that the reset is happening. Release the button and wait two to three minutes for the router to restart and finish the reset process.

Once the restart is complete, the router will broadcast a default Wi-Fi network name (often something like "NETGEAR-1234" or "TP-Link-5G"). Connect to that network using the default password, which is printed on the sticker on the router or in the manual. Then log into the admin panel to set up your network with a new name and password.

Logging into the admin panel with the default password

If you have not yet reset the router and you know the default password (or can find it on the device sticker), you can change the password without erasing your settings. Open a web browser on any device connected to your Wi-Fi network and type the router's IP address into the address bar. For most home routers, this is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Check your router's manual or the sticker on the device to confirm the correct address.

You will see a login screen. Enter the default username and password — these are also on the sticker or in the manual. Common defaults are "admin" for both username and password, or "admin" with a blank password, but this varies by brand and model. Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Security," or "Settings" (the exact name depends on your router brand).

Find the field for the Wi-Fi password (sometimes called "Pre-Shared Key" or "PSK") and enter a new password. Make it at least 12 characters long and mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Save the changes. The router may restart, and you will need to reconnect your devices using the new password.

What the default password usually is

The default password is printed on a white or silver sticker attached to the bottom or back of the router. Look for a line that says "Password," "Wi-Fi Password," "Key," or "Network Key." The password is usually a string of numbers and letters, sometimes with symbols. Write it down or take a photo before you change it.

If the sticker is missing or worn away, check the manual that came with the router — it lists the default credentials. If you no longer have the manual, you can search online for "[Your Router Brand and Model] default password" to find it. Manufacturer websites and support pages usually publish this information because the default password is not secret — anyone with physical access to the router can read the sticker.

Some routers do not have a default Wi-Fi password at all; the network broadcasts openly until you set one. If you cannot find a password on the sticker, try connecting to the network without entering a password. If that works, log into the admin panel and set a password when ready.

Setting a strong password after the reset

Once you have reset the router or logged into the admin panel, change the default password to something only you know. Use at least 12 characters — longer is better. Mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! @ # $ % ^ &. Avoid dictionary words, your name, your address, or any information someone could guess or find on social media.

Write the new password in a password manager (such as Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your browser) rather than on a sticky note. A password manager encrypts the password and stores it safely, so you do not have to remember it or write it down. If you forget it again, you can retrieve it from the manager instead of resetting the router.

Change the default admin password as well — the one you use to log into the router's settings panel. Use a different password from your Wi-Fi password. This prevents someone who knows your Wi-Fi password from accessing the router's settings and changing your network or redirecting your traffic.

When the reset button does not work

If you press the reset button and nothing happens, the button may be stuck, broken, or not actually connected inside the device. Try pressing it again for a full 20 seconds. If the router still does not reset, the button may be non-functional.

Some routers have a software reset option in the admin panel instead of a physical button. If you can log in with the default password, look for a "Reset," "Restore," or "Factory Reset" option in the settings menu. This performs the same reset as the button without requiring you to find or press a recessed switch.

If you cannot access the admin panel and the reset button does not work, contact the router manufacturer's support line or visit their website. Provide your router's model number (printed on the sticker) and explain that you cannot reset it. They may be able to walk you through an alternative method or confirm whether the device has a hardware issue.

Recovering your settings after a reset

A factory reset erases your Wi-Fi network name, password, and any custom settings — port forwarding rules, parental controls, guest networks, or device names. If you had important settings configured, you will need to set them up again.

Before you reset, check whether your router has a backup feature. Some routers let you export your settings to a file through the admin panel. If you have this file, you can import it after the reset to restore everything except the password. Look in the admin panel under "Backup," "Settings," "System," or "Tools." If you find a backup option, use it before you reset.

If you did not back up your settings, write down any custom configurations before you reset — for example, which devices are on your network, any port forwarding rules, or the name of your guest network. After the reset, you can recreate these settings manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the router disconnect my devices?

Yes. A factory reset erases the Wi-Fi network name and password, so all your devices will lose connection when ready. After the reset completes, you will need to reconnect each device using the new network name and password you set up.

Can I reset the router if I do not have the manual?

Yes. The default password is on the sticker attached to the router itself. If the sticker is missing, search online for your router's brand and model number plus "default password" to find the credentials on the manufacturer's website.

What if I reset the router but still cannot log in?

Make sure you are using the exact default password from the sticker or manual — it is case-sensitive. Try connecting to the router's Wi-Fi network first, then open a browser and type the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1). If you still cannot log in, the router may have a hardware problem; contact the manufacturer's support.

Do I have to reset the router to change the password?

No. If you know the default password, you can log into the admin panel and change the password without resetting. This keeps all your other settings intact. Reset only if you cannot remember the default password or cannot access the admin panel.

Is the default password the same as my Wi-Fi password?

No. The default password on the sticker is your Wi-Fi password — the one you use to connect devices to the network. The admin password (for logging into the router's settings) is separate. Both should be changed to strong, unique passwords after you set up the router.