The fastest way to reset your router password
To reset your router password, you need to press and hold the reset button on the back or bottom of the device for 10 to 15 seconds while it is powered on. This erases all your settings — including the password you forgot — and returns the router to factory defaults. After the reset, the router will restart, and you can log in using the default username and password printed on a sticker attached to the device or listed in the manual.
The reset button is usually recessed (pushed in slightly) so you cannot press it by accident. You will need a paperclip, pen, or similar thin object to reach it. Look for a small hole labeled "Reset" on the back panel. Press and hold it until the lights on the front of the router blink or turn off, which signals the reset is complete. This takes about 30 seconds total.
After the reset finishes, wait two to three minutes for the router to fully restart before you try to connect. You will then need to set up your internet connection again and create a new password.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset erases your forgotten password but also erases your WiFi network name, password, and all custom settings.
- The reset button is a recessed hole on the back or bottom of the router — use a paperclip to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds.
- After reset, log in with the default username and password found on the sticker attached to your router or in the manual.
- You will need to reconnect to your internet service provider and set up a new WiFi password after the reset completes.
Finding the default username and password
Every router ships with a default username and password printed on a label stuck to the device itself. This label is usually on the back, bottom, or inside the battery compartment. Look for text that says "Default Username" and "Default Password" or sometimes just "Admin" and a password next to it.
If you cannot find the sticker or it is worn away, the manual that came with your router has this information. If you no longer have the manual, search online for your router's model number (also on the sticker) plus "default password" — most manufacturers publish this information on their support pages.
Common default usernames are "admin" or "administrator". Common default passwords are "admin", "password", or a blank field (meaning no password). If none of these work, check the manufacturer's website for your specific model.
What happens when you reset your router
A factory reset wipes everything your router learned or stored. This includes your WiFi network name, your WiFi password, any port forwarding rules you set up, parental controls, and any other custom settings you configured. The router returns to the exact state it was in when it left the factory.
Your internet connection itself is not affected — your modem (the device that connects to your internet service provider) is separate and will keep working. However, your router will no longer be connected to that modem, so you will need to reconnect them and set up your WiFi network again.
If you have devices that were connected to your old WiFi network, they will no longer be able to find it after the reset. You will need to reconnect each device to the new WiFi network you create.
Reconnecting to the internet after reset
After the reset completes and the router has restarted, connect a computer or phone to the router using the default WiFi network name. This name is usually printed on the sticker as well and often includes the router's brand name or model number. The default password is also on the sticker.
Open a web browser and go to the router's login page. The address is usually printed on the sticker (often something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Log in using the default username and password. You should now see the router's setup page.
Follow the setup wizard to reconnect to your internet service provider. You will need your ISP account information or the modem's settings. If you are unsure what to enter, call your internet provider — they can tell you the settings you need or walk you through the process.
Creating a new password you will remember
Once you are logged into the router's settings page, look for a section called "WiFi Settings", "Wireless", "Security", or "Password". The exact name depends on your router's brand. Change the default WiFi network name to something you recognize, and create a new password that is at least 12 characters long.
Use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols if the router allows it. Avoid using your name, address, or birthdate. Write the new password down and store it somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager, or a note on your phone locked with a PIN.
Some routers also have an "Admin Password" setting separate from the WiFi password. This is the password you use to log into the router's settings page itself. Change this from the default as well, and store it in the same safe place as your WiFi password.
If you cannot find the reset button
Some routers hide the reset button inside a port or under a removable panel. Check the manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific model to find where it is located. You can also try searching online for "[your router model] reset button location" — most manufacturers have photos or videos showing where to find it.
If your router has no physical reset button, it may have a reset option in the settings menu instead. Log in to the router's settings page using any password you do remember, or use the default password if you have not changed it. Look for a "Factory Reset" or "Restore Defaults" option in the settings, usually under "Administration" or "System". Click it and confirm.
If you cannot log in and there is no reset button, contact your router's manufacturer for support. They can walk you through other options or tell you if the device needs to be replaced.
Preventing password loss in the future
After you create a new password, write it down in a place you will find it again. A notebook kept near your router works well. You can also store it in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your phone or computer.
Some routers let you set a backup email address or recovery phone number in the settings. If your router supports this, add it — the manufacturer can then send you a password reset link if you forget again. Check your router's settings page to see if this option is available.
Take a photo of the sticker on the back of your router and store it in your phone's photo library or in a cloud storage folder. This gives you a backup copy of the default login information if you ever need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting my router disconnect my internet?
The reset itself does not disconnect your internet — your modem stays connected to your internet service provider. However, your router will no longer be connected to the modem after the reset, so your WiFi will not work until you reconnect them and set up the network again. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Can I reset my router without losing my internet connection?
No. A factory reset erases all settings, including the connection to your modem. If you want to change only your WiFi password without resetting everything, log into the router's settings page using the current password and change the WiFi password in the wireless settings menu. This keeps all other settings intact.
What if I forgot both my router password and my WiFi password?
A factory reset is your only option. It erases both passwords and returns the router to defaults. After reset, you can log in with the default credentials, reconnect to your internet, and create new passwords for both the WiFi network and the router settings.
How long does a factory reset take?
The reset button press itself takes 10 to 15 seconds. The router then takes another 1 to 3 minutes to restart and be ready to use. The entire process from pressing the button to being able to log in is usually 5 to 10 minutes.
Do I need to unplug my router before pressing the reset button?
No. Press the reset button while the router is powered on and plugged in. The reset will not work if the device is off. You will see the lights on the front blink or change as the reset happens, which tells you it is working.