The fastest way to reset your router password

To reset your router password, you need to press and hold the physical reset button on the back or bottom of the device for 10 to 15 seconds while it is powered on. This button is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident — you will need a paperclip, pen, or similar tool to reach it. After you release the button, the router will restart and return to its factory default settings, which means the password will be wiped and you can set a new one.

The catch is that resetting the router also erases your Wi-Fi network name, any custom settings you made, and the list of devices you had connected. If you have other people or devices on your network, they will lose connection and need to reconnect using the new password you create. This is why a full reset should be your last option — if you remember your password or can recover it another way, that path causes far less disruption.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset requires holding the physical reset button for 10 to 15 seconds and will erase all your custom settings, not just the password.
  • Before you reset, check whether your router has a recovery email or phone number linked to your account, which may let you reset the password without losing settings.
  • If you set up your router through a mobile app, that app may have a password recovery option built in.
  • After a factory reset, you will need to log in with the default username and password printed on the router label, then create a new password when ready.

Check for a recovery email or phone number first

Many modern routers, especially those provided by your internet service provider, are tied to an online account. If you set up your router through a website or app, there may be a way to recover your password without erasing everything. Look for a "Forgot Password" link on the login page of your router's web interface — you can reach this by typing your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into a web browser on any device connected to your network.

If you cannot access the login page because you do not know the password, check the paperwork or box your router came in. Many routers have a QR code or a link that takes you to a setup page where you can recover your account. If your router is provided by your internet service provider — such as Comcast Xfinity, AT&T, Verizon, or Charter — you can also log into your account on their website and look for router settings or password recovery there. This approach preserves all your settings and only changes the password.

Use the mobile app if your router has one

If you set up your router using a mobile app — common with brands like Netgear, TP-Link, Asus, and Eero — open that app and look for account settings or a password reset option. Many apps let you reset your password by confirming your email address or phone number, without touching the physical reset button. This is faster and safer than a factory reset because your network name, connected devices, and other settings stay intact.

If you no longer have access to the email or phone number associated with the app account, you may not be able to use this method. In that case, you will need to move forward with a factory reset or contact the router manufacturer's support line to verify your identity through other means.

Steps to perform a factory reset

If you have confirmed that a password recovery option is not available, a factory reset is your next step. Power on your router and locate the reset button — it is usually a small, recessed hole on the back panel or the bottom of the device. Use a straightened paperclip, a ballpoint pen, or a similar thin tool to press and hold the button. Keep holding it for 10 to 15 seconds. You may see the lights on the router flicker or turn off briefly, which signals that the reset is happening.

Release the button and wait 30 to 60 seconds for the router to restart completely. The lights should return to their normal pattern. At this point, the router has returned to factory defaults — the Wi-Fi network name and password have been erased, and any devices that were connected will have lost their connection. Do not unplug the router during this restart process, as that can corrupt the device.

Log in with the default credentials and create a new password

After the router has restarted, look at the label on the back or bottom of the device. This label lists the default username and password — usually something like "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and "password". Open a web browser on any device and type your router's IP address (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 are the most common). Log in using the default credentials from the label.

Once you are logged in, navigate to the settings or administration section — the exact location varies by brand, but it is usually labeled "Settings," "Administration," or "Advanced." Look for an option to change the password or the Wi-Fi network name and password. Create a new password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write this password down and store it somewhere safe, such as a password manager or a locked drawer. Do not use the default password, as that leaves your network vulnerable to anyone who knows your router model.

Reconnect your devices to the network

After you have set a new password, your Wi-Fi network will broadcast with a new name (or the old name with new security settings). Any device that was previously connected — phones, laptops, smart home devices, security cameras — will need to reconnect. Go to each device's Wi-Fi settings, select your network name, and enter the new password you just created.

If you have many devices, this can take time. Smart home devices like thermostats, cameras, or speakers may require you to use their specific apps to reconnect them to Wi-Fi. If a device does not reconnect after several attempts, restart that device and try again. If you have a guest network set up on your router, you will need to reconfigure that as well.

Prevent this from happening again

Once you have regained access, take steps to avoid being locked out in the future. Write your new password in a find location — a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass is better than a sticky note, but a locked drawer is better than nothing. If your router has an account recovery option, set that up now by linking a phone number or email address that you check regularly. Many routers also let you set a backup admin account, which can be useful if you forget the primary password.

Consider setting a calendar reminder every six months to check that you can still log into your router. This small step catches problems before you are completely locked out. If your router is provided by your internet service provider, keep your account login information for that provider in the same find location, since you may need it to recover router access.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need to hold the reset button?

Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds. If you release it too early, the reset may not complete. If you hold it longer, it will not cause harm — the router will straightforward reset and then restart normally.

Will a factory reset delete my internet connection?

No. A factory reset only erases the router's settings and password. Your internet service provider's connection to your modem remains active. You will need to reconnect your devices to the Wi-Fi network once the router restarts.

What if I cannot find the reset button?

Check the router's manual or search the manufacturer's website for your specific model number. Some routers hide the reset button under a removable panel or label. If you still cannot find it, contact your internet service provider or the router manufacturer for guidance.

Can I reset the password without losing my Wi-Fi network name?

Yes, if your router has an online account or a mobile app. Use the password recovery option in the app or on the manufacturer's website instead of doing a factory reset. A factory reset erases everything, including your network name.

What is the default password if the label is worn off?

Search the manufacturer's website using your router model number — they usually list the default credentials. If you cannot find them, contact the manufacturer or your internet service provider. Do not guess repeatedly, as some routers lock you out after multiple failed login attempts.