The fastest way to reset your router password
To reset your WiFi router password, you need to press and hold the reset button on the back or bottom of the router for 10 to 15 seconds while it is powered on. This erases all your custom settings — including the password you forgot — and returns the router to its factory defaults. After the reset completes (usually within two minutes), you can log in using the default username and password printed on a sticker attached to the router, then create a new password.
The reset button is small and recessed, often requiring a paperclip or pen to press. Look for a button labeled "Reset," "Restore," or sometimes just a small hole on the back panel. Do not confuse it with the power button or the WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) button, which are usually larger and more accessible.
If you cannot find a physical reset button, your router may have a reset option in the web interface. You can reach this by opening a browser, typing your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), and logging in with the default credentials. Look for a "Restore Factory Settings" or "Reset" option in the administration menu.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset erases your custom WiFi password and all other settings, returning the router to its original state.
- The reset button is a small recessed button on the back or bottom of the router, pressed for 10 to 15 seconds while powered on.
- After reset, log in with the default username and password found on the sticker attached to your router.
- You can also reset through the web interface by typing your router's IP address into a browser and selecting the factory reset option.
- After resetting, reconnect your devices to WiFi using the default network name and password, then change both to something you will remember.
Finding the default password on your router
Every router comes 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. The sticker shows the default network name (SSID), the default password, and sometimes the IP address you use to access the router's settings.
Common default usernames are "admin" and "admin," though some routers use blank usernames or other combinations. Common default passwords include "admin," "password," "12345," or a string of numbers specific to that model. If the sticker is missing or worn away, you can search online for your router model number plus "default password" to find the factory credentials.
Write down the default credentials before you reset, so you have them ready when the router restarts. The reset process takes two to five minutes, and you will need these credentials when ready after to regain access.
Steps to reset through the web interface
If you prefer not to use the physical reset button, you can reset your router through its web interface if you remember the current password or can still access it.
- Open a web browser and type your router's IP address in the address bar. The most common addresses are 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1. If neither works, check the sticker on your router or search for your model number plus "default IP address."
- Log in using the current password if you remember it, or try the default credentials from the sticker.
- Look for a menu option labeled "Administration," "System Settings," "Advanced," or "Maintenance."
- Find the "Restore Factory Settings," "Reset," or "Restore Defaults" button. The exact wording varies by manufacturer.
- Click the button and confirm when prompted. The router will restart and erase all custom settings.
- Wait two to five minutes for the router to finish restarting. The lights on the front will flash and then stabilize.
This method works only if you can still reach the web interface. If you cannot log in at all, use the physical reset button instead.
What happens after you reset your router
After a factory reset, your router returns to the state it was in when it left the factory. This means all your custom settings are gone: your WiFi password, your network name, any port forwarding rules, parental controls, and any other changes you made. Your internet connection itself is not affected — the modem (if separate) continues working, and your internet service remains active.
The router will broadcast its default network name, which is usually something generic like "NETGEAR-1234" or "TP-Link-5G." Any devices that were connected to your old network will no longer be able to connect automatically. You will need to reconnect them manually using the default password.
Once you log in with the default credentials, you should when ready change the WiFi password to something you will remember. Most routers prompt you to do this on first login, or you can navigate to the WiFi settings menu and change it yourself. You can also change the network name (SSID) at this time if you want something more recognizable than the factory default.
Reconnecting your devices after reset
After resetting and changing your password, each device that uses your WiFi needs to reconnect. On phones and tablets, go to Settings, find your WiFi network in the list (it will now show the default name unless you changed it), and enter the default password. On computers, do the same through your network settings.
Smart home devices like security cameras, smart speakers, or smart lights may require you to use their companion app to reconnect them to WiFi. Check the device manual or the manufacturer's website for specific steps, as the process varies widely.
Printers and other networked devices may also need to be reconnected. Some older devices may not reconnect automatically even after you enter the correct password — if this happens, restart the device and try again.
Preventing this problem in the future
After you set a new password, write it down and store it somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager, or even a photo on your phone. Many people forget their WiFi password within months, so having it written down saves you from another factory reset later.
Consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your phone's operating system. These tools store your WiFi password securely and can fill it in automatically when you need to reconnect a device.
You can also change your router's default username and password to something unique. This adds a layer of security and makes it harder for someone else on your network to access the router's settings. Most routers allow you to change these credentials in the Administration or System Settings menu.
Troubleshooting a reset that did not work
If you pressed the reset button but the router did not reset, you may not have held it long enough. Try again, holding the button for a full 15 to 20 seconds. Some routers require the button to be held even longer — up to 30 seconds. Keep the router powered on during the entire process.
If the web interface reset option does not work, the router may have a firmware issue or a hardware problem. Try the physical reset button instead. If neither method works, the router may need to be replaced or serviced by the manufacturer.
If you reset the router but still cannot log in with the default credentials, double-check the sticker on the device. Some routers have multiple default passwords depending on the region or model variant. Search online for your exact model number to confirm the correct default credentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting my router disconnect my internet?
No. Resetting the router erases its settings but does not affect your internet service. Your modem (if you have a separate one) continues working, and your internet connection remains active. You will just need to reconnect your devices to WiFi using the default password after the reset completes.
How long does a factory reset take?
The reset process itself takes about 10 to 15 seconds of button-holding. The router then restarts, which usually takes two to five minutes. During this time, the lights on the front will flash. Wait until they stabilize before trying to log in.
Can I reset my router remotely?
No. A factory reset requires either pressing the physical reset button on the device or accessing the web interface while connected to the router. You cannot reset a router remotely over the internet. If you are away from home, you will need to wait until you return or ask someone with physical access to the router to perform the reset.
What if I do not have the default password sticker anymore?
Search online for your router model number plus "default password." Most manufacturers publish this information. You can also contact the router manufacturer's support team with your model number, and they can provide the default credentials. The model number is usually printed on the sticker or the bottom of the device.
Do I need to reset my modem too?
No. If you have a separate modem and router, resetting the router does not affect the modem. Your internet connection continues working. Reset only the router. If you have a combined modem-router unit and need to reset it, the process is the same, but your internet will briefly go down during the restart.