Find Your Router and Locate the Reset Button

Your wireless router is the device that broadcasts your WiFi signal — usually a box with antennas sitting on a shelf, in a closet, or mounted on a wall. Look for a small button labeled "Reset" on the back or bottom. This button is often recessed inside a tiny hole so you cannot press it by accident.

Before you press it, understand what happens: resetting the router erases all your custom settings, including your WiFi password, network name, and any port forwarding or parental controls you set up. Your router will return to its factory defaults, which means the WiFi password will be whatever the manufacturer printed on a sticker — usually on the bottom or back of the device.

If you cannot find a reset button, check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website. Some routers use a power button held down for 10 to 15 seconds instead of a dedicated reset button.

Key Takeaways

  • Pressing the reset button erases your custom WiFi password and returns the router to factory settings, which are printed on a sticker attached to the device.
  • The reset button is usually recessed in a small hole on the back or bottom of the router and requires a paperclip or pen to press.
  • After resetting, you will need to log into the router's admin panel using the factory default username and password to create a new WiFi password.
  • If you do not want to erase all your settings, you can log in to the router without resetting and change only the WiFi password.

Press the Reset Button the Right Way

Gather a paperclip or a ballpoint pen — something thin enough to fit into the reset hole. Power on the router and wait 30 seconds for it to fully start up. Then press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. You may see lights on the router blink or turn off, which is normal.

Release the button and wait another 30 to 60 seconds for the router to restart. The lights should return to their normal pattern. At this point, the router has returned to factory settings and is ready to set up.

Find the Factory Default Password on Your Router

Look for a sticker on the bottom or back of your router. It will show the factory default WiFi network name (often called SSID) and the factory default password. Common manufacturers print this information clearly — for example, "WiFi Name: NETGEAR-5G" and "Password: ABC123DEF456".

If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can find the factory defaults by searching online for your router's model number plus "default password". The model number is usually printed on the same sticker or on the front of the device.

Connect to the Router and Log Into the Admin Panel

On your phone or computer, open your WiFi settings and look for the network name (SSID) printed on the sticker. Connect to it using the factory default password. Once connected, open a web browser and go to the router's admin address — this is usually printed on the sticker as well, often something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.

You will see a login page asking for a username and password. Use the factory default credentials from the sticker. After you log in, you will see the router's settings dashboard.

Create Your New WiFi Password

Look for a section labeled "Wireless", "WiFi", or "Network Settings". You will see fields for the network name and the password. Change the password to something you can remember — at least 8 characters, mixing letters, numbers, and symbols if possible. Write it down somewhere safe.

Some routers let you change the network name (SSID) at the same time. You can keep the factory default name or create a new one. After you make your changes, look for a "Save" or "explore" button and click it. The router will restart, which takes a minute or two.

Change Your Admin Password Too

While you are in the admin panel, change the admin username and password — the credentials you just used to log in. This is different from your WiFi password and controls who can access the router's settings. Look for a section called "Administration", "System", or "Advanced" and change the default username and password to something only you know.

This step prevents someone on your network from logging into the router and changing your settings without your permission. Write down your new admin password and store it separately from your WiFi password.

Reconnect All Your Devices

After the router restarts, your old devices will no longer be connected because the WiFi password has changed. Go to each device — phones, computers, tablets, smart speakers — and reconnect to the WiFi network using your new password. You will need to "forget" the old network first on most devices, then reconnect with the new password.

If you have many devices, this can take a while. Start with the ones you use most often. Devices like smart home hubs, security cameras, and printers may need to be reconnected manually through their own apps or settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not know my router model number?

Look on the sticker attached to the bottom or back of the router. The model number is usually printed there along with the serial number. If the sticker is gone, check the router's manual or the paperwork that came with it. You can also search online for "default password" plus the brand name and any numbers you can see on the device.

Can I change my WiFi password without resetting the entire router?

Yes. If you remember your admin password, you can log into the router's admin panel without resetting it. Go to the wireless or WiFi settings, change only the password, and save. This keeps all your other settings intact. You only need to reset if you have forgotten the admin password.

My router does not have a reset button. What do I do?

Some routers use the power button instead. Try holding down the power button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is on. If that does not work, check the manual or the manufacturer's support website for your specific model. You can also try unplugging the router for 30 seconds and plugging it back in, though this usually does not reset it to factory defaults.

How long does it take for the router to restart after I press reset?

Most routers take 30 to 60 seconds to fully restart after a reset. Wait until the lights on the front stop blinking and return to their normal pattern before you try to connect. If it takes longer than two minutes, try unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in.

Will resetting the router affect my internet connection?

No. Resetting the router only erases the WiFi settings and any custom configurations you made. Your internet connection from your internet service provider remains the same. After you reset and create a new WiFi password, your internet will work exactly as it did before.