Find your router and locate the reset button

Your 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. Most routers have a small reset button on the back or bottom, often recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Look for a button labeled "Reset" or sometimes just a small hole.

Before you reset, know that this will erase all your WiFi settings, not just the password. Your network name (SSID) will revert to the factory default, and any devices currently connected will lose access. You will need to reconnect them afterward using the new password.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button on your router is usually recessed on the back or bottom and requires a paperclip or pen to press.
  • Resetting the router erases all settings, not just the password, so connected devices will disconnect when ready.
  • After reset, your network name returns to the factory default (often printed on the router label), and you set a new password through the admin panel.
  • You can also change your password without resetting by logging into the router's admin panel with your current password.
  • If you do not know your current password and cannot reset, contact your internet provider — they can sometimes reset it remotely.

Perform a factory reset if you cannot access the admin panel

If you have forgotten your password and cannot log into the router's settings, a factory reset is the most direct path forward. Unplug the router from power, wait 10 seconds, then plug it back in. While it is powering up (usually 30 to 60 seconds), use a straightened paperclip or a ballpoint pen to press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. The lights on the router will blink or change color — this signals the reset is in progress.

Once the reset completes, the router will restart with factory settings. This takes another minute or two. Your network name will now be the default name printed on the router's label or manual — something like "NETGEAR-5G" or "TP-Link-2.4G". Write down this name and the default password (also on the label) before you proceed, because you will need both to log in next.

Log into the router's admin panel to set a new password

On any device connected to the router's WiFi, open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. (Some routers use different addresses — check your router's label if neither of these works.) You will see a login screen asking for a username and password.

Enter the default username and password from your router's label. Common defaults are "admin" for both fields, or "admin" and "password", but yours may differ. Once logged in, look for a section called "WiFi Settings", "Wireless", or "Network Settings". This is where you change the password. Some routers call it the "Pre-Shared Key" or "Passphrase". Enter a new password — use at least 12 characters mixing letters, numbers, and symbols for security — then save the changes. The router will restart, and your new password takes effect when ready.

Change your password without resetting if you still know the current one

If you remember your current WiFi password, you do not need to reset the router at all. straightforward log into the admin panel using the same steps above (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), but this time use your current password to sign in. Navigate to WiFi Settings or Wireless Settings and change the password to something new.

After you save, your devices will disconnect because the old password no longer works. Reconnect each device using the new password. This method preserves all your other router settings — port forwarding, device names, parental controls, and anything else you have configured — so it is the gentler option if you have customized your setup.

Reconnect your devices after changing the password

Once your new password is active, each device that was connected to your WiFi will show the network as available but will not connect automatically. On phones and tablets, go to WiFi settings, select your network name, and enter the new password. On computers, do the same through your network settings. Smart home devices, printers, and other connected hardware will also need the new password entered through their own settings or apps.

This process can take 10 to 20 minutes if you have many devices. If a device refuses to connect even with the correct password, try "forgetting" the network first (an option in most WiFi settings), then reconnecting from scratch. This clears out the old password stored on that device.

Contact your internet provider if you cannot access the router

If your router is physically inaccessible, damaged, or you cannot locate the reset button, your internet provider may be able to help. Call the number on your bill and explain that you need to reset your WiFi password. Some providers can trigger a remote reset or send a technician. Others will walk you through the process over the phone.

Providers sometimes charge a fee for a technician visit, but a remote reset is usually free. Have your account number and the router model (printed on the device) ready when you call. If the router is very old or failing, the provider may offer to replace it at no cost or for a small fee.

Write down your new password and store it securely

After you set a new password, write it down in a place you will remember — a password manager, a notebook in a drawer, or a note on your phone. Do not text it to yourself or email it, because those create copies that can be intercepted. A physical notebook or a dedicated password manager app (like Bitwarden or 1Password) is safer.

If you share your WiFi with family or roommates, you can tell them the password verbally or write it on a sticky note. You do not need to change it frequently unless you suspect someone unauthorized is using your network. If you notice unknown devices connected, log back into the admin panel, check the connected devices list, and change the password again if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between resetting the router and just changing the password?

Resetting erases all settings and returns the router to factory defaults — your network name, password, and any custom configurations all disappear. Changing the password keeps everything else intact. Reset only if you cannot log in; otherwise, change the password through the admin panel.

How long does a factory reset take?

The reset button press itself takes 10 to 15 seconds. The router then restarts, which usually takes 1 to 2 minutes total. During this time, your WiFi will be unavailable. Once the lights stabilize, the reset is complete and you can log in with the factory defaults.

Can I reset the router without unplugging it?

Some routers allow a reset by holding the button for 30 seconds without unplugging, but unplugging first is more reliable. If you try the button-only method and it does not work, unplug the router, wait 10 seconds, plug it back in, and try again while it powers up.

What if I lose the password again after I set it?

You can always reset the router again using the same steps. If you want to avoid this, use a password manager to store it, or write it down and keep it somewhere safe like a drawer or a notebook. You can also change it to something you will remember more easily, as long as it is still at least 8 characters.

Will resetting the router affect my internet speed?

No. The reset only changes WiFi settings like the password and network name. Your internet speed depends on your provider's service and the connection between the router and the modem, neither of which the reset touches.