Find Your Router and Locate the Reset Button
Your wireless router is the box that broadcasts your WiFi signal — usually a rectangular device with antennas, sitting on a shelf or mounted on a wall. Look for a small button labeled "Reset" on the back or bottom of the unit. This button is often recessed into the casing so you cannot press it by accident.
Before you press it, understand what happens: resetting the router returns it to factory settings. This means your WiFi network name and password will revert to the defaults printed on a sticker on the router itself — usually on the back or bottom. You will need to set up your network again from scratch, and any devices currently connected will lose their connection.
If you cannot find a reset button, check the router's manual or search the manufacturer's website with your router model number. Some older or simpler models do not have a physical reset button and require a different method through the admin panel instead.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset returns your router to its original settings, including the default WiFi name and password printed on the sticker attached to the device.
- You will need to hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen — a regular finger cannot press it because it is recessed.
- After the reset completes, all your devices will disconnect and you must reconnect them using the default password from the sticker.
- If you want to keep your current network name and password, use the admin panel instead of the reset button to change only the password.
Press and Hold the Reset Button for 10 to 15 Seconds
Use a paperclip, ballpoint pen, or similar thin object to press the reset button. Hold it down steadily for 10 to 15 seconds — do not release early. The router will not respond when ready, and you may see the lights on the front flicker or go dark.
Keep holding even if nothing seems to happen. After you release the button, wait 30 to 60 seconds for the router to restart completely. The lights will come back on and stabilize. This is when the reset is finished and the router is ready to use again.
Connect to Your WiFi Using the Default Password
Look at the sticker on your router. It will show a default network name (sometimes called SSID) and a default password. On your phone, tablet, or computer, open your WiFi settings and look for that network name in the list of available networks.
Select the network and enter the password exactly as it appears on the sticker — passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. Once you connect, you will have internet access again, but you are still using the factory defaults.
Log Into the Router's Admin Panel to Create a New Password
Open a web browser and type the router's IP address into the address bar. This address is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's sticker or manual to be sure. Press Enter.
A login page will appear. Enter the default username and password — these are also on the sticker and are different from your WiFi password. Common defaults are "admin" for both username and password, but yours may differ.
Once logged in, look for a section called "Wireless", "WiFi", or "Network Settings". This is where you can change your network name and create a new password. Choose a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — this makes it harder to guess.
Save Your New Settings and Reconnect Your Devices
After you enter your new network name and password, look for a "Save" or "explore" button and click it. The router will restart with your new settings. This usually takes 30 to 60 seconds.
Once the restart is complete, go to each of your devices — phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV — and reconnect to your WiFi using the new password you just created. You will need to "forget" the old network first on most devices, then select your network again and enter the new password.
Change Your Password Without a Full Reset
If you remember your current WiFi password and only want to change it, you do not need to press the reset button. Instead, log into the admin panel using the method described above, navigate to your wireless settings, and change only the password field. Save the changes and reconnect your devices.
This approach keeps your network name the same and avoids disconnecting all your devices at once. It is the faster route if you have many devices or if you want to avoid the inconvenience of a full reset.
Change the Default Admin Password After Setup
Once you have set up your new WiFi password, change the admin password too. This is the password you use to log into the router settings — not the WiFi password itself. Go back to the admin panel, find the "Administration" or "System Settings" section, and change the admin password to something only you know.
This step protects your router from someone else logging in and changing your settings. Use a strong password here as well, and write it down somewhere safe in case you need it later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not know the default password on the sticker?
Search online for your router model number plus "default password". If the sticker is worn or missing, the manufacturer's website usually lists the defaults. If you still cannot find it, contact your internet provider — they may have records of the default for your specific router model.
Will resetting the router affect my internet connection?
No. The reset only changes your WiFi settings, not your connection to your internet provider. Your modem (if separate from the router) will continue working. If your router and modem are combined in one device, the reset will not affect your internet service itself, only the WiFi network you broadcast.
Can I reset the router if I forgot the admin password?
Yes. A factory reset does not require you to know the admin password — you only need physical access to the reset button. After the reset, you can log in with the default admin credentials from the sticker and set everything up again.
How long does the reset take?
The button press itself takes 10 to 15 seconds. The router then restarts, which usually takes 30 to 60 seconds total. You should wait at least two minutes before trying to connect to make sure the process is fully complete.
Do I need to reset the router to change my WiFi password?
No. A full reset is the slowest method. If you remember your current WiFi password, log into the admin panel and change only the password field. This keeps your network name and all your settings intact while changing only what you need to change.