Find your router and locate the reset button

Your router is the box that broadcasts WiFi throughout your home — usually a rectangular device with antennas, placed near your modem or in a central location. Look for a small button labeled "Reset" on the back or bottom of the unit. This button is often recessed, meaning you cannot press it with your finger alone.

You will need a paperclip, pen tip, or similar thin object to press and hold the reset button. Before you do anything, write down the current WiFi network name (SSID) that appears on your devices — you may want to keep it the same after resetting. Also note whether you have any devices that connect only to your 5 GHz network, as some older devices do not support that band.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button on your router is usually recessed and requires a paperclip or pen to press; holding it for 10 to 15 seconds erases all your custom settings.
  • After a reset, your router returns to factory defaults, meaning the WiFi network name and password revert to what was printed on the router's label or manual.
  • You can find the default network name and password on a sticker attached to your router, in the manual that came with it, or on your internet service provider's website.
  • Once you log in with the default password, you can create a new custom WiFi password through your router's settings page, accessed by typing your router's IP address into a web browser.
  • If you do not know your router model or cannot find the default password, contact your internet service provider — they can walk you through the process or send a technician.

What happens when you press the reset button

Pressing and holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds erases every custom setting you have made on your router. This includes your WiFi password, your network name, any port forwarding rules, and any devices you have blocked or prioritized. The router returns to the exact state it was in when it left the factory.

After the reset completes, your router will restart automatically — this takes about two to three minutes. During this time, your WiFi will disappear from the list of available networks on your devices. Once the restart finishes, the WiFi network will reappear, but it will be broadcasting under the default name and password that came with your router.

Find the default WiFi password on your router

The default network name and password are printed on a sticker attached to your router. This sticker is usually on the bottom or back of the unit. Look for lines labeled "SSID" or "Network Name" (the WiFi name) and "Password," "WiFi Password," or "Key" (the password itself). Write these down before you reset.

If the sticker is missing or illegible, check the manual that came with your router — it contains the same information. If you no longer have the manual, you can search online for your router model number (printed on the sticker or the device itself) plus "default password." Your internet service provider's website may also list default credentials for routers they provide.

Connect to your router after the reset

Once your router has finished restarting, open the WiFi settings on your phone, laptop, or tablet. You should see the default network name appear in the list of available networks. Select it and enter the default password from the sticker. You should connect successfully within a few seconds.

If you do not see the network appear, wait another minute — the router may still be starting up. If it still does not appear after five minutes, restart your device's WiFi radio by turning WiFi off and back on. If you still cannot connect, the reset may not have completed properly; try pressing the reset button again for a full 15 seconds.

Create a new custom WiFi password through your router settings

Now that you are connected with the default password, you can change it to something only you know. Open a web browser on the device you just connected and type your router's IP address into the address bar. For most home routers, this is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Press Enter.

A login page will appear asking for a username and password. These are different from your WiFi password — they control access to the router's settings. The default username is often "admin" and the default password is often "admin" or "password," but this varies by manufacturer. Check your router's sticker or manual for the correct defaults. Once you log in, look for a section labeled "WiFi," "Wireless," or "Network Settings."

Find the field for "WiFi Password," "Pre-Shared Key," or "Passphrase" and enter a new password of your choice. Make it at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — this makes it harder for someone to guess. Save your changes. Your router will restart, and after about one minute, you will need to reconnect to your WiFi using your new password.

What to do if you cannot find the reset button or default password

Some routers hide the reset button inside a small hole that is not when ready obvious, or the button may be labeled differently. If you have looked thoroughly and cannot find it, check your router's manual or search online for "[your router model] reset button location." You can usually find your model number on the sticker on the back or bottom of the unit.

If you still cannot locate the default password after checking the sticker and manual, contact your internet service provider. They have records of which router model you have and can tell you the default credentials. They can also walk you through the login process if you get stuck. If you have a very old router, the manufacturer may no longer publish the default password online, but your ISP will have it on file.

Reconnect your devices after changing your password

After you have set a new WiFi password, every device that was previously connected will lose its connection. You will need to reconnect each one manually. Go to the WiFi settings on each device, select your network name, and enter your new password. Phones, tablets, and laptops usually remember the password after you enter it once, so you will not have to re-enter it unless you change the password again.

Some smart home devices, security cameras, or older WiFi devices may have trouble reconnecting. If a device fails to connect after you enter the correct password, try restarting that device or moving it closer to the router temporarily. If it still will not connect, check whether the device supports the WiFi standard your router is using — very old devices may not work with newer routers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my router disconnect my internet?

Resetting the router itself does not disconnect your internet service. Your modem (the device that connects to your ISP) remains unaffected. However, all your devices will lose WiFi connection during the reset and restart process, which takes about three minutes. Your wired internet connection, if you have one plugged directly into the router, will also go down temporarily.

Can I reset my router without pressing the physical button?

Most home routers do not have a way to reset through the settings menu — you must use the physical reset button. Some newer routers may offer a factory reset option in their settings page, but this is uncommon. If your router has one, it will be in the advanced settings or administration section. Check your manual to see if your model supports this.

What if I forget my new WiFi password after I set it?

If you forget the custom password you created, you will have to reset the router again using the physical reset button. This erases your custom password and returns the router to factory defaults. You can then log back in with the default password and set a new custom one. Write down your new password somewhere safe, or use your device's password manager to store it.

Do I need to reset my modem too?

No. Your modem and router are separate devices. Resetting the router only affects WiFi and local network settings. Your modem handles the connection to your internet service provider and should not need to be reset unless you are having internet connectivity problems, not WiFi password problems.

Why is my WiFi password different from my router login password?

The WiFi password is what you give to guests or use on your devices to connect wirelessly. The router login password controls who can access the router's settings page. They are separate for security — someone who knows your WiFi password cannot change your router settings without also knowing the admin password. Keep both find, but you only need to share the WiFi password with people you want on your network.