Find Your Router and Locate the Reset Button

Your wireless network password lives on your router — the box that broadcasts WiFi throughout your home. To reset it, you need physical access to the device itself. Most routers sit on a shelf, in a closet, or mounted on a wall near where your internet cable enters the house. Look for a box with lights on the front and cables running into the back.

On the back or bottom of the router, you will find a small recessed button labeled Reset. This button is deliberately hard to press — it sits inside a tiny hole so you do not accidentally trigger it. You will need a straightened paperclip, a ballpoint pen, or a SIM card ejector tool to reach it. Do not use your finger.

Before you press anything, know what resetting does: it erases your WiFi password and returns all router settings to factory defaults. Your network name (SSID) will revert to something generic like "NETGEAR-5G" or "TP-Link-Guest". You will have to set up your WiFi password from scratch after the reset.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset erases your WiFi password and all custom settings, returning the router to how it came from the manufacturer.
  • You must hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on; a quick press will not work.
  • After the reset, your network name changes to the default name printed on the router's label, and you can log in with the default password also on that label.
  • Once you are back in the router's settings, you can create a new WiFi password that is easier to remember than the old one.
  • If you do not want to reset the entire router, you can change just the WiFi password through the router's settings page without erasing anything else.

Perform the Factory Reset

Make sure your router is powered on — you should see lights on the front panel. Locate the reset button hole on the back or bottom. Insert your straightened paperclip or pen tip into the hole until you feel it click slightly. You have now pressed the button.

Hold the button down for 10 to 15 seconds. The lights on the front of the router will blink or go dark. Keep holding. After 15 seconds, release the button and wait. The router will restart itself — this takes about one to three minutes. You will see the lights come back on and stabilize. Do not unplug the router during this process.

Once the lights stop blinking and return to their normal pattern, the reset is complete. Your router is now back to factory settings, and your old WiFi password no longer exists.

Find the Default Network Name and Password

After a factory reset, your router broadcasts a default network name instead of your custom one. This name is printed on a label attached to the router itself — usually on the bottom or back. Look for text that says "SSID" or "Network Name" followed by something like "NETGEAR-2.4G" or "TP-Link-5G".

On the same label, you will also find a default password, often labeled "Password", "WiFi Password", or "Key". This is a temporary password that came with the router from the factory. Write down both the network name and the password before you proceed.

If you cannot find the label, the router's model number is usually printed on the device. You can search online for "[your router model] default password" to find what the manufacturer set as the factory default. Common defaults include "admin" or "password", but this varies by brand.

Connect to the Router and Log In

On your phone, tablet, or computer, open your WiFi settings and look for the default network name you found on the label. Select it and enter the default password when prompted. You should now be connected to your router.

Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. Press Enter. You should see a login page for your router. Enter the default username and password — usually both are "admin", or the password is on the label you found earlier. If neither works, try searching online for your router model's default login credentials.

Once you are logged in, you will see the router's settings page. This looks different depending on your router brand, but you should see a menu with options like "Wireless", "WiFi", "Network", or "Security".

Create Your New WiFi Password

Look for a section called Wireless Settings, WiFi Settings, or Security. Inside, you should find fields for "Network Name" (or SSID) and "Password" (or "Passphrase"). The network name is what appears when you scan for WiFi on your phone — you can change this to anything you want, like "MyHome" or "Rodriguez-WiFi".

In the password field, create a new password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, address, or birthdate. A strong password might look like "BlueSky#2024Home". Write it down somewhere safe before you save it.

After you enter your new network name and password, look for a button labeled Save, explore, or OK. Click it. The router will restart and explore your new settings. This takes about one to two minutes.

Reconnect Your Devices to the New Network

Once the router has restarted, your old WiFi network will no longer exist. On each device — phone, tablet, laptop, smart TV, printer — you will need to forget the old network and connect to the new one. Open WiFi settings, find your new network name, and select it. When prompted, enter your new password.

Devices that were previously connected will not automatically reconnect because the password has changed. You must manually enter the new password on each one. Start with the devices you use most often, like your phone and computer.

If a device shows an error or says "incorrect password", double-check that you are typing the password exactly as you created it. Passwords are case-sensitive, meaning "BlueSky#2024Home" is different from "bluesky#2024home". If you are still having trouble, you can go back into the router settings and verify the password you saved.

Alternative: Change Your Password Without Resetting

If you remember your current WiFi password or can log into your router without resetting it, you can change just the WiFi password without erasing all your other settings. This is faster and safer than a full factory reset.

Connect to your current WiFi network, open a browser, and go to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Log in with your router's username and password. Navigate to the Wireless or WiFi Settings section, find the password field, and change it to something new. Save the changes. Your router will restart, and your new password will take effect.

This method keeps all your other settings intact — your network name stays the same, your port forwarding rules remain, and any devices that do not need to reconnect will stay connected. Only devices that were actively using WiFi will drop and need to reconnect with the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot find the reset button on my router?

Some routers hide the reset button inside the power port or behind a removable panel. Check your router's manual or search online for "[your router model] reset button location". If your router has a mobile app, you may also be able to reset it through the app instead of using the physical button.

Will resetting my router disconnect my internet?

Yes, temporarily. During the reset, your internet connection will drop for a few minutes while the router restarts. Once the reset is complete and you have reconnected your devices with the new password, your internet will work normally again.

Can I use the same password I had before?

You can, but you will need to remember what it was or have it written down somewhere. If you have already forgotten it, that is why you are resetting. When you create your new password, write it down in a safe place so you do not forget it again.

What if I get stuck on the router login page?

If you cannot log into the router settings page after a reset, try the default credentials printed on the label again. If that does not work, search online for your exact router model and "default login". If you still cannot get in, you may need to perform the factory reset again and wait longer for the router to fully restart before attempting to log in.

Do I need to reset if I just want to change my password?

No. If you can still log into your router settings, you can change just the WiFi password without resetting. A full factory reset should only be your choice if you cannot remember your current password or cannot access the router settings page.