Reset the Router Itself to Factory Settings

The fastest way to regain access to your Comcast router is to reset it to its original factory password. This erases all your custom settings — your Wi-Fi name, password, and any port forwarding rules you created — but restores the router to a state you can log into when ready.

Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your router. It is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a straightened paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart. This takes about two minutes.

Once the lights stabilize, open a web browser and go to 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1. The default username is admin and the default password is motorola (or sometimes admin). You should now be able to log in. After you regain access, you can set a new password and reconfigure your Wi-Fi settings.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset erases your custom settings but lets you log in when ready using the default username admin and password motorola.
  • Press the recessed reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds while it is powered on, then wait for the lights to stabilize.
  • After reset, visit 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1 in your browser and log in with the default credentials to set a new password.
  • If you do not want to lose your settings, contact Comcast support to verify your identity and have them reset the password remotely.

Find Your Router Model and Default Password

Comcast routers come in several models, and the default password varies slightly. Look at the label on the back or bottom of your router for the model number. Common models include the Motorola MG7550, Arris SB6141, and Technicolor TG1682G.

Most Comcast-provided routers use motorola as the default password, but some older models use admin or leave the password field blank. If 192.168.0.1 does not work, try 192.168.100.1 instead — different models use different gateway addresses. Write down which combination worked so you remember it next time.

Log In and Change Your Password Without Resetting

If you remember your router's IP address and can guess the username, you may be able to change the password without a full reset. Open a browser and type the IP address into the address bar. When prompted, enter the username and password. If the default credentials work, you are in.

Once logged in, look for a section labeled Administration, Settings, or Advanced. Find the option to change the password or login credentials. Set a new password you will remember, then save the changes. The router may restart briefly. This method preserves all your Wi-Fi settings and port forwarding rules.

If you cannot guess the default password and do not want to reset the router, contact Comcast support. They can verify your account and reset the password for you over the phone, though this usually takes longer than a manual reset.

Reconfigure Your Wi-Fi After a Reset

After a factory reset, your Wi-Fi network will broadcast under the router's default name, usually something like Comcast-XXXX or Motorola-XXXX. The default Wi-Fi password is often printed on the router label as well. Connect your devices using these credentials first to confirm the router is working.

Then log back into the router at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1 and change the Wi-Fi name and password to something you prefer. Look for Wireless or Wi-Fi Settings in the menu. Choose a strong password — at least 12 characters, mixing letters, numbers, and symbols — and save your changes. Your devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect using the new password.

Prevent Lockouts in the Future

Write down your new router password and store it somewhere safe — a password manager, a locked drawer, or a note on your phone. Many people reset their router because they forgot a password they set months ago and never wrote down.

If you set up a new password and then forget it again, you can always perform another factory reset. There is no limit to how many times you can reset a router. The trade-off is that each reset wipes your custom settings, so keeping a record of your password saves you the reconfiguration work.

When to Contact Comcast Instead

If your router will not power on, the reset button does not work, or you cannot reach the login page even after a reset, the hardware may be damaged. Contact Comcast support and describe what you have tried. They can send a replacement router or walk you through additional troubleshooting steps.

You should also contact Comcast if you suspect someone else has changed your router password without permission. They can verify your account ownership and reset the password remotely. This is faster than a factory reset if you want to keep your current Wi-Fi settings and port forwarding rules intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the router disconnect my internet?

Yes, temporarily. The reset takes about two minutes, during which the router restarts and all devices lose connection. Once the lights stabilize, you can reconnect to the Wi-Fi using the default network name and password. Your internet service itself does not change — Comcast's connection to your modem is unaffected.

What is the difference between resetting the router and resetting the modem?

The router broadcasts your Wi-Fi and manages your local network. The modem connects you to Comcast's internet service. Resetting the router only affects Wi-Fi and local settings. Resetting the modem can interrupt your internet connection for several minutes. If you only forgot the router password, reset the router, not the modem.

Can I reset the password without losing my Wi-Fi name?

Yes, if you can log in with the default credentials. Go to Administration or Settings, change only the login password, and leave the Wi-Fi name and password unchanged. A full factory reset erases everything, but changing just the password preserves your Wi-Fi setup.

What if I do not know the IP address to log in?

Try 192.168.0.1 first — this works for most Comcast routers. If that does not load, try 192.168.100.1. If neither works, perform a factory reset using the button on the back of the router. After the reset, the default IP address will work again.

Is the default password the same for all Comcast routers?

Most use motorola, but some older models use admin or have a blank password field. Check the label on your specific router model. If the default password does not work, try admin or leave the password blank. If none of those work, a factory reset will restore the router to a known state.