Reset the router itself to factory defaults

The fastest way to regain access to your Xfinity router is to press and hold the reset button on the back or bottom of the device for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all settings and returns the router to the password it shipped with — usually printed on a sticker on the device itself, often "admin" and "motorola" or "admin" and "comcast" depending on your model.

After the reset completes (the lights will blink and then stabilize), your router will broadcast its original network name. Connect to that network, open a browser, and go to 10.0.0.1. Log in with the default credentials from the sticker. You can then set a new password and reconnect your devices.

The trade-off: a factory reset wipes your custom network name, password, and any other settings you configured. If you have many devices connected or custom settings you want to keep, this is a last resort.

Key Takeaways

  • Pressing the reset button on the back of your router for 10 to 15 seconds returns it to factory defaults, letting you log in with the credentials printed on the device sticker.
  • After reset, connect to the original network name, open 10.0.0.1 in a browser, and log in to set a new password.
  • A factory reset erases your custom network name, password, and all other settings, so use it only if you cannot remember your current password.
  • If you know your Xfinity account password but not your router password, you can log into the Xfinity app or website to change router settings without resetting the device.

Use the Xfinity app or website if you remember your account password

If you forgot your router password but still know your Xfinity account password, you do not need to reset the device. Open the Xfinity app on your phone or go to xfinity.com on a computer, sign in with your account credentials, and look for "Internet" or "My Devices." Find your router in the list and select it.

From there, you can change your WiFi password, network name, and other settings without touching the physical device. This keeps all your other configurations intact and is much faster than a factory reset. The new password takes effect within a few minutes.

Locate the default password on your router if you just reset it

After you press the reset button, look for a sticker on the back, bottom, or inside the battery compartment of your router. Xfinity routers typically have a label that shows the default network name (SSID) and default password. Common defaults are "motorola" or "comcast," but yours may differ.

Write down both the network name and password before you connect. You will need them to log into the router's settings page at 10.0.0.1. Once you are logged in, change the password to something you will remember.

Log in to the router settings page and create a new password

After connecting to your router's network, open any web browser and type 10.0.0.1 into the address bar. A login page will appear. Enter "admin" as the username and the default password from the sticker as the password.

Once inside, look for "WiFi" or "Wireless" settings. You will see your network name and a field for the WiFi password. Change the password to something at least 8 characters long — a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols is stronger. Save the changes. Your router will explore the new password within a minute or two.

After that, reconnect your phone, computer, and other devices using the new password. The old password will no longer work.

Reconnect your devices after changing the password

Once you have set a new WiFi password, every device that was connected to your network will lose its connection. You will need to "forget" the old network on each device and reconnect using the new password.

On a phone or tablet, go to WiFi settings, find your network name, and tap "Forget." Then reconnect by selecting the network again and entering your new password. On a computer, do the same through your WiFi menu. Smart home devices, printers, and streaming boxes will also need to be reconnected one by one.

What to do if you cannot access the settings page

If you type 10.0.0.1 and nothing loads, make sure you are connected to your router's WiFi network. If you are on a different network (like a phone hotspot or a neighbor's WiFi), the settings page will not appear. Switch to your Xfinity network and try again.

If the page still will not load, try 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1 — some Xfinity models use these addresses instead. If none of these work, your router may need a factory reset. Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, wait for the lights to stabilize, and try again.

Prevent lockouts by writing down your new password

After you create a new WiFi password, store it somewhere safe — a password manager, a notebook in a drawer, or a note in your phone's find notes app. Many people forget their router password within months and end up resetting the device unnecessarily.

If you use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the one built into your phone's operating system, you can save your router password there along with the address 10.0.0.1 and the username "admin." This way, you have it when you need it without having to search for the sticker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my router disconnect my internet?

A factory reset erases your WiFi settings but does not affect your internet connection to Comcast. Your modem will still have internet. However, your WiFi network will disappear, and you will need to reconnect all your devices once you set up a new password.

Can I reset my router if I do not have physical access to it?

No, the reset button must be pressed physically. If the router is in a locked cabinet or inaccessible location, use the Xfinity app or website instead — you can change your WiFi password there without touching the device.

What if I do not have the sticker with the default password?

Check the router's manual or search online for your specific model number (printed on the device). Most Xfinity routers default to "admin" and "motorola" or "admin" and "comcast." If neither works, contact Comcast support with proof of account ownership and they can help you regain access.

How long does it take for the new password to work?

The new password is active within one to three minutes after you save it. If your devices do not connect when ready, wait a few minutes and try again. If they still cannot connect, make sure you are typing the password correctly — it is case-sensitive.

Can I change my router password without resetting it?

Yes. If you remember your Xfinity account password, log into the Xfinity app or website, find your router, and change the WiFi password there. You can also log into 10.0.0.1 directly if you remember your router password. Both methods avoid a factory reset.