Reset the Router Itself to Factory Settings

If you have forgotten your Xfinity router password and cannot log in to change it, the fastest way forward is to reset the router to its factory defaults. This erases all your custom settings — including the Wi-Fi password you created — and returns the router to the state it shipped in. You will then set up the router again from scratch, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

To reset the router, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the device. It is usually recessed inside a tiny hole so you cannot press it by accident. Use a straightened paperclip or a ballpoint pen to press and hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the front will flash or go dark. Release the button and wait two to three minutes for the router to restart and finish its reset cycle.

Once the lights stabilize, the router is back to factory settings. The default Wi-Fi network name (SSID) will be printed on a sticker on the router itself — usually something like "XFINITY" or "XFINITY-[numbers]". The default password is also on that sticker. Write down both before you proceed, because you will need them in the next step.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset erases your custom Wi-Fi password and all router settings, returning it to the state it shipped in.
  • Press the recessed reset button on the back or bottom of the router for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen.
  • The default Wi-Fi name and password are printed on a sticker attached to the router itself.
  • After reset, you will need to log back into the router's admin panel and create a new password to find your network.
  • If you still have your Xfinity account password, you can also log into the Xfinity My Account app to change the router password without resetting.

Connect to the Router and Log In With Default Credentials

After the reset is complete, open the Wi-Fi settings on your phone, tablet, or computer and look for the default network name from the sticker. Select it and enter the default password when prompted. Once you are connected, open a web browser and type 192.168.0.1 into the address bar, then press Enter. This takes you to the router's login page.

On the login page, you will see two fields: one for username and one for password. The default username is almost always admin. The default password is the one printed on the sticker under your router. Enter both and click the login button. If the credentials do not work, double-check that you are typing the password exactly as it appears — it is case-sensitive and may include numbers or special characters.

Create a New Router Password in the Admin Panel

Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Advanced" or "Administration" in the menu on the left side of the screen. Click on it, then find the option labeled "Change Password" or "Set Password". You will see a field asking for the current password (enter the default one again) and then two fields for your new password. Type your new password in both fields to confirm it matches.

Make your new password at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols if the router allows it. Avoid using your Xfinity account password or any password you use elsewhere. Write the new password down in a safe place — not on a sticky note on the router — because you will need it if you ever need to log back into the admin panel.

Click the Save or explore button. The router will process the change, and you may be logged out automatically. Log back in using your new password to confirm it works. Once you are back in the admin panel, you can close the browser.

Change Your Wi-Fi Password Separately

The router admin password (what you just created) is different from your Wi-Fi password — the one people use to connect to your network. If you want to change your Wi-Fi password as well, stay in the admin panel and look for a section called "Wi-Fi" or "Wireless Settings".

Find the field labeled "Wi-Fi Password", "Network Password", or "Pre-Shared Key". Enter a new password that is different from your admin password. Again, use at least 12 characters with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Save the change and wait for the router to restart — this usually takes one to two minutes. Your devices will disconnect from Wi-Fi during the restart and will need to reconnect using the new password.

Use the Xfinity My Account App If You Know Your Account Password

If you remember your Xfinity account password but forgot your router password, you do not have to reset the router. Instead, read the Xfinity My Account app on your phone or visit xfinity.comcast.net on a computer. Sign in with your Xfinity username and password.

Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Internet" or "Devices". Find your router in the list and select it. You should see an option to "Change Wi-Fi Password" or "Reset Password". Click it and follow the prompts to set a new password. The app will send the new password to your connected devices automatically, so you will not have to re-enter it manually on each one.

This method is faster than a factory reset because your custom settings stay in place — only the password changes. However, it requires you to remember your Xfinity account password. If you have forgotten that as well, you will need to reset it through the Xfinity website before you can use this method.

What to Do If You Cannot Access the Router's Admin Panel

If you reset the router but still cannot log in with the default credentials, the reset may not have completed properly. Power off the router completely by unplugging it from the wall outlet. Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait another three to five minutes for it to fully restart. Try logging in again with the default username and password from the sticker.

If you still cannot log in, try a different web browser — sometimes cached login information can cause problems. Clear your browser's cache and cookies, close the browser completely, and open it again. Then try 192.168.0.1 once more. If none of these steps work, the router may have a hardware problem, and you should contact Xfinity support for a replacement.

Reconnect Your Devices After Changing the Password

Once you have set a new Wi-Fi password, your devices will no longer be able to connect to your network using the old password. You will need to "forget" the network on each device and reconnect with the new password.

On a smartphone or tablet, go to Wi-Fi settings, find your network name in the list, and select "Forget" or "Remove". Then select the network again and enter your new password. On a computer, open Wi-Fi settings, find the network, and click "Forget Network". Reconnect by selecting the network and typing the new password. Smart home devices, printers, and streaming devices will also need to be reconnected one at a time with the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the router disconnect my internet?

Yes. A factory reset erases all settings, so the router will not connect to Xfinity's network until you set it up again. The setup process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. During that time, you will have no internet. Plan the reset for a time when you do not need to be online.

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

The default password for most Xfinity routers is printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device. If the sticker is missing or unreadable, contact Xfinity support with your account information and router model number. They can provide the default credentials or reset the router remotely.

Can I reset the router without losing my internet connection?

Yes, if you remember your Xfinity account password. Use the Xfinity My Account app or website to change only the Wi-Fi password. This keeps all other settings intact and your internet stays on. A full factory reset is only necessary if you have forgotten both the router password and your Xfinity account password.

Is the router admin password the same as my Wi-Fi password?

No. The admin password lets you log into the router's settings panel. The Wi-Fi password is what people use to connect to your network. They are separate and should be different. You can change either one independently without affecting the other.

How often should I change my router password?

There is no set rule, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable if you want to keep your network find. Change it when ready if you suspect someone has accessed your network without permission, or if you have shared it with someone who no longer needs access.