Where your admin credentials are usually stored
Your administrator username and password are most often written down in one of three places: the paperwork that came with your router or modem, a sticker on the device itself, or an email from your internet service provider sent when you first set up service.
Check the original box your router came in, or look for a small card or sheet inside. Many manufacturers print login details on a label stuck to the back or bottom of the device — look for text that says "Admin" or "Default Login" followed by a username and password. If you set up your router years ago, that paperwork may be in a drawer with other home documents or bills.
Search your email for messages from your internet provider with subject lines like "Your Router Setup" or "Network Configuration." These emails often contain the default username and password, sometimes alongside instructions for changing them.
Key Takeaways
- Default admin credentials are usually printed on a sticker attached to your router or included in the paperwork that came with it.
- Your internet service provider may have sent login details by email when you first activated service.
- If you changed the password yourself and forgot it, you can reset the router to factory defaults, which will erase your custom settings.
- The username is often "admin" and the password is often "admin" or "password," but this varies by manufacturer.
- You access the admin panel by typing your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into a web browser.
Checking your internet provider's account portal
Log into your account on your internet provider's website using the username and password you use to pay your bill. Most providers have a section called "My Account," "Services," or "Devices" that lists your router model and sometimes displays the admin login information.
If you cannot find it there, call your provider's customer service number (usually on your bill) and ask them to confirm your router's default admin username and password. Have your account number ready. They can also tell you whether you changed the password yourself at some point, which would mean the default no longer works.
What to do if you changed the password and cannot remember it
If you set a custom admin password yourself and have forgotten it, you can reset your router to its factory default settings. This will erase any custom configuration you made — including your Wi-Fi network name and password — so use this only as a last resort.
Most routers have a small reset button on the back or bottom. Press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the device will restart. Once it boots back up, the admin username and password will return to the manufacturer's defaults, which you can then find using the methods above.
After you log in with the default credentials, you can set a new custom password. Write it down or store it in a password manager so you do not lose it again.
Finding the IP address to access the admin panel
To log into your router's admin panel, you need to type its IP address into a web browser. The most common addresses are 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1. Try the first one; if that does not work, try the second.
If neither of those works, you can find your router's actual IP address by checking your computer's network settings. On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig, then look for "Default Gateway" — that number is your router's IP address. On Mac, go to System Preferences, select Network, click Advanced, and look for the router address listed under TCP/IP.
Once you have the IP address, type it into your web browser's address bar (the same place you would type a website URL) and press Enter. You should see a login screen asking for your admin username and password.
Common default usernames and passwords by manufacturer
These are the defaults most manufacturers ship with, but your specific model may differ. The sticker on your device or the paperwork that came with it will always be more accurate than any general list.
| Manufacturer | Common Default Username | Common Default Password |
|---|---|---|
| Linksys | admin | admin |
| TP-Link | admin | admin |
| Netgear | admin | password |
| D-Link | admin | admin |
| Asus | admin | admin |
| Arris (cable modem) | motorola | motorola |
If you try these defaults and none of them work, check your device's documentation or contact the manufacturer's support line with your router model number. Your internet provider can also confirm what the defaults should be for your specific equipment.
Why you should change your default password
The default admin password is the same for every router of that model ever made. Anyone on your Wi-Fi network — or in some cases, anyone who can reach your router from outside your home — can log in and change your settings, disconnect devices, or monitor your traffic if you leave the default password in place.
Once you have logged in with the default credentials, look for a section called "Administration," "Settings," or "Security" and change the password to something only you know. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write it down or store it in a password manager, because resetting the router to factory defaults is the only way to recover a forgotten admin password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I access my router's admin panel from outside my home?
By default, no — you must be connected to your Wi-Fi network or plugged into the router with an ethernet cable. Some routers have a "remote management" feature that lets you log in from anywhere, but this is turned off by default for security reasons. Turning it on makes your router more vulnerable, so most people should leave it off.
What if the default username and password do not work?
Try the manufacturer's other common defaults (admin/password, admin/12345, or the model number as both username and password). If none of those work, reset the router to factory defaults using the reset button. If you still cannot log in, contact your internet provider or the router manufacturer's support line.
Is it safe to use the default admin password?
No. Anyone who knows your router model can look up the default password online and log in if they are on your network. Change it to a strong custom password as soon as you first log in. This is one of the most important security steps you can take for your home network.
Will resetting my router delete my internet connection?
No, but it will erase your custom Wi-Fi network name, password, and any other settings you configured. After the reset, you will need to set up your Wi-Fi network again and reconnect your devices. Your internet service itself will still work once the router restarts.
Where should I store my admin password once I create one?
Write it down and keep it in a find place at home, such as a locked drawer or safe. Alternatively, store it in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass. Do not email it to yourself or store it in an unencrypted document on your computer.