This article explains how to find the default user name and password for your router, as well as how to reset your router to its default settings.

What to Know

  • Look at bottom, side, or back of router for sticker with default username and password.Or go to routerpasswords.com > choose manufacturer > Find Password > locate model and password.Or reset your password. Check back of router for Reset. Push tip of paperclip into hole and hold for 30 seconds.

Check for a Sticker on Your Router

Most routers actually include the default login information for you providing you know where to look. Here’s what to do.

  • Physically go to your router. Routers are typically white or black boxes that look a lot like a modem. They often have antennas sticking out of them or cables.
  • If you’re really stuck finding it, follow the cables from where your internet connection was set up by your ISP or phone company.
  • Flip the router upside down and look at the bottom of the device. There’s usually a sticker located here.
  • Some routers have the sticker on the side or back of the device. Check those places, too.
  • Read the sticker. It should provide you with the default username and password for the router. This won’t work if you’ve since changed the details, but it’s a start and for most users, the best solution.

Find the Default Username and Password for Your Router

No sticker on your router? Don’t worry. Each router brand and model has a default username and password so you can still find it out. 

Physically go to your router. Routers are typically white or black boxes that look a lot like a modem. They often have antennas sticking out of them or cables.

If you’re really stuck finding it, follow the cables from where your internet connection was set up by your ISP or phone company. 

Flip the router upside down and look at the bottom of the device. There’s usually a sticker located here.

Some routers have the sticker on the side or back of the device. Check those places, too.

Read the sticker. It should provide you with the default username and password for the router. This won’t work if you’ve since changed the details, but it’s a start and for most users, the best solution. 

You’ll need to know your router brand and model number. This is typically located somewhere on the router or you could try looking it up via your purchase history if you know where you purchased it from.

  • Go to https://www.routerpasswords.com
  • Choose your router manufacturer from the dropdown list.
  • Click Find Password.
  • Scroll down the list to find your router model.
  • The password is listed in the right-hand column. Write the password down or try it directly.
  • The password should work unless you’ve changed it in the past. If you have, there’s still another solution you can try!

Reset Your Router to the Default Settings

If neither of the above solutions work then you’ve probably created your own password and forgotten what it is. The only foolproof way to be able to re-access your router is if you reset it to its default settings. Here’s what to do.

You can try the most common default passwords: admin or Admin

Go to https://www.routerpasswords.com

Choose your router manufacturer from the dropdown list.

Click Find Password.

Scroll down the list to find your router model.

The password is listed in the right-hand column. Write the password down or try it directly.

The password should work unless you’ve changed it in the past. If you have, there’s still another solution you can try!

  • Go to your router physically.
  • Look for a tiny hole or button on the back, bottom or side of the device. It typically says reset next to it.
  • JaysonPhotography, Getty Images
  • Push an unfolded paperclip into the hole and hold it for about 30 seconds.
  • The router should now be reset to default settings including the router password and router username.
  • Now you can use the instructions above to find the default username and password.

This solution takes a bit of time as you need to set your router back up, as well as reconnect your devices, so set aside an hour or so to get back on track.

Go to your router physically.

Look for a tiny hole or button on the back, bottom or side of the device. It typically says reset next to it. 

Push an unfolded paperclip into the hole and hold it for about 30 seconds.

The router should now be reset to default settings including the router password and router username.

Now you can use the instructions above to find the default username and password.

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