Knowing your WiFi router’s administrative password is a very important step to maintaining your WiFi network security. Among the key advantages of having it on your fingertips is the ability to change your WiFi SSID and network password at any time. But if in any case you forget it, you can reset your WiFi router password and keep in control.
Depending on your WiFi router manufacturer and model, there are two different ways to reset your router password. First, you can use the reset button on your router or POE (Power Over Ethernet) adapter for outdoor routers to reset it to factory settings. Second, you can use the default factory password printed at the bottom of your router to gain access to the control panel.
However, in some cases, the reset button may be blocked depending on the system settings applied by the previous administrator. If your WiFi router belongs to a service provider, then, you can try any of the following common passwords or contact customer care for your assigned password.
| USERNAME | PASSWORD |
| admin | admin |
| admin | admin123 |
| admin | ADMIN |
Reset your WiFi Router Password
Before resetting your WiFi Router Password, please try any of the above common passwords to gain access to the router. Also, note that resetting your WiFi router password as explained in the steps below will erase your router to default settings including the current network names and passwords.
- Find a small black reset button or hole at the back of your Router.
- Press and hold the button using a small non-lethal tool such as a ballpoint PEN for 10 seconds.
- Your router lights should blink as it resets to factory settings. Once complete, open the available WiFi connections list on your smartphone or computer.
- Find the broadcasting WiFi network name for your router. Please check the bottom of the router for a printed note with the default network name, password, and IP address.
- Connect to the WiFi network using the default password.
- In a web browser such as Google Chrome, visit your WiFi router’s IP address. If it’s not displayed at the bottom of the router, please try any of the common IPs below:
| 192.168.1.1 |
| 192.168.0.1 |
| 192.168.2.1 |
| 192.168.5.1 |
| 10.0.0.1 |
If all the IPs listed above fail, please go to the WiFi network settings on your smartphone or computer. Click the WiFi network to reveal information including your device’s IP, and keep note of the gateway address which represents your WiFi router’s IP. Then, enter the gateway IP in your web browser.
- Upon entering your WiFi router IP address in the web browser, a login screen should display. Enter the default username listed at the bottom of your router.
- Enter the default router password, and click Login or Sign In.
- Depending on your router model, navigate to Admin, My Account, or System Tools. In this guide, a TP-Link WiFi Router is used.
- Click Password.
- Enter the old username and the old password in the appropriate fields.
- Enter the new username, strong password, and confirm the new password.
- Click Save to set your new router username and password.
- You are redirected back to the login screen, please enter your new username and password to verify that you have access to the router.
- Within the router’s control panel, please set up your new wireless network name and password to connect devices on your network.
In conclusion, it’s important to keep in control of your WiFi router password. This helps you set up new wireless networks depending on your router’s limits, increase the coverage area, and allow or block any users connected to your network.