How to Reset Router Password on Popular Routers

Changing your router password is an easy and effective way to improve the security and privacy of your network. In this article, learn how to reset your default router password for the most common routers.

Why should I change my router password?

Most people don’t think twice about changing their router password, but the default password that comes with your router is usually common and easy to guess. This makes your network vulnerable to hackers. Using a strong, unique password can help protect your network from unauthorized access.

Updating your password also gives you more control over your network settings, including your WiFi password and other WiFi network security settings.

How to reset your router password

The process for resetting your router password varies depending on the make and model of your router. But whether you want to reset a Netgear router password or a Linksys router password, you want to first reset the router to its default settings. Then, you want to connect to the router's web interface to change the password.

Step one: Reset the router to default settings

To reset the router to its default settings, follow these general steps:

  1. Locate the reset button on your router. This is typically a small button on the back or bottom of the router.
  2. Use a paperclip or pin to press and hold the reset button for 10-15 seconds. Make sure to hold the button until the router's lights start flashing, indicating that the reset process has begun.
  3. Wait for the router to finish resetting. This may take a few minutes; during this time, the router will reboot and restore itself to its default factory settings, including the default login credentials.
A man logs into his WiFi router from his phone

Step two: Connect to the router's web interface

Once you've reset your router to default, you can create and set a strong, unique password.

  1. To connect to the router's web interface, open a web browser and type the router's default IP address into the address bar. The IP varies depending on the make and model of your router, but several common router IPs are 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, and 192.168.10.1.
  2. Log in using the router's default username and password. You can typically find a router's username and password in the router's manual, on the manufacturer's website, or on the body of the router. Many routers use admin/admin as their username and password combination. However, if you can't find it, try checking the master list of common router logins. 
  3. Once logged in, navigate to the settings to change the router's password to a new one of your choosing. Each router type has its own unique interface, however.
    1. To reset Netgear router passwords, select Advanced > Administration > Set Password.
    2. To reset Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming router passwords, select Settings > Administration > Set Password.
    3. To reset Xfinity router passwords, click Change Password at the top right and enter a new password. Then, hit Save.
    4. To reset Asus router passwords, select Administration > System and then click Change next to Router Login Name and Router Login password.
    5. To reset Linksys router passwords, click the Administration tab, enter your new password, and click Save Settings.

Creating a strong password

When choosing a new password, make sure that it's difficult to guess and excludes any personal information about you. A strong password should be at least twelve characters long. It should also include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Use the password generator to create a password if you're having trouble coming up with one on your own. You can also use the password strength test to check that the password you do choose is secure enough to hold up over time.

Keep in mind that when you reset your router, it also erases any custom settings that you may have configured, like your wireless network name or passwords. You will need to set these up again after resetting the router.