How to Recover a Forgotten Router Password

Recovering a forgotten router admin password is something most people deal with at least once. The admin password is different from your Wi-Fi password. It controls access to the router’s settings panel where you configure wireless networks, security options, and firmware updates. Fortunately, there are several recovery methods to try before resorting to a full factory reset.

Check the Router Label for Default Credentials

Your router has a sticker on the bottom or back panel that lists the factory default admin username and password. This is the first place to look because many people never change the default credentials after setting up their network. The label also shows the default IP address, which is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.

Common default credentials by brand:

• TP-Link: admin / admin
• ASUS: admin / admin
• Netgear: admin / password
• Linksys: admin / admin (or blank password on older models)
• D-Link: admin / (blank) or admin / admin
• Huawei: admin / admin

If you changed the admin password at some point and do not remember the new one, the label defaults will not work. Move on to the next method.

Retrieve the Password from Your Browser

Your browser may have saved the router admin password the last time you logged in. Browsers prompt you to save credentials for any login page, and the router admin panel at 192.168.1.1 is no exception. Here is how to check saved passwords in each major browser.

Google Chrome. Open Chrome, click the three-dot menu, go to Settings > Autofill and passwords > Google Password Manager. Search for “192.168.1.1” or “192.168.0.1” or your router’s address. If a match appears, click it and then click the eye icon to reveal the password.

Mozilla Firefox. Open Firefox, click the hamburger menu, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Saved Logins. Search for your router’s IP address. Click the entry to view the username and password.

Microsoft Edge. Open Edge, go to Settings > Profiles > Passwords. Search for your router’s IP. Click the eye icon next to the entry to show the stored password.

Safari (macOS). Open Safari, go to Safari > Settings > Passwords. Authenticate with Touch ID or your Mac password. Search for your router’s IP address. Click the entry to view saved credentials.

If you use a dedicated password manager like 1Password, Bitwarden, or LastPass, search there too. Many password managers auto-capture router login pages.

Try Common Default Password Combinations

If the label is missing or unreadable and your browser has no saved credentials, your router may still be using a common default. Try these combinations on the router login page before proceeding to a reset:

1. Username: admin / Password: admin
2. Username: admin / Password: password
3. Username: admin / Password: (leave blank)
4. Username: user / Password: user
5. Username: (leave blank) / Password: admin

ISP-provided routers sometimes use unique default passwords. Check your ISP’s welcome letter or original setup documentation. Some ISPs print the admin credentials on a separate card included in the router box.

For a full reference of factory credentials by manufacturer and model, see the default router passwords guide.

Factory Reset the Router as a Last Resort

A factory reset wipes all custom settings and restores the router to its original configuration, including the default admin password from the label. This is the guaranteed way to regain access, but it means you will need to reconfigure your Wi-Fi name, Wi-Fi password, and every other custom setting afterward.

How to factory reset any router:

1. Locate the reset button on the back or bottom of the router. It is a small pinhole that requires a paperclip or SIM ejector tool.
2. With the router powered on, press and hold the reset button for 10-15 seconds.
3. Wait for the indicator lights to flash or cycle. The router is restarting.
4. Release the button and wait 1-2 minutes for the router to fully boot.
5. Connect to the router via Ethernet or the default Wi-Fi network (SSID and password on the label).
6. Open a browser and go to the router’s default IP address.
7. Log in with the default credentials from the label.

Brand-specific reset button details:

• TP-Link Archer routers: Pinhole reset button on the back panel. Hold for 10 seconds until the power LED blinks.
• ASUS RT/ROG routers: Pinhole button labeled “Reset” on the back. Hold for 5-10 seconds until the power LED starts flashing slowly.
• Netgear Nighthawk routers: Pinhole button on the back, sometimes labeled “Restore Factory Settings.” Hold for 7 seconds.
• Linksys routers: Pinhole button on the back or bottom. Hold for 10-15 seconds until the power light starts blinking.
• D-Link routers: Pinhole reset on the back. Hold for 10 seconds.

Some newer mesh systems like Google Nest WiFi and Amazon eero have the reset button on the bottom of the unit. Check the manufacturer’s documentation for exact placement.

Reconfigure Your Router After a Reset

After a factory reset, your router is running with default settings that are not secure. Your router needs immediate reconfiguration to protect your network. Follow these steps right after regaining access:

Change the admin password first. Go to Administration or System settings in your router’s panel. Set a strong, unique admin password that is different from your Wi-Fi password. Write it down or store it in a password manager.

Set up your Wi-Fi network. Go to Wireless settings and configure your SSID (network name) and Wi-Fi password. Use WPA2-Personal or WPA3-Personal encryption. Choose a password with at least 12 characters. For detailed steps, see the guide on changing your Wi-Fi password.

Restore any custom configurations. If you had port forwarding rules, static IP assignments, parental controls, or a guest network configured before the reset, you will need to set those up again. Higher-end routers from ASUS and Netgear offer a settings backup/restore feature. If you had previously exported a backup file, you can import it now to skip manual reconfiguration.

Update firmware. While you are in the admin panel, check for firmware updates under Administration or Advanced settings. Factory reset does not downgrade firmware, but it is a good time to verify you are running the latest version.

Prevent Future Password Loss

Losing the admin password is avoidable with a few habits. Store the password in a dedicated password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password. These tools encrypt your credentials and sync across devices, so you always have access.

If you prefer not to use a password manager, write the admin password on a label and stick it to the bottom of the router next to the default credentials. Physical access to the router already grants someone the ability to factory reset it, so a label does not meaningfully reduce security.

Some routers support password recovery via email. ASUS routers, for example, allow you to set a recovery email address under Administration > System. If you forget the password, the router can send a reset link. Enable this feature during initial setup if your router offers it.