It's a good idea to change your router's password from time to time to make your computer and personal information more secure. Each router works a little differently, and there are so many brands and models of routers that it's impossible to discuss how they work individually. Even so, most of these steps are basically the same for most routers, although the layout and configuration varies slightly. To change your router password, see the basic steps below.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Finding Router Login Information
Step 1. Look at the router or guide provided
If you've never changed your router's login information, it's still the router's defaults. You can usually find the IP address, username, and general password next to the router or in the router's manual.
- The router wizard may only have a common IP address, and not always display the router password. But the side of the router generally has that information.
- The common IP address for most routers is 192.168.1.1. This applies to Linksys, Actiontec, VersaLink products and others.
- The router's default IP address may vary. For AT&T routers usually the IP address is 192.168.1.254. For WRP400, the common IP address is 192.168.15.1.
Step 2. Download the electronic version of the router guide
If your router guide is missing, an electronic version of the guide is usually available on the router company's website.
- The electronic guide will only provide a generic IP address, but cannot be used if your router's IP address has been changed.
- Look for an electronic version of the router's manual on the internet or on the manufacturer's website. From there, use the search or search tool to find your router's guide, then look through the results until you find a guide that matches your router's model number.
Step 3. Find the router's IP address using the TCP/IP program
You can run this program by opening a Command Prompt window and typing "ipconfig". Your router's IP address will be under the "Default Gateway" list.
- If you are using Windows, press Windows key+R to bring up the Run dialog box. Type "cmd" to open the Command Prompt, and type "ipconfig" followed by the Enter key to display your router's IP address.
- If you are using a Mac, navigate to the Application menu and click the Utilities section. From there, click on Terminal. Type "ipconfig" followed by the Return key to display various IP information.
- For Linux, open Terminal by pressing Ctrl+Al+T on the keyboard. In the terminal, type the command "sudo ifconfig" to open the information you need.
Step 4. Know the password and common username for your router
If you have never changed your password, this information may still be general and may vary by router brand.
- You can check your router's general password online by visiting
- Select your router brand from the drop-down list and click the Find Password button.
- A list of router models will appear under the manufacturer. Find your router model, and look at the username and password sections of the table to determine your router's general information.
- For Netgear, Linksys, Actiontec, and VersaLink routers, the common username is usually admin.
- Note that some routers, such as Belkin routers, do not have usernames.
- For Linksys, Belkin, and some Actiontec routers, leave the password blank.
- For Netgear routers, VersaLink and other Actiontec routers, try the common password, which is password.
Step 5. Reset the router to factory settings
If you change the login information for your router but can't find it, the only practical thing to do is to reset the router so that the information returns to its general settings.
- For most routers, you can reset the IP address by pressing the Reset button on the back of the router box for 30 seconds. To reach this reset button, you usually have to use a toothpick, straightened paper clip, or other small pointed object to reach the protective hole and press the button inside.
- Resetting the router will erase any custom settings that have been made. The router's password and username will also be reset.
Part 2 of 3: Accessing the Router on the Network
Step 1. Open a web browser
You can use any web browser, such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, or Google Chrome.
Step 2. Type in the IP address of your router
This information must be typed directly into the web browser's address box. Press the Enter or Return key on your keyboard, or click the Go button next to the address box to visit the router's page.
After typing in the router's IP address, you will be taken to a special web page that controls the router's settings. From here, the steps involved will vary depending on the make and model of your router, but some of the basic steps are still the same
Step 3. Sign in
Usually you will be asked to type in the username and password you were looking for. Once you have the information, press the OK or Submit button.
Note that sometimes you won't be asked for a username or password unless you make changes to one of the settings
Part 3 of 3: Changing Password
Step 1. Find the right tab
After accessing the router's webpage, look around to find where to change the password on the page.
- Usually this section of the page is under the Administrative or Security tab.
- For Linksys routers, click the Administration tab. If your Linksys router is older, you should click the Password tab.
- On some VersaLink routers, you should look under the Maintenance menu.
- On Netgear routers, the right section is under the Advanced tab. From there, you should look for Setup, then Wireless Setup.
- On AT&T routers, you should click the System Password link. Note that you will not be prompted to type in your current system password until you reach this screen. From there, you'll open the Edit System Password screen and be prompted to enter a new password and instructions.
Step 2. Also, find these instructions in the router guide
If a PDF version of your router's manual is available, search for the words "password" to find information about where to change your router password.
The tricky part about searching for "passwords" in this PDF guide is that there are a lot of router-related passwords that aren't the passwords you're looking for. For example, the login password is not the same as the PPoE password, PPTP password, or L2TP password, nor is the password for your wireless network the same
Step 3. Type the new password
While each router works slightly differently, you usually just need to type the new password into the password field and retype it into the Re-enter Password field. Click the Apply or Submit button to confirm the changes.
Step 4. Log in using your new password
Most routers will force you to exit user settings and log back in using a new password. Do this to verify that the router's new password is working correctly.
