How to Change Your Router Admin Password

Your router's admin password controls access to all settings — WiFi configuration, security, port forwarding, everything. The default password (usually 'admin' or 'password') is publicly known, making it critical to change it immediately.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Login to your router — use the current admin credentials.
2. Find admin settings — look for "Administration", "System", "Management", or "Password".
3. Change the password — enter a strong, unique password. Use at least 12 characters with letters, numbers, and symbols.
4. Save and re-login — save the settings. You'll need the new password next time you access the admin panel.
5. Write it down — store the new password securely. If you forget it, you'll need to factory reset.

Tips & Best Practices

• Don't use the same password for admin and WiFi
• The admin password is different from your WiFi password — both should be changed from defaults
• If you forget the admin password, a factory reset is the only recovery option

Related Guides

• Default Router Passwords
• Reset Router
• Router Login

Video Tutorial

For more information, see NIST Cybersecurity.

Pro Tip: WPS PIN mode can be cracked in hours — always disable it, even if you use the push-button method occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the default router admin password?

Most routers use "admin" as both username and password. Check our default passwords list for your specific brand.

Is changing the router admin password important?

Yes. Anyone on your network can access your router settings using the default password. Changing it prevents unauthorized configuration changes.