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How to Change the Default Password on a Network Router

Choose a password to secure your network

By Bradley Mitchell Bradley Mitchell Writer Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Illinois An MIT graduate who brings years of technical experience to articles on SEO, computers, and wireless networking. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on March 5, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Home Networking Routers & Firewalls The Wireless Connection Network Hubs ISP Broadband Ethernet Installing & Upgrading Wi-Fi & Wireless

What to Know

On the router's administrative console, go to Password Setting > Change > enter new password > re-enter the new password > Save.The exact steps/location of settings may vary depending on the router brand. You should change your router's default administrative password to avoid unwanted users from accessing your network. Here's how to do it. PXhere

Change the Default Password on a Network Router

An administrative account lets you manage your network router. As part of the router manufacturing process, vendors set a default username and default password for this account that apply to all units of a particular model. These defaults are public knowledge and known to anyone who can perform a basic web search. You should immediately change the router's administrative password after installing it to increase your home network's security. It doesn't by itself protect the router from Internet hackers, but it can prevent nosy neighbors, friends of your children, or other household guests from disrupting your home network (or worse). The exact steps will vary depending on the router's specific model, but the process is similar in any case. It only takes about one minute. Log in to the router's administrative console (web interface) through a web browser using the current password and username. If unsure how to find your router's address, we can help you figure out your router's IP address. Enter the default user name and password to log in to your router's dashboard. In the router's administrative console, navigate to the page where you can change its password setting. In this example, the Administration tab at the top of the screen contains the Linksys router's password setting. (Other routers may keep this setting under Security menus or other locations.) Enter a strong password in the Password box, and re-enter the same password a second time in the space provided. The router intentionally hides the characters (replaces them with dots) as you type as an added security feature in case other people besides the administrator are watching the screen. The password change is not applied to the router until you save or confirm it. In this example, select the Save Settings button at the bottom of the page to have the new password take effect. You might see a confirmation window appear briefly to confirm you successfully changed the password change. The new password takes effect immediately; rebooting the router is not required. Do not confuse this password with the separate settings for WPA2 or another wireless key. Wi-Fi client devices use wireless security keys to make protected connections to the router; only humans use the administrator password to connect. Administrators should avoid using the key as the administrative password even if their router allows it. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Linksys E4200 default password How to Change Your Wi-Fi Password Linksys E1000 Default Password How to Find the Default IP Address of a Belkin Router D-Link Default Password List (Updated October 2022) Linksys WRT54G2 Default Password How to Set Up a Router Cisco Default Password List (Updated October 2022) D-Link DIR-655 Default Password NETGEAR Default Password List (Updated October 2022) How to Connect to Your Home Router as an Administrator D-Link DIR-600 Default Password NETGEAR WNR1000 Default Password Linksys EA2700 Default Password How to Set Up Parental Controls on a Router D-Link DIR-605L Default Password Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies