3 Ways to Change the Password of a Router

Table of contents:

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-19 08:07

It is a good idea to change your router password periodically to make your computer and personal information more secure. However, each router works slightly differently, and there are so many models and manufacturers that it would be impossible to deal with all of them. Fortunately, most of the steps are the same for almost all browsers, although the layout and configuration vary slightly. Here are the basic steps you need to follow if you want to change your router's password.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Finding Your Login Information

Step 1. Check your router or user manual

If you've never changed your login information, it's probably still the default. You can usually find the default IP address, username and password on the side of the router or somewhere in the user manual.

Note that you may only find the default IP address in the manual. You won't always find the default password. On the side of the router, on the other hand, you will almost always find all the necessary information.
The default IP of most routers is 192.168.1.1. This applies to Linksys, Actiontec, and VersaLink routers, among many others.
Other routers have different IPs. AT&T routers usually have 192.168.1.254. For WRP400s, the default IP is 192.168.15.1.

Step 2. Download the electronic version of the manual

If you can't find your router's user manual, you can usually find an electronic version on the company's website.

In the electronic manual you will only find the default IP address. You cannot use this method if you have changed your router's IP address.
To find the electronic version of your router's manual, you will first need to do an internet search to find the manufacturer's website. From there, use the site search or navigation tools to find your router's manual.

Step 3. Find the IP address with a TCP / IP program

You can run this program by opening the command prompt and typing the command "ipconfig". The IP address of your router will be found under "Default Gateway".

If you are using Windows, press the Windows button plus the "R" key to open the "Run" window. Type "cmd" to open the command prompt and type "ipconfig" and then press the "Enter" key to view your router's IP address.
If you are using a Mac, open the "Applications" menu and click on the "Utilities" section. From there, click on "Terminal". Type "ipconfig" followed by the "Enter" key to view the IP information.
If you are using Linux, open Terminal by pressing Ctrl + alt="Image" + T at the same time. Within the terminal, type the command "sudo ipconfig" to display the information you need.

Step 4. Find the default password and username for your router

If you've never changed your password, it may still be the one set by the manufacturer. This default password varies by brand.

You can find your router's default password at:
- Select your router brand from the drop-down menu and click the "Find Password" button.
- You will find a list of models for each manufacturer. Find yours and read the default username and password.
For NetGear, LinkSys, Actiontec and VersaLink routers, the default username is usually "admin".
Note that some routers, such as Belkin ones, do not have usernames.
For LinkSys, Belkin, and some Actinte routers, leave the password field blank.
For Netgear, VersaLink and other Actiontec routers, test the password "password".

Step 5. Restore the router to factory conditions

If you've changed your router's login information but can't find it, the only thing you can do is reset your router to restore default credentials.

For most routers, you can reset the IP address by holding the "Reset" button on the back of the router for 30 seconds. Typically, to reach this button, you'll need to use a toothpick, paper clip, or other small pointed object to get into the protective hole and press the button inside.
Resetting the router will remove any special settings you have created. Your username and password will also be reset.

Part 2 of 3: Access the Router on Your Network

Step 1. Open a browser

You can use any browser, such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari or Google Chrome.

Step 2. Enter your router's IP address

You will need to enter this information directly into the browser's address bar. Press "Enter" or click the "Go" button next to the address bar to reach the router page.

Once you've entered your router's IP address, you should reach a web page that specifically checks your router's settings. The steps from this point forward will be different for each model, but there are still some simple steps you will need to follow

Step 3. Log in

In most cases, you will be prompted to type in the username and password you found earlier. Once you are done, click on the "OK" or "Sign in" button.

Note that in some cases, you will not be prompted for credentials until you make a change

Part 3 of 3: Change the Password

Step 1. Find the right card

When you have gained access to your router's web page, you will have to search for a while, until you find a way to change the password.

In most cases, this section of the page will be on the "Administration" or "Security" tab.
For Linksys routers, click on the "Administration" tab. If you have an older Linksys router though, you may need to click on the "Password" tab.
For some VersaLink routers, you will need to look in the "Maintenance" menu.
On NetGear routers, the right section is indicated as "Advanced". From there, you will need to find "Settings" and then "Wireless Settings".
For AT&T routers, you will need to click on the "System Password" link. Note that you will not be prompted to enter your current password until you reach this screen. From there, you will need to enter the "Change System Password" screen, where you will be prompted to enter a new password and a new clue to remember it.

Step 2. Alternatively, find these instructions in your manual

If you have a PDF version of your router's user manual, you may be able to search for "password" and find information on how to change your password.

The hardest part about this is that you will find the word "password" many times in the PDF, because there are a lot of passwords associated with your router, and many of them will not be what you are looking for. The PPoE, PPTP or L2TP password for example, are not the same as the login password

Step 3. Enter the new password

Although each router is different, in most cases, you will simply have to type the new password in the "Password" field and confirm it in the "Re-enter Password" field. Click "Apply" or "Save" to confirm the changes.

Step 4. Log in using your new password

Many users after the change will bring you back to the home screen and force you to log in with the new password. Do this to verify that it works correctly.

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