How to Reset Your Router Password When You Forgot It

Forgetting your router password is frustrating. Thankfully, resetting your router's password is pretty easy; all it takes is a factory reset. This, however, will erase all of your custom router settings. But if you can't access your router, this is the only way to get back in and change its settings. In this article, we'll go over how to reset all of the major router brands. Keep reading to learn more.

Resetting Your Router Password

You can usually reset the password by performing a factory reset. On most models, you'll just press and hold the reset button on the router for 5 to 30 seconds.
Resetting your router will reset the password, but it will also erase all of your custom settings.
When you're done resetting your router, most routers have a default password of "admin," but some may require you to leave the password field blank.

Method 1

Method 1 of 7:

NETGEAR

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1
Locate the reset button on your router. It's usually on the back or bottom of the router. Some routers may have a "Restore Factory Settings" button, which is enclosed in a red circle and labeled accordingly.^{[1]
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- Note that resetting your router will erase all of your custom settings.
Use a small, thin object such as the end of a paperclip or pen to press the button.

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3
Release the button when the power light starts blinking. Allow the router to fully restart. The router password will be reset when the power light stops blinking and turns solid green or white. The new default router password is "password."^{[2]
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- Alternatively, if you have a NETGEAR Orbi or Nighthawk router, you can reset the password online. Simply go to orbilogin.local or orbilogin.com for an Orbi router, or routerlogin.net for a Nighthawk router.
- Enter the incorrect login information three times to get to the password reset screen.
- Enter your router's serial number and click Continue.
- Answer the security questions.
- Create a new admin password and security questions.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 7:

D-Link

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1
Press and hold the reset button for about 10 seconds. Use a small, thin object such as the end of a paperclip or pen to do this.
- Note that resetting your router will erase all of your custom settings.
Wait for the router to automatically reboot.
3
Wait at least 15 seconds after the router reboots before logging in. The router password is now reset, and the default password should be left blank when logging in.^{[4]
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- If a blank password doesn't work, try the password "admin." The default username is also "admin."^{[5]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 7:

TP-Link

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Look for the reset button on your TP-Link router. This is usually found on the back or bottom of the router. Some routers may have a small pinhole button, while others have a larger button you can press with your finger.
- Note that resetting your router will erase all of your custom settings.
If the button is a pinhole, you'll need something like a paperclip to reach the button. Otherwise, press and hold the button with your finger.
Depending on the device, you may notice the LEDs flash, or the device will power cycle. This will indicate that the reset is in progress.
Once it restarts, you can open the router's web panel again and log in. You'll be prompted to create a new admin password when you first try to log in to your router.^{[6]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 7:

ASUS

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Find the reset button. This is usually on the back or bottom of your router. The button is small, and should have a label that says "Reset." If you can't find the reset button, refer to your router's manual for more help.
- Note that resetting your router will erase all of your custom settings.
If the button is too small to press with your finger, use a straightened paperclip.
Once you see the flashing LED, let go of the reset button. The rest of the LEDs on your router will be on; this is normal.
The Wi-Fi LED(s) and power LED should be lit blue. You can now try to log in to your router again.^{[7]
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Method 5

Method 5 of 7:

Linksys

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1
Locate the reset button on your Linksys router. The reset button is a small, circular button normally found on the back of the router and labeled accordingly in red ink.^{[8]
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- Note that resetting your router will erase all of your custom settings.
2
Press and hold the reset button for at least 10 seconds. You may have to hold for up to 20 seconds. The power LED should blink as you press and hold the reset button.^{[9]
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- Older Linksys routers may require you to press and hold the reset button for up to 30 seconds.
This should take approximately one minute after you’ve reconnected the router to its power source. Your router password is now reset, and the default password should be left blank when logging into the router.

Method 6

Method 6 of 7:

Belkin

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Locate the reset button on your Belkin router. The reset button is a small, circular button usually located on the back of the router and labeled accordingly.^{[10]
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- Note that resetting your router will erase all of your custom settings.
You'll need to use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to fully press the button down, as it's very small.
Your Belkin router will now be restored to factory settings, and the default password should be left blank when logging into the router.^{[11]
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Method 7

Method 7 of 7:

All Other Router Brands

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1
Verify that your router is powered on.
- Note that resetting your router will erase all of your custom settings.
In most cases, the reset button is labeled accordingly; if not, look for a small button or pinhole button that can only be pressed using the end of a pen or paper clip.
This will restore the router to its original factory settings and reset the password in the process.
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Log in to your router using the default username and password. In most cases, the default password will be "admin," "password," or left blank.^{[12]
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- Contact the router’s manufacturer directly to obtain the default password if you experience difficulty with logging into your router.^{[13]
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Community Q&A

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Question

I forgot the password to my Wi-Fi, and now I can't use my Wi-Fi anymore. What should I do?

R2_d2000

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If you can log into the router, which you can find instructions for in the setup guide, then you can change the Wi-Fi password there. Otherwise, you will need to reset the router using the steps described in this article, and then use the password that is on the label on the bottom or side of the router.

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Question

How do I reset my password after resetting my router?

R2_d2000

Top Answerer

The password should already be reset when you reset the router. If you want to change it, then you can log in to the router, and access the Wi-Fi settings to change the password. If you don't know how to log into the router, then check the setup guide for additional information.

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Why isn't my Wi-Fi working when I reset the router?

R2_d2000

Top Answerer

It can take a few minutes after the reset for the router to come back up. If it still is not up after a few minutes, then it's possible that the Wi-Fi is off by default. You may have to log into your router to set it up. Check your routers setup guide for more info.

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Resetting your router's password isn't the same as resetting your Wi-Fi password. Your Wi-Fi password can be reset from within your router's settings.

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You don't need a special password to log in to an Amazon eero. You can log in using a code sent to your phone or email, or you can use your Amazon account if you've linked it to your eero.

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Warnings

Keep in mind that resetting your router password and restoring the router’s default factory settings will erase all settings from the device, such as the frequency, channel, and router username. Any router settings you customized prior to resetting the router must be made again after the reset is complete.

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