how to find router username and password

How to modify your router password

Routers are your gateway to the internet. As such, it's worth getting to know how your router works a bit meliorate even if you've got one that seems to exist pretty reliable.

Changing your wireless router countersign is a expert first pace. Not only does information technology potentially brand your connection more secure, but it'south also more than convenient to go far something you can recall more readily, rather than a string of random messages and numbers. That manner, you can easily requite it to guests without making them scramble effectually on the floor to look at the back of the router!

Most of u.s. use the default router provided past our ISP (Cyberspace Service Provider). If that'due south you lot, it's worth making sure information technology'south reasonably up-to-date. And to brand certain that you're getting the best value for your cyberspace, exist sure to check out our best broadband deals folio.

Which password should I change?

One of the key things with a router is security. Some routers from third political party manufacturers still transport with default passwords on, usually something similar 'admin'. Note that this isn't the Wi-Fi password to access the network (though y'all will demand that, too). No, instead it's the password that protects the router's settings and configuration.

Y'all really need to change this. Someone would have to connect to your network with your network to log on, but you lot want to change this countersign away from the default.

Many new routers come not only with unique Wi-Fi passwords merely also unique configuration passwords, also, then this isn't such a problem. Nevertheless, it's worth checking; passwords y'all need to change will always be something generic such equally 'admin' or the manufacturer's name.

How to modify your router'southward default configuration password

1. The offset thing to practice is to open your router's configuration folio. This will almost certainly be accessed via your web browser providing both y'all and your router are connected to your network without upshot. The address will probably be something like 192.168.i.ane but information technology could too be a user friendly address like http://routerlogin.internet (which is used by Netgear) - check your router's documentation to observe this out. Can't access your router at all? You'll need to factory reset it using the push button on the router (you may need a paper clip). This is especially the case if information technology was used by someone else previously then may no longer accept the default settings.

2. If you tin't admission your router, then go to the Windows Command Prompt by striking Windows central + R, typing cmd and hitting render. And then when the Control Prompt opens, type ipconfig and press enter. Look for the 'default gateway' address. This is your router's IP address. Type that into your browser – it will be like in format to 192.168.2.i. On a Mac? Go to System Preferences > Network. Click the agile internet connection (the ane showing as green). Y'all'll then encounter the router address on the right.

3. Side by side, enter your router's username and password when prompted. Again, this may be something as elementary as admin and password. That's why you need to modify it. If your password is already unique to you, then you don't need to alter it.

4. You'll demand to find how to change your countersign. Normally this will exist under some kind of 'settings' or 'assistants' area of the interface, which is basically like a very simple website.

five. Usually wireless network passwords are more secure because they are normally unique to your network, but you can ever change this, as well. Nosotros'd avert doing so unless you lot really need to – look for the 'Wireless' section of the configuration interface and wait for the 'Password' or 'Passphrase' box. Note that if yous alter the countersign to your wireless network You lot WILL LOSE ACCESS on all your wireless devices and you'll need to reconnect them to the network.

six. Finally, remember that a strong password is at least eight characters long and uses a combination of messages, numbers and ideally symbols, too.

What router should I take?

If information technology doesn't apply the latest 802.11ac wireless standard we'd suggest that maybe it's fourth dimension to upgrade to a more recent model. The previous ubiquitous standard, 802.11n, is pretty good just 802.11ac will assistance amend alleviate deadspots in your home too equally provide faster and more consistent speeds across your home. Near modern devices back up these wireless standards.

If your router is fifty-fifty older – with 802.11g and 802.11b support – and then information technology'southward definitely time to upgrade as these standards are now very outdated. Head to our run down of the top ten best wireless routers you tin buy.

Note that fifty-fifty the latest routers are backwards uniform with these one-time standards, so don't panic if you come across them referred to on the packaging or specification list for your more modern router.