How to Change the Default Password on a Network Router

You should immediately change the router's administrative password after installing it. This increases the security of a home network. 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).

These pages walk through the steps to change the default password on a common Linksys network router. The exact steps will vary depending on the specific model of the router in use, 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 what the IP address of your router is.

Linksys routers typically can be reached at Web address http://192.168.1.1/. Many Linksys routers do not require any special username (you can leave blank or enter any name in that field). In the password field, enter admin or the equivalent password for your router. When successfully logged in, you should see a screen like that shown.

In the router's administrative console, navigate to the page where its password setting can be changed. 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.) Click the Administration button to open this page as shown.

Choose a suitable password based on common guidelines for strong password security (for a refresher, there are five steps to a good password). Enter the new password in the Password box, and re-enter the same password a second time in the space provided. Most (not all) routers require entering the password a second time to ensure the administrator did not accidentally mistype their password the first time.

The location of these fields on the WRK54G console is shown. This router intentionally hides the characters (replaces them with dots) as they are being typed as an added security feature in case other people besides the administrator are watching the screen. (The administrator should also ensure other people are not looking at the keyboard when typing in the new password.)

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.