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Get my free Dashboard →Change your router's default password
Your router comes with a factory default password that is easy for attackers to guess. Change it to a strong, unique password.
Why this matters
Attackers routinely scan home networks for routers using default passwords. Changing it is one of the simplest and highest-impact steps you can take.
How to do it
- Open a browser and go to your router's admin page — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1
- Log in with the default credentials printed on your router
- Find 'Admin password' or 'Router password' in the settings
- Set a new password — at least 12 characters with letters, numbers, and a symbol
- Save the new password in your password manager
Need a more detailed walkthrough?
Our step-by-step guide explains each action in full detail, with confirmation steps and related tasks.
View full step-by-step guide →Cyber Essentials framework
This task falls under the Firewallscontrol, one of five areas assessed in the UK's Cyber Essentials scheme. Completing it counts toward your Cyber Essentials alignment. Create a free account to track your progress across all five areas.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find my router's admin page?
Type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into your browser's address bar: one of these will load your router's settings page. If neither works, check the sticker on your router: it usually shows the admin address alongside the Wi-Fi password.
What is the router admin password, and is it the same as my Wi-Fi password?
They are two different passwords. Your Wi-Fi password connects devices to the network. The admin password logs you into the router's settings page, where you can change network settings. Both may be printed on your router's label, and both should be changed from the defaults.
What should I use as a new router admin password?
Use a strong, unique password that is at least 12 characters long and save it in your password manager. You will rarely need it (only when changing router settings), so it does not need to be easy to remember.
Do I need to change my Wi-Fi password as well?
If your Wi-Fi password is still the one printed on the router label (or is something obvious), change it too. A strong Wi-Fi password stops neighbours and passers-by from connecting to your network. Changing it will temporarily disconnect all your devices: you will need to reconnect them with the new password.
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