Protecting a home or small office network starts with a simple step: changing the router password. If someone gets into the router’s admin panel, they can alter settings, block devices, or even cut off access to the internet. This guide explains a straightforward way to update the password and keep the network safer across Canada and the United States.
How to change the password on a router
The password for the router’s control panel is the key to configuring network settings. Many devices ship with default credentials like admin and password, which makes them easy targets for intruders. Before attempting a password change, ensure the device is connected to the network; otherwise the new password cannot be applied.
Connecting to a router
To access the router’s admin interface, follow these steps:
- Open a web browser on any device that is connected to the network.
- Enter the router’s IP address in the address bar. Common defaults are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If the exact address isn’t known, it can be found through a quick lookup on the computer. On Windows, run the command line, type ipconfig, and look for the Default gateway. On macOS, the terminal command netstat -nr | grep default reveals the address.
- Enter the login and password to access the router’s configuration screen.
Change password
New routers often prompt users to set a password during the initial setup. If the password has been forgotten, a physical reset to factory defaults lets a fresh password be created, exactly like when the router was first powered on. If the current password is remembered but a change is desired, log into the administration panel after a successful sign-in. The interface layout varies by model, but most routers share a similar structure. Look for sections labeled Administration, System, or Management. Within these sections locate the option to Change password or Router password. Enter the existing password and then type a new one in the provided field.
Save the changes by selecting Apply or similar, and the router may reboot to apply the new settings. If a reboot doesn’t happen automatically, perform a manual reboot to ensure the new password takes effect.