Change the default router password

Default router credentials are public knowledge. Netgear ships many routers with admin:password; Linksys with admin:admin. These are indexed in lookup tables and scanned for automatically.

How to

  1. Find the router’s IP address:

    • Windows: open Command Prompt, type ipconfig, look for “Default Gateway”

    • Mac: System Settings → Wi-Fi → click the network name → “Router”

  2. Type that IP address into a browser. The current credentials are often printed on the router’s sticker.

  3. Navigate to the password settings:

    • TP-Link: System Tools → Password

    • ASUS: Administration → System

    • Google Nest Wi-Fi: Home app → Wi-Fi → Settings gear → Advanced Networking

Set a password of 12 or more characters. A random passphrase works well. Write it on paper and store it somewhere sensible.