How to Change Modem Password
Did you know you can sign in to your modem and change its passcode? Did you also know that all modems come with a default username and password? Unfortunately, most people never sign into their modem’s interface, much less change the password.
This is a huge flaw because if your modem still has the default username and password, then anyone in close proximity can access it. Changing your modem’s password protects you and your family from threat actors such as hackers.
In addition, it prevents people from hogging your network and reducing your internet speeds. Changing your modem’s password is relatively easy, although you’ll need to log into the modem’s configuration page. Let’s look at what you should know.
Where Is the Modem’s Default Username and Password?
If you have never accessed your modem’s configuration page, you can do so with the default username and passcode that come with the modem. So where can you find this information? Well, there are a couple of places you can look.
The Sticker on the Back of the Modem
A good place to start is checking the sticker on the back or under the modem. This sticker comprises handy information like:
- The modem’s default username and password.
- The modem’s manufacturer and model.
- The modem’s IP address: you’ll need this to access the modem’s configuration page.
The Modem’s Manual
Another place where you can check for your modem’s default username and password is in the instruction manual that comes as standard with the modem.
Even if you can’t find the hard copy manual, you’ll most likely be able to find a digital copy online. Within the digital instruction manual, there’s a part that contains the modem’s username and password and how to use them.
Online Forums
If for some reason, you can’t find your modem’s default username and password on the back or in the instruction manual, there’s one last place you can check. Numerous online forums contain the default usernames and passwords for common modems.
In fact, the vast majority of modems have the same default username and password. Although it’s convenient for people who want to sign into their modems, it’s also a serious risk for modem and router owners hence why you need to change your modem password.
So How Do You Change Your Modem’s Default Password?
Changing your modems username and password isn’t done by accessing your ISP’s website or app. Instead, you need to access the modem’s configuration page using a specific address and login credentials. Note that you can update this information anytime you like.
- Locate your modem’s IP address and login credentials.
- Next, open a browser on your computer and enter the modem’s IP address in the search bar as if it were a webpage URL. For instance, http://192.168.100.1.
How to Change Modem Password
- Then you will be prompted to enter the modem’s login credentials. The login credentials are the defaults you found on the back of the modem or the modem’s manual.
- Once you’ve accessed the modem’s configuration page, you’ll be able to see the password settings. To change the password, go to the ‘Advanced’ tab.
- Within this tab, click on the ‘Administration’ header. The administration header will reveal a dropdown menu that will allow you to set a new password.
How to Change Modem Password
- On the ‘Set Password’ screen, enter the password you want to use on your modem. Note that the password should be strong to ensure it’s unhackable.
- Finally, click on ‘Apply’ to finish. Congrats, you’ve made your modem more secure.
How to Change Modem Password
Do You Need To Change Your Modem Password Regularly?
As illustrated above, you should use a strong password for your modem. Therefore you won’t need to change it often. Also, the longer the password, the harder it will be to crack. For instance, if your password has ten or more characters no need to change it often.
If you’re the meticulous type, try and change your modem password after one year. But the fact of the matter is as long as you’re not using your modem’s default login credentials (username and password), you’re safe. Most hackers target the easiest modems to hack, and in this case, those that haven’t had their default login credentials changed.
Note: If you happen to forget your modem password, there is no need to change it if you don’t have to, you can use your computer or smartphone so long as the device is connected to the network being broadcasted by your modem.
Final Thought
Now you know how to change your modem’s password; as you can see, it’s not that difficult. If you happen to forget the new password, use the reset button on the back of the modem to revert it to factory settings. Then you can set a new password you won’t forget.
See Also
Best Wifi Router for Large House