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How to Do the Initial Setup of a Home Router

A brand-new router works right out of the box, but leaving its default settings untouched is a common security gap β€” here is how to properly set one up for the first time.

  1. Connect to the router and find the admin address

    Connect a device to the router via ethernet or its default wifi, then find the admin page address, commonly printed on a label on the router itself, often something like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.

  2. Log into the admin page

    Enter the address into a browser and sign in with the default username and password, which are also usually printed on the router's label.

  3. Change the default admin password immediately

    The default admin password is often identical across every unit of that model, so changing it to something unique is one of the most important first steps.

  4. Set a new wifi network name (SSID) and password

    Replace the default network name and password with your own, and avoid putting personally identifying information in the network name.

  5. Select WPA2 or WPA3 encryption

    Choose the strongest wifi security option the router supports β€” WPA3, or WPA2 if WPA3 is not available β€” rather than leaving it open or on outdated WEP.

  6. Review a few basic security settings

    Confirm remote administration is turned off by default, and enable automatic firmware updates if the router supports them.

Why the default settings need to change on day one

A router's default admin login and wifi credentials are often printed in plain text on the box or a public setup guide, and in many cases the exact same default password is reused across every unit of a given model. Leaving those defaults in place means anyone within range, or anyone who looks up the model online, effectively already has access. Changing both the admin password and the wifi password before regular use closes that gap immediately.

What to do if you can't find the admin address or default password

Check the physical label on the router first, since that is where most manufacturers print it. If that is missing or illegible, check the box or included manual, or search the manufacturer's support site for that model's default IP and credentials. As a last resort, a factory reset (usually via a small recessed button) restores the original defaults so you can start the setup process again from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I forget the new admin password I set?

Most routers have a physical reset button that restores factory defaults. Hold it for the manufacturer-specified duration, then log in with the original default credentials and set everything up again.

Do I need to redo these settings after a firmware update?

Usually not β€” your custom settings normally persist through a firmware update. It is still worth double-checking the wifi name, password, and admin password afterward just to confirm nothing reset.