How to Change Router Admin Password

Experts recommend you to change router admin password every 3-6 months, like other sensitive passwords. You can easily change the WiFi router password via the admin security settings.  

This guide covers brief tutorials for how to change router admin password for popular brands, risks of not changing the router admin login passwords, and how a password generator can help avoid the hassle.

Note: Using FastestPass Password Manager ensures hassle-free password management. You can change your WiFi router’s password directly through the FastestPass app, while leveraging the free Password Generator tool and Password Health Analyzer.

Step-By-Step Guide to Update Router Admin Password for Popular Brands

The steps to change the router’s admin password are similar for different brands. However, the settings and menu names will differ. This section covers brief tutorials for changing the router’s admin password on TP Link and Airtel.

How to Change Router Admin Password TP-Link

Old or default passwords bring you a step closer to a potential cyber attack. The same goes for your WiFi router. If it’s already been 3-6 months, or you never changed the default password of your TP-Link router, this tutorial is for you: 

Note: If your router uses the new TP-Link Tether app, you can also change the password there under Tools > Manage Admin Password.

• Connect to the TP-Link router’s WiFi network through your phone or computer. 
• Open a web browser and type tplinkwifi.net or 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Press Enter.
• Log in using your current admin username and password. Type admin in the username and password section if you never changed the password. 
• Go to Advanced > System Tools > Administration from the Menu on the left.
• Navigate to the Router Password section. 
• Enter your old password (type admin if you never changed the password). 
• Go to the FastestPass password generator and copy the password suggestion. 
• Paste the copied password in the new password section. Confirm the new password.
• Click the Save button at the bottom. 

You will be immediately logged out of your router’s configuration page. Use your new password to log in again. 

How to Change Airtel Router Admin Password

The steps to change Airtel’s router admin password are almost similar to those of TP-Link. However, the labels of a few options are different. Here’s a brief tutorial on how to change Airtel’s admin password:

• Connect to the Airtel Wi-Fi network via your computer or phone. 
• Go to the web browser and enter the router’s IP address (mostly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) in the address bar. Press Enter. 
• Log in with your user credentials. If you never changed the password, type admin in the username and password section. If it doesn’t work, check the password on the backside of the router. 
• Navigate to Management/System/Security or Administration. 
• Find Change Password or Password Settings and select the option.
• Enter your old password. 
• Go to FastestPass Password Generator and copy the new password suggestion.
• Return to the router’s admin page. Paste the password in the required section.
•  Click Save/Apply. 

Note: If this doesn’t work, use the Airtel Thanks app. Go to Manage Services > Wi-Fi > Advanced Wi-Fi Settings to find the password change option. You can also call Airtel customer care for direct assistance.

Similar to TP-Link, you’ll be logged out of your account. Enter the new admin password to log in to the account. 

What Are the Risks of Not Changing Your Router Admin Password

“Admin” is often the default router admin password, making them highly prone to cyberattacks. Or, if you’re using a password that’s 3-6 months old, you’re still in the red zone. Here are the common risks of not changing your router admin login password: 

1. Unauthorized Account Access

Your router’s admin page is prone to unauthorized access if you don’t update your router’s admin account password. The hacker might lock you out and steal your internet bandwidth or launch attacks using your IP address.

2. Network Hijacking

Hackers can redirect your internet traffic, monitor all devices connected to the network, and snoop on your online activities. This is possible even on secure sites if DNS is changed.  

3. Malware Installation

Black hats can change the firmware to install malware or ransomware. They might turn your router into a bot for criminal activities, such as spamming or DDoS attacks. 

4. Smart Home Compromise

If you’ve set up a smart home, it might get compromised if a hacker gains unauthorized access to your router’s admin network. They can access all connected devices, such as cameras, doorbells, speakers, TVs, and others. This may result in physical security risks. 

5. Permanent Backdoor Access

The hacker will have admin control even if you keep updating your WiFi password. Hackers can re-enter anytime and regain access. 

FAQs – Change Router Admin Password

Final Note

IBM reports that 86% of default passwords were never changed. Default passwords, such as “Admin,” are easy to guess and make router admin pages prone to cyber attacks. Experts recommend changing your WiFi router’s password every 3-6 months. 

However, if changing your passwords and creating new, strong passwords feels like a hassle, we’ve got your back! FastestPass is a reliable password management solution that stores all your passwords, passkeys and sensitive data in an encrypted vault.