Cisco Router Login and Password

When you upgrade or purchase a new router, you should change the login credentials and SSID before using it to connect to the Internet. This way, you improve your network security and protect it against hackers, malware, and other external threats. In this article, learn how to get to the Cisco router login, change the Cisco default password, and troubleshoot a few common issues you may encounter.

How do I log in to my Cisco router?

Cisco is well-known for its network architecture, including switches and routers. Regardless of their Internet service provider (ISP), many users choose to connect to the Internet using a Cisco router. If you use Cisco and need to log in to your router, follow these steps.

  1. Power your router on. Locate the power button on the device to activate it.
  2. Connect the router. You need to connect your router either wirelessly or via an Ethernet cable. If you use Ethernet, plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the router's Internet port and the other into the modem's Ethernet port.
  3. Enter the Cisco router IP address into your web browser's address bar. Open your web browser. Cisco's default IP address is typically 192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1; however, 192.168.0.30, 192.168.0.50, and 10.0.0.2 are also common IPs for Cisco.

If none of these work, you may need to check your router's IP on your computer or the router login chart. After you enter the Cisco router default password and username, you can update your account information, change your router security settings, check your network and download speeds, and more.

What is the Cisco router default login?

If you haven't yet changed your Cisco login username or password, you can first log in using the default data. The Cisco router's default login and password can vary. Try the following username and password combinations:

  • admin/admin
  • admin/[blank]
  • admin/password

Enter the words as written; where the password is blank, then enter nothing in the space. Keep in mind that the administrative WiFi password is case-sensitive, so avoid accidental capitalization's or spaces. Check the full default router login chart for admin passwords and usernames for other WiFi routers, such as AT&T and Xfinity.

When you change the Cisco default login, make sure to choose a strong password that can't be easily guessed.

How to secure your Cisco router

After logging in, follow these steps to secure your Cisco account and router.

  1. Change the default login information. Find your WiFi network name and then click Edit. Scroll to where you see Change Password or something similar. Here, you can change your WiFi network password from the default password; enter a new password to improve your password security and save your settings.
  2. Change your network name (SSID). Your network name, or SSID, can be changed in the same place as your password. Pick a recognizable network name that doesn't give away personal information. Save the name once you've entered it.
  3. Update your router. If new security features or updates are available, make sure to update your router in the network settings to protect it against external threats.
If you have a Cisco router, learn how to access the Cisco router login.

These three steps will optimize your router's security and performance and make it easier to find among other available networks.

How to reset Cisco router

If you changed your default username and password but forgot it, you can reset your router with a factory reset. This will reboot the system and perform a type of password recovery, resetting the router username and password with the default Cisco password and username as listed above.

To reset the router, find the reset button on the back or bottom of the router. The button is typically small; briefly pressing and holding the reset button should cause your router's lights to blink. Once that happens, release the button.

However, factory resetting your router clears any custom configurations the user has previously set up on their home network. For example, if you set up port forwarding on your device, you must reestablish those router settings after successfully logging in to the router.

Troubleshooting router connections

Some routers have trouble connecting, making you unable to access the Cisco router login page. Therefore, if this is the case, you may need to clear your Cisco router's cache in a web browser.

Google Chrome

To clear your cache in Google Chrome, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the browser toolbar in Chrome and click More Tools.
  2. Select Clear Browsing Data.
  3. Choose the Beginning of Time option, and click Clear Browsing Data again to send the request through.

Safari

To clear your cache in Safari, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the home screen and then to your settings.
  2. Select Safari and choose Clear Cookies (or Clear Cookies and Clear Cache) from the bottom of Safari's settings screen.
  3. Confirm when prompted.

Firefox

To clear your cache in Firefox, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Menu bar at the top of the screen.
  2. Click Settings, then Privacy & Security.
  3. In the Cookies and Site Data section, click Clear Data.
  4. Uncheck Cookies and Site Data and check off Cached Web Content, then click Clear.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Cisco switch default password?

For a Cisco switch device, the default username and password is cisco/cisco.

Where can I get a Cisco router?

You can find Cisco routers at office supply stores, like OfficeMax; at big box stores that sell technology, like BestBuy or Walmart; or online on Cisco's website.