How to Log in to a Linksys Router: Step-by-Step Guide

You can access your router via the web, which means you can log in from anywhere with an internet connection. It also means there won’t be any confusing technical login or landing page. The user interface of your router makes it easier.

Because routers from companies like Linksys aren’t maintained by your internet service provider (ISP), you’ll need to log in from time to time. Reasons for logging in to your router include rebooting, changing your router or Wi-Fi password, installing updates, or even installing one of the best VPN apps on your router. Let’s look at the steps to log in to your Linksys router.

How to log in to your Linksys router using your browser

Before you attempt to log in to your router, make sure you have a working internet connection. Take the network cable and plug it into the local area network (LAN) port on your modem, then plug the other end into the internet port on your router. Turn the router on and wait for the lights to stop blinking. Make sure the light beside the wide area network (WAN) or internet setting is solid.

If you aren’t getting an internet connection, try some internet connection fixes to make sure everything is hooked up correctly. Once you have a steady connection, follow the steps below:

1. Connect your device to the network. Although some people may prefer a mobile device, it may be easier to connect via a computer and ethernet cable for the initial setup.
2. Open your preferred internet browser (Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Edge, Brave, etc.), type the router’s internet protocol (IP) address into the address bar, and press enter. Linksys' default IP address is http://192.168.1.1.
3. Enter your router password and click log in. If you haven’t changed the password yet, the default password is admin. Leave the username blank.
4. On the Linksys router web interface, use the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Tools and Router Settings to configure your settings.

Linksys router settings

Change your default login information

1. Once you are on the landing page of your Linksys router, click on the Administration tab at the top.
2. Enter your new password in Router Password and again in the Confirm box.
3. Click Save Settings and then Continue.

Change your SSID name

1. From the landing page, click Wireless.
2. Scroll down and click the Manual setting.
3. When you look at the menu options, you should see Network Name (SSID).
4. Change the name to something unique so you can identify your wireless network when you’re trying to connect.

Update your router’s firmware

Linksys recommends updating firmware only via a wired connection. Wi-Fi connections could permanently damage the router. Check the Linksys help page for updates to make sure you have the correct directions for your router version.

How to troubleshoot your Linksys router

If you’ve completed all the steps listed above and aren’t able to access your router, there are several troubleshooting options available.

Make sure your hardware is all attached correctly. Is it plugged in? Are there power cords going to both the modem and the router? Is the network cable connected securely to both the modem and the router? If you’ve tried unplugging everything, letting it sit for 30 seconds, then plugging everything back in and it still doesn’t work, there are more options.

If you’re logging in via the IP address, make sure it is typed in correctly. 192.168.1.1 is the general IP for Linksys routers. If you think it might still be wrong, try copying and pasting the IP into your browser’s address bar.

If it’s still not giving you access, try clearing your browser’s cache (also known as your browser cookies). Paste the IP address back into the address bar and try again.

Are you receiving an error message? Linksys has a support webpage if you receive the Bad Gateway Error message that can help walk you through the problem.

How to reset your router password

If you have access to your Linksys router dashboard, you can easily reset the username and password if you think it’s necessary. Click the Administration tab from the dashboard and navigate to the Management page. 

You will see your current username and password and can change them from there. You’ll want to come up with a complex password that isn’t easy to guess but that you’ll remember. Consider using a password manager to help keep track of all the unique passwords you’ve created for your sensitive information. Here are some password managers we recommend: 

• NordPass: From the makers of NordVPN, NordPass is another product geared toward protecting your privacy. You can store your router password as well as notes, credit cards, and other personal info in your NordPass vault.
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• Bitwarden: If you're in need of a quality password manager for a low price, we think Bitwarden's free product is a standout. All Bitwarden plans allow for unlimited passwords, unlimited devices, and are built on zero-knowledge encryption, so you can rest assured that your data will be kept safe.
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• 1Password: 1Password is a user-friendly password management solution. You can create multiple vaults for different passwords, share individual passwords, and check on the health of your passwords with its Watchtower feature.
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Featured password managers

How to soft reset your router

A soft reset kills the information systems between the devices so they have a chance to settle. Think of it like shutting off your printer to clear print jobs that aren’t going through.

You start by unplugging the network cables from the modem and router. Then kill the power source to both of these by either unplugging them from the wall or unplugging the power cord from the devices. Let them sit 30 to 60 seconds before plugging them back in.

Let the modem and router both power up and connect fully before trying to use the internet. This will often fix slow internet speeds or a wonky connection.

How to hard reset your router

Definitely use this as a last resort because a hard reset, also known as a factory reset, will require you to reconfigure the entire router again. If you absolutely need to revert to factory default settings, grab a toothpick or paper clip, maybe even a mechanical pencil or pen, and head toward the router.

Look for the small, recessed indentation on the router. That’s the reset button, and it’s specifically placed to ensure you don’t accidentally do a hard reset. Insert your paper clip or another accouterment in the hole, and press firmly for 30 seconds.

Allow everything a chance to reboot completely before reconfiguring the settings.

FAQs

Bottom line

Your Linksys router should provide enhanced speeds and bandwidth as opposed to the standard device that came from your ISP. Logging in to configure the settings is pretty painless and can take less than two minutes if you follow the router setup guide above.

For added security, consider using one of the best password managers and installing a VPN on your router. Targeting home Wi-Fi networks may not be as prevalent as some other cybercrime, but it still happens. It’s better to be prepared and vigilant rather than having to clean up a hacking mess after it’s happened.