How to Set Up a Router (First-Time Configuration)

Setting up a router means connecting it to your modem, opening the setup or admin page, and choosing Wi-Fi and security settings. Exact menus differ by brand, but the flow is the same.

What you need

• Modem with working internet (or a combo gateway)
• Router, power adapter, and Ethernet cable
• Phone or computer for setup
• Sticker details: default Wi-Fi name, Wi-Fi password, admin IP, admin password

Basic hardware setup

1. Power off the modem.
2. Connect modem LAN to router WAN (internet) port.
3. Power the modem, wait until ready.
4. Power the router.
5. Join the default Wi-Fi on the sticker, or use Ethernet to a LAN port.

Open the router setup page

Type the admin IP into the browser address bar. Common values:

• 192.168.1.1
• 192.168.0.1
• 10.0.0.1 (many ISP gateways)

Sign in with sticker credentials. Full steps: How to log into your router.

First settings to change

1. Admin password
2. Wi-Fi name (SSID) and Wi-Fi password
3. Security mode: WPA2 or WPA3 when available
4. Firmware update if offered

Create a strong Wi-Fi passphrase with the Wi-Fi password generator.

Brand hubs

Pick your manufacturer on Brands for model-level defaults. Popular: TP-Link, Netgear, ASUS, Linksys.