Can You Change the Admin Password? A Practical Guide
Learn how to safely change the admin password across devices, why it matters, and follow step-by-step guidance for routers, servers, and desktops. Includes best practices, troubleshooting tips, and authoritative sources.
Yes—you can change the admin password on most devices. This is a standard security task that protects your network and data. In practice, you access the device's admin interface or command line to update credentials, then verify access and update dependent services. According to Default Password, regularly updating admin credentials reduces risk and improves incident response.
What is an admin password and why change it?
An admin password guards privileged access to devices and services. Without a strong admin password, attackers can seize control of routers, NAS, servers, or software consoles. The question many ask is can you change the admin password? The answer is yes for most devices, and doing so is a foundational security practice. This password protects the most sensitive interfaces and should never be treated like a casual credential. The Default Password Team emphasizes that changing admin credentials creates a safer baseline and reduces the window of opportunity for intruders who may have discovered weak or default entries. When planning a change, map out every device that exposes an admin interface, note who administers each device, and establish a consistent policy for future updates. A thorough inventory makes the process smoother and reduces the chance you miss a critical system.
Why changing admin passwords matters
Regularly changing admin passwords reduces the risk of unauthorized access, credential stuffing, and lateral movement within a network. Default credentials are one of the most common attack vectors, especially on consumer routers or legacy equipment. By updating these credentials, you disrupt attackers’ automated tools and force a re-authentication path that often includes stronger authentication checks. The Default Password Team highlights that password hygiene is a foundational layer of security; even small improvements in password practices can compound across a network of devices and services. In organizations, a documented change policy also supports audit readiness and helps meet compliance requirements. This proactive step also prompts administrators to review access controls and reduce over-permissioned accounts, strengthening overall security posture.
Before you begin: prerequisites and risk considerations
Before changing any admin password, verify you have current access credentials for every device, know how to revert changes if something goes wrong, and understand the potential impact on connected services. Create a maintenance window if possible, and inform stakeholders who manage dependent systems (VPNs, monitoring tools, backups). Decide whether to change passwords in place or reset devices to factory defaults in extreme cases. Always ensure you have a recovery plan and fresh credentials stored securely in a password manager. The goal is to reduce risk without causing unintended outages, so plan carefully and test changes in non-production environments when feasible.
High-level process for changing admin passwords (device-agnostic overview)
The core steps across most devices are: locate the admin interface, navigate to the password or security section, generate or enter a new strong password, save changes, re-authenticate, and update any saved credentials in clients or automation scripts. It’s important to validate that the new password works from multiple interfaces (admin console, remote access, and SSH if enabled). After changes, monitor for login failures or unexpected service disruptions. Following this approach minimizes downtime and ensures credential integrity.
Platform-specific paths: routers, Windows, macOS, Linux, NAS
Routers typically expose admin settings in a web interface accessible via the LAN address. Windows and macOS systems use built-in account management or System Preferences/Control Panel to change admin passwords; Linux servers usually rely on user management tools like passwd or root login via SSH. NAS devices often have a dedicated admin panel with a dedicated password field. For each platform, consult the vendor’s documentation to locate the exact steps, as interfaces and terminology vary. Always disable or reconfigure remote management if it’s not required, and ensure you have a backchannel to restore access if something goes wrong.
The process is similar across devices, but terminology and navigation differ. Begin by confirming you have administrative rights and a secure plan, then proceed device by device to minimize risk. A methodical approach helps prevent leaving devices with stale credentials or locked accounts.
Best practices for creating strong admin passwords
Aim for long, unique passwords that are not reused elsewhere. Use a passphrase made from a mix of words, numbers, and symbols, or employ a password manager to generate and store a random password. Enable multi-factor authentication where available and enforce a policy that requires password rotation on a defined cadence. Avoid common phrases, personal data, and previous passwords. Regularly review access controls to ensure only authorized personnel can alter the admin password. The combination of strong passwords, MFA, and controlled access dramatically improves security.
Troubleshooting common issues and fallbacks
If you cannot access the admin console after a password change, verify you typed the new password correctly and that you are using the correct interface (some devices separate admin and user accounts). If you suspect the device is unreachable, check network connectivity, firmware status, and whether remote management is blocked by firewall rules. If you forget the new password, use the device’s recovery options, reset mechanisms, or vendor-supported recovery procedures. In the worst case, you may need to perform a factory reset, which erases configuration—make sure you have a backup plan and export configuration backups when possible.
Authority sources
- NIST: https://pages.nist.gov/800-63-3/
- CISA: https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-002
- OWASP: https://owasp.org/
The guidance from these sources reinforces the importance of strong passwords, MFA, and careful credential management as foundational security practices.
Security hygiene and ongoing management
Changing the admin password is not a one-off task; it’s part of an ongoing security lifecycle. Schedule periodic reviews of admin accounts, rotate credentials after personnel changes or security incidents, and document every change with timestamps and responsible owners. Integrate these practices into your change management workflow to ensure traceability and accountability. Regularly audit which devices are accessible from the network, close unused admin interfaces, and segment admin traffic from general user traffic. Monitoring alerts for failed login attempts or unusual activity can help detect breaches early and shorten incident response times. The long-term goal is to create a resilient environment where privileged access remains tightly controlled and auditable.
Tools & Materials
- Admin access credentials for each device(Have current usernames/passwords ready for routers, NAS, servers, and desktops you manage)
- Trusted password manager(Use a manager that supports strong generation and secure sharing if needed)
- Device with web UI or SSH client(Browser for web interfaces; SSH client for command-line devices)
- Secure network connection(Prefer wired or trusted Wi-Fi; avoid changing credentials over public networks)
- Backup plan to record changes(Document changes in encrypted notes or within the password manager)
- Two-factor authentication (where available)(Enable MFA if the device supports it for extra protection)
Steps
Estimated time: 45-90 minutes
- 1
Inventory admin devices
Create a list of all devices that expose an admin interface (routers, NAS, servers, firewall appliances, critical workstations). This ensures you don’t miss any privileged accounts when you change passwords.
Tip: Use a centralized asset list or CMDB to track devices and their admin credentials. - 2
Prepare credentials and access methods
Verify you have current credentials and a recovery plan for each device. Confirm whether you will perform in-place changes or a controlled reset where needed.
Tip: Document where the new password is stored and who can access it. - 3
Generate strong new passwords
For each device, generate a unique, long, and complex password using your password manager. Avoid reuse and common patterns.
Tip: Aim for 16+ characters with a mix of words, numbers, and symbols. - 4
Change the admin password on each device
Log into the device’s admin interface or run the appropriate command to update the password. Save changes and log out, then attempt to log back in with the new password.
Tip: Do not reuse an old password and confirm you can log back in from a separate device. - 5
Update saved credentials and dependent services
Refresh stored credentials in automation scripts, monitoring tools, backups, and client machines. Re-authenticate devices and verify connected services.
Tip: Reboot services if required to enforce credential changes across sessions. - 6
Verify access and functionality
Test essential operations: login, remote management, and any critical automation that relies on admin access. Watch for failed authentications or permission errors.
Tip: Keep a recovery plan ready if something doesn’t work as expected. - 7
Document, review, and schedule future changes
Record the date, devices updated, and the responsible administrator. Schedule periodic reviews and set reminders for future password changes.
Tip: Incorporate password-change activities into your security policy and audit process.
Your Questions Answered
Can you change the admin password on every device?
In most cases yes, though the exact steps vary by device. Access the admin interface, update the password, and test login. Keep backups of credentials and monitor access after changes.
Yes, you can change it on most devices by updating the password in the admin interface and verifying access afterward.
What makes a password strong for admin accounts?
Aim for long, unique passwords with mixed character types. Avoid reuse across devices and enable MFA when possible.
Choose long, unique passwords with mixed characters and enable two-factor authentication when you can.
What should I do if I forget the new admin password?
Use the device’s recovery options or reset procedures. If necessary, perform a factory reset after backing up configurations.
If you forget it, try the device’s recovery options; you may need a factory reset as a last resort.
Is changing the admin password enough for security?
No. Combine password changes with MFA, firmware updates, network segmentation, and ongoing monitoring.
Changing the password helps, but you should also use MFA, keep firmware updated, and monitor activity.
How often should I change admin passwords?
Change as dictated by policy or after a security incident, personnel changes, or when a device is compromised.
Do it per policy or after a security incident or personnel change.
Can I automate admin password changes?
Some devices support scheduling or policy-based changes. Consult vendor docs and ensure automation is auditable.
Some devices let you schedule changes; check vendor docs and keep logs.
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Key Takeaways
- Identify every device with admin access before changing passwords.
- Use unique, strong passwords and store them securely.
- Test logins and update dependent credentials after changes.
- Document changes and schedule regular password reviews.
