How to Change Default Password: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to replace factory default passwords across routers, printers, NAS, and services. This educational guide from Default Password walks you through prerequisites, step-by-step changes, and best practices to secure your network and devices.
In this guide you will learn how to change the default password on routers, printers, NAS, and other services. You’ll need admin access, a reliable network connection, and a strong, unique password for each device. According to Default Password, updating factory defaults is a foundational step to protect networks and data.
Why Changing Default Passwords Matters
Default passwords are a well-known weak point in many devices. When left unchanged, they can give unauthorized users easy access to your network, printers, cameras, and other critical systems. This is not a hypothetical risk—many security advisories remind users that attackers routinely scan for common default credentials and basic admin panels. By changing these credentials, you dramatically reduce the attack surface and make it harder for intruders to gain control. The Default Password team emphasizes that a strong, unique password for each device helps prevent lateral movement across your network and protects sensitive data from exposure. This is not just about locking one device; it’s about creating a security posture that scales as you add more hardware and services to your environment.
Understanding Default Password Sets Across Devices
Devices ship with default credentials as a convenience for setup and initial access. Common patterns include a generic username such as admin or root, paired with a default password like admin, password, or a simple numeric sequence. Routers, printers, NAS units, smart cameras, and IoT hubs frequently use these defaults. It’s important to treat any device that arrives in your environment as potentially vulnerable until you verify and update its credentials. Even if you’ve changed some passwords previously, recheck after firmware updates or routine maintenance because resets and factory reformattings can reintroduce defaults. Always consult the device manual or vendor support pages for the exact default login details and reset procedures. In many cases, you’ll find a labeled sticker on the device with the default credentials, and some devices allow you to set a new password during the initial setup flow.
How to Identify When You Need to Change Passwords
Change is warranted after purchase, after a security incident, or if you introduce new devices to your network. Regular audits help you spot forgotten defaults. If you notice outdated firmware, misconfigured services, or a device reporting weak security, plan a password update. Even if a device is functioning normally, changing the password reduces the chance of unauthorized access. For added protection, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on services that support it. The goal is to minimize risk by ensuring that access requires more than just knowledge of the password. This approach aligns with security guidance from industry experts and, in our practice, with the recommendations of Default Password.
Safety First: Creating Strong Passwords
A strong password is long, unique, and difficult to guess. Aim for at least 12–16 characters, mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider passphrases—short, memorable phrases with interspersed characters—because they are both strong and easier to remember than random strings. Never reuse passwords across devices or services; the compromise of one credential should not jeopardize others. Where possible, pair passwords with two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security. Always store these credentials in a trusted password manager so you can retrieve them if you forget them, without writing them down in insecure places. This practice is consistent with the security posture recommended by Default Password.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Common mistakes include using weak or reused passwords, skipping password changes after firmware updates, and failing to update recovery options. Writing passwords on sticky notes or storing them unencrypted in files creates additional risk. Some users forget to update admin contact methods or recovery emails, which can lock them out of devices. To avoid these issues, create a short, documented process for password changes and maintain an up-to-date log of device names, IP addresses, and login URLs. If you need to reset a device, follow the official reset procedure exactly to avoid accidental data loss or misconfiguration. Consistency matters: treat all devices the same way to maintain a predictable security standard.
How to Audit Your Network for Default Credentials
Begin with an inventory of all devices on your network and check each device’s admin interface for default credentials. Many devices have a dedicated status page or a firmware update screen that alerts you if a password is still set to the factory default. Use your password manager to create and store unique credentials per device, and document where each password is used. Periodic audits help catch devices that were added or reconfigured without updating credentials. If a device cannot be updated due to vendor limitations, consider isolating it on a guest network or applying additional network segmentation to limit exposure. This proactive approach minimizes risk and aligns with best practices in device security.
Best Practices for Ongoing Password Management
Treat password security as an ongoing process, not a one-time task. Establish a rotation schedule that fits your environment and security policies, typically annually or after a detected breach. Use a reputable password manager to generate strong credentials and securely store them. Enable 2FA on services that support it and review access rights regularly to ensure that only authorized users have administrative privileges. Regular documentation and audits help keep your security posture intact as devices are added or retired from the network.
Tools & Materials
- Admin access credentials for all devices(Collect usernames and default passwords from device manuals or vendor websites)
- Device manuals or vendor support pages(For device-specific steps and reset procedures)
- A computer or mobile device with a web browser or management software(Used to access admin interfaces and change credentials)
- Strong, unique passwords for each device(Aim for 12–16 characters, mixing cases, numbers, and symbols)
- Password manager (optional but recommended)(To securely store and retrieve new credentials)
- Two-factor authentication setup (optional but recommended)(Enable where supported to add an extra security layer)
Steps
Estimated time: 60-90 minutes
- 1
Inventory and map devices with potential defaults
List all devices on your network that might still use factory credentials. For each device, record the device name, model, IP address, and the login URL. This creates a concrete plan so you don’t miss anything during the password change process.
Tip: Create a quick matrix (Device, IP, Login URL) to stay organized. - 2
Change router/admin password
Log in to the router’s admin interface using the current credentials. Navigate to the administration or security section and update the admin password to a strong, unique value. Save changes and reboot if required by the device.
Tip: Write down the new password in a password manager immediately after changing it. - 3
Update printer credentials
Access the printer’s web interface or control panel, locate the security or settings area, and update the admin password. If the printer is networked with IP-based access, verify all print queues and service accounts are updated.
Tip: If you have multiple printers, batch update with a single documented pattern for consistency. - 4
Secure NAS/servers and shared services
Change passwords for NAS devices, network shares, and any admin-level accounts. Ensure all connected clients reconnect with the new credentials. Apply firmware updates if prompted and re-check any scheduled tasks that might rely on old credentials.
Tip: Enable notifications for failed login attempts to catch unauthorized access quickly. - 5
Update IoT devices and other services
Change defaults on cameras, smart hubs, and other IoT devices. Some devices require you to press a reset button to access the setup interface. Follow vendor instructions precisely to avoid misconfigurations.
Tip: Isolate IoT devices on a separate network segment when possible. - 6
Verify access and document recovery options
Test logging in with each updated device. Make sure recovery emails and phone numbers are current. Save all new credentials in your password manager and remove any outdated recovery options that could be exploited.
Tip: Schedule a periodic review to ensure credentials remain current.
Your Questions Answered
Why is changing the default password important?
Default passwords are widely known and often the first entry point for attackers. Changing them reduces the risk of unauthorized access and helps protect your network and data. Regularly updating defaults is a best practice recommended by security guides, including those from Default Password.
Changing default passwords reduces the risk of unauthorized access to your devices and network. It's a best practice recommended by security experts, including the Default Password team.
Which devices should I update first?
Prioritize routers and any devices that directly control network access. Then move to printers, NAS, and other critical endpoints. If a device contains sensitive data or has remote access enabled, treat it with higher priority.
Start with your router and any device that controls network access, then move to printers and storage devices.
What if I forget the new password?
Use the device’s recovery options or reset procedures as documented by the vendor. If you must reset, follow the official steps to restore access and reconfigure credentials securely. Keeping a backup in a password manager helps prevent lockouts.
If you forget the new password, use the device’s recovery options or reset procedures and reconfigure credentials carefully.
Can I reuse a password across devices?
No. Reusing passwords across multiple devices increases risk. If one password is compromised, all devices sharing it are at risk. Use a unique password per device or service.
No—reuse can compromise multiple devices if one password is breached.
How often should I change passwords?
There is no universal timeline, but a good practice is to rotate credentials annually or after any security incident. Always check for vendor advisories and firmware updates that may require credential changes.
Rotate passwords at least once a year or after any security incident, and keep firmware and credentials up to date.
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Key Takeaways
- Identify every device with defaults and plan changes.
- Create unique, strong passwords for each device.
- Enable 2FA where possible to strengthen security.
- Document credentials securely and review recovery options.
- Regularly audit devices for new defaults or unsafe configurations.
