Forgotten Admin Password for Motorola AC1900 WiFi Router can be frustrating, especially if you need to make changes to your network settings. Fortunately, it’s easy to recover access to your router by performing a reset. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, this guide will walk you through the steps to reset and recover your Motorola router’s admin password, without losing any important settings or data.
Why Is the Admin Password Important?
The admin password is crucial for accessing your router’s management interface. It allows you to make essential changes such as setting up WiFi security, updating firmware, or configuring network settings. If you’ve forgotten your admin password, don’t worry—there are ways to recover access and reset it.
Why Do People Forget Router Admin Passwords?
There are several common reasons why someone might forget the router admin password:
- Set long ago: The password might have been set during the initial router setup months or years ago and was forgotten over time.
- Never changed from default: Some users don’t change the default admin password, which could be easy to forget or guessed by hackers if left unchanged.
- Written down insecurely: Writing down passwords in an insecure manner can lead to misplacement or unauthorized access.
- Multiple passwords to remember: With the increasing number of online accounts and devices that require passwords, it’s easy to mix them up.
- Admin access rarely used: If you rarely log into the router settings, you may forget the password after a while.
Whatever the reason, resetting the router is a quick and easy solution.
Resetting the Motorola AC1900 Router Password
There are two primary methods to reset the password of your Motorola AC1900 router: hardware reset (manual) and software reset (remote). Both methods are simple, but each serves different scenarios depending on your access to the router.
1. Hardware Method (Factory Reset)
If you’ve forgotten the admin password and can’t log into the router’s interface, performing a factory reset will restore your router to its default settings. Note: A factory reset will erase any customized settings, including your WiFi name (SSID) and password, but it will reset the admin username and password.
Materials Needed:
- Motorola AC1900 WiFi router
- Paperclip or a pin
- Computer connected to the router’s network
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Locate the Reset Button
On the back or side of your Motorola AC1900 router, find the small, recessed reset button. This button is usually located near the power port. - Press and Hold the Reset Button
Using a straightened paperclip or pin, press and hold the reset button for 10-15 seconds. You’ll see the router’s power light start blinking, signaling that the reset is in progress. - Wait for the Router to Reboot
Release the reset button once the power light stops blinking. This indicates that the reset process has completed, and your router is now in its factory-default state. - Log into the Router
Open a web browser and type the default IP address 192.168.1.1 into the address bar. You will be prompted to log in. - Use Default Credentials
After the reset, the default admin username is typically admin, and the admin password is the last 6 digits of the router’s MAC address (printed on the bottom of the router). - Change the Admin Password
Once logged in, you can access the router’s settings and change the admin password to something more secure. Be sure to store the new password securely.
What to Expect:
After performing a hardware reset, your router will return to factory defaults. This includes resetting your WiFi network name (SSID), security settings, and any other custom configurations. You will need to set up your WiFi settings again, including choosing a new SSID and password.
2. Software Method (Remote Reset)
If your router is still connected to the internet and you have access to the network (even without admin access), you can perform a remote reset through the router’s web interface. This method avoids the need to physically access the router.
Materials Needed:
- Computer connected to the same network as the router
- Web browser
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Access the Router’s Login Page
On your computer, open a web browser and go to 192.168.1.1 (the default IP address of most Motorola routers). - Login Using Default Credentials
If prompted for login credentials, use the default admin username and the last 6 digits of the MAC address (found on the bottom of the router). - Navigate to the Reset Option
Once logged in, look for the ‘Admin’ or ‘System’ tab in the dashboard. Under this menu, you should find a ‘Backup/Reset’ or ‘Restore’ option. - Select Factory Reset
Choose the ‘Restore to Factory Default’ option and confirm the reset when prompted. The router will reboot and reset all settings to their original factory values. - Log in Again with Default Credentials
After the reset, log in using the default credentials mentioned above. Once logged in, you can change the admin password to something more secure.
Advantages of Software Reset:
- You don’t need to physically access the router.
- It’s ideal if the router is installed in a hard-to-reach location.
Disadvantages:
- A remote reset might require someone else to initiate it, depending on network access.
- It may not be as quick as the hardware method, as it involves several steps through the interface.
3. Hardware vs Software Reset: Which is Better?
| Aspect | Hardware Reset | Software Reset |
|---|---|---|
| Access Required | Physical access to the router needed | Can be done remotely (if on the same network) |
| Speed | Faster (usually under a minute) | Takes a bit longer due to interface navigation |
| Settings Affected | Wipes all settings, including WiFi | Keeps existing settings if backed up |
| Best Use Case | When physical access is possible or necessary | When the router is hard to reach, or you have access to the network |
4. Tips for Avoiding Future Password Problems
- Use a Strong Password: Avoid using simple or easily guessable passwords. A strong password should include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Store Your Passwords Securely: Use a password manager to store and manage your router’s login credentials, or write it down in a secure place.
- Change Your Password Regularly: Periodically changing your admin password enhances security and reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
- Back Up Your Router Settings: Many routers allow you to back up your custom settings. This can save time if you need to reset your router again in the future.
FAQs
Q1. What is the default IP address for the Motorola AC1900 router?
The default IP address for most Motorola routers, including the AC1900, is 192.168.1.1.
Q2. Will resetting my router delete my WiFi settings?
A factory reset will erase all custom settings, including your WiFi network name (SSID) and password. You will need to set these up again after the reset.
Q3. What should I do if I can’t access the reset button?
If you cannot physically access the reset button, you may want to try the software reset method. If that’s also not possible, consider reaching out to Motorola customer support for assistance.
Q4. How can I prevent forgetting my new admin password?
Store your new password in a secure location, use a password manager, or keep it written down in a safe place. A password manager is often the most secure and convenient solution.
Conclusion
Forgetting the admin password on your Motorola AC1900 router is an inconvenience, but it’s easy to recover access using either the hardware or software reset methods outlined above. Whether you choose to reset the router manually or remotely, you’ll be back in control of your router in no time. Just be sure to create a new, strong password and store it securely to avoid facing the same issue again.
