CONTENTS
Brief outline
The Cisco router login steps given in this article will help you access your Cisco router and show you how to apply some simple and effective security tweaks. These tweaks significantly increase the security of your wireless router and home network.
But first, let’s see how to login to your Cisco router.
Cisco Router Login Steps
The Cisco router login steps are practically the same except for the default IP and login details depending on the model or the ISP you have rented it from. To illustrate the router login steps we are going to show you how to login to Cisco DPC3825.
STEP 1: Connect to your home network
Connect the device you plan to use to your network either using a wired or wireless connection. If possible, it is better to use a wired connection over a network cable. However, if you are using a smartphone or a tablet to connect then you can use your WiFi.
Please note that you can be logged out of the router when changing some settings like the WiFi password or the router admin password.
STEP 2: Launch the browser installed on your device
Any browser installed on your device will help you login to your Cisco router.
STEP 3: Type 192.168.0.1 in the URL bar
Type the Cisco router default IP 192.18.0.1 in the browser’s URL bar and hit the Enter button on the keyboard or tap Go on your screen. If the router IP is correct you will be asked to enter a username and password. However, if 192.168.0.1 isn’t the router IP, you can find it by following this guide.
STEP 4: Type the default Cisco router username and password
Try leaving both the username and password fields blank and click login.
In case the router admin dashboard doesn’t appear try again with the following login details:
- Username: cusadmin
- Password: password
The username and password are case sensitive so be careful when you type them.
STEP 5: Click Log In
After you click the Log In button you will be redirected to the Cisco router admin dashboard. There you can easily configure the router settings.
Now it’s time to make some changes that will secure our router and wireless home network. So, let’s begin!
Basic Cisco Router Security Tweaks
The changes you can make and that will increase the router security are:
- changing the WiFi password
- changing the default router admin username and password
Just these changes are generally enough to make it pretty difficult for anyone to access your network.
How to change the Cisco router WiFi password
To change the WiFi password follow these steps after you login to your Cisco router.
- Click on the Wireless button in the top menu.
- Then select Wireless Security in the secondary menu.
- In the Wireless Security mode drop-down list select WPA2 Personal.
- Type your new WiFi password in the Pre-Shared Key field.
- Click the Save Settings button at the bottom of the page.
IMPORTANT: Always create a strong WiFi password. Try to make an 8-12 characters long combination of capital and small letters, numbers and special characters.
How to change the Cisco router admin username and password
When we were trying to login to our Cisco router in STEP 4, we needed to enter the default router admin username – cusadmin and password – password.
However, anyone who is connected to your network can access your router settings and change them without your permission. That can have some negative effects on the security and performance of your home network so we recommend you to change the router admin password as well.
After you have successfully logged into your router follow these steps:
- Click on the Administration button in the top menu.
- Then select Management in the secondary menu.
- In the Current User Name field type the new admin username.
- In the Change Password to field type your new admin password.
- In the Re-Enter New Password field type the new password again.
- Disable Remote Management.
- Click the Save Settings button at the bottom of the page.
IMPORTANT: Make sure to save the new admin login details somewhere safe. In case you forget them you will need to reset your Cisco router to factory default settings.
Cisco Router Login – Final Words
We hope you have completed the Cisco router login steps successfully and changed the WiFi password as well. Feel free to make additional changes if you want or just take a look at the settings and everything you can modify later.
Please make notes of the changes you make or backup your router settings first if you need to fix things later.
Hey, I’m David. I’ve been working as a wireless network engineer and a network administrator for 15 years. During my studies, I also worked as an ISP field technician – that’s when I met Jeremy.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in network engineering and a master’s degree in computer science and engineering. I’m also a Cisco-certified service provider.
In my professional career, I worked for router/modem manufacturers and internet providers. I like to think that I’m good at explaining network-related issues in simple terms. That’s exactly what I’m doing on this website – I’m making simple and easy-to-follow guides on how to install, set up, and troubleshoot your networking hardware. I also review new network equipment – modems, gateways, switches, routers, extenders, mesh systems, cables, etc.
My goal is to help regular users with their everyday network issues, educate them, and make them less scared of their equipment. In my articles, you can find tips on what to look for when buying new networking hardware, and how to adjust your network settings to get the most out of your wi-fi.
Since my work is closely related to computers, servers, and other network equipment, I like to spend most of my spare time outdoors. When I want to blow off some steam, I like to ride my bike. I also love hiking and swimming. When I need to calm down and clear my mind, my go-to activity is fishing.