How to Set Up an Asus Router

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

When you first purchase your router, it isn't considered secure until you take a few moments to change the default configuration. This guide will take you through that process from start to finish.

You will need:

  • To have the router installed and powered on.
  • A computer and Ethernet cable.

2. Connect to Modem by Cable/Wire

Your router must be connected to a modem in order to provide the local network with an Internet connection.

  1. Acquire an Ethernet cable.
Ethernet cable.


  1.  
  2. Take one end of the cable and plug it into the Internet (or WAN) port on the rear of your router. The port may be blue or grey.
Router Internet port.


  1. Take one end of the cable and plug it into an available Ethernet (or LAN) port on the rear of your modem. These ports are typically yellow.
Modem Ethernet ports.


  1. Usually this is all that is needed to connect your router to a wired connection.

3. Connect Power

Please ensure that you are using the power adapter that came with your router.

  1. Locate the power cable and connect it to a power source like an outlet or surge protector.
  2. Plug the other end of the power cable to the router's power input, which is typically located in the rear.
Unplug power cable from rear of router, then plug it back in.
  1. Your router should power on.

4. Log into Asus Router

  1. Launch your internet browser and type 192.168.1.1 into the address bar.
Browser with 192.168.1.1 in the address bar. Screenshot.


  1. Type the device’s username and password in the boxes
Router login prompt. User name, admin. Password, admin. Log in button. Screenshot.


  1. Username: admin
  2. Password: admin
  3. You now have access to the router configuration page.

5. Change Router Login Credentials

  1. When you successfully log in to the router's configuration, click Administration under Advanced Settings.
Advanced Settings menu with Administration selected. Screenshot.


  1. Click the System tab to change the router login credentials.
System tab. Screenshot


  1. Type your new Router Login Name and New Password. Confirm the password by retyping the New Password.
Fields for Router login name, new password, and retype new password. Screenshot.


  1. Click Apply to save the changes.

The default username and password which you use to log in the router settings page are not the SSID and password you use to connect wirelessly to the router.

6. Change SSID

Your network name is also known as the SSID. This is the network name you see when a device, such as your phone or PC, displays nearby available networks.

  1. When you successfully log in to the router's configuration, you will see your Wi-Fi network details on the right.
Network Map menu with Wi-Fi details on the right. Screenshot.


  1. Under Wireless name (SSID), type the new name for your wireless network.
Wireless Name (SSID) field. Screenshot.


  1. Click the 5GHz tab in order to fill in a wireless name for your 5Ghz network. The name should be unique.
  2. Click Apply to save the changes.

7. Select Password

Wherever possible, you should pick a password that is impossible to guess and is also resistant to brute-force attacks. Note that some devices or systems do not allow special characters or they may have their own requirements.

Best practices for picking a strong password:

  • Passwords should be around 8 to 12 characters, but can be longer.
  • Avoid using words that are in the dictionary.
  • DO NOT use information that is easy to guess or phish for such as:
  • Important dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
  • Names of pets, friends, family, locations, etc.
  • Add some complexity to your password by adding at least:
  • 1 Capital letter
  • 1 Small letter
  • 1 Symbol
  • 1 Number
  • Try replacing letters with symbols, for example:
  • "Abc?123!" is easier to guess than "@B(?123!"
  • "Password!?" is easier to guess than "P@$$w0rd!?".

8. Change Wi-Fi Password

  1. From the Network Map, you will see your Wi-Fi network details on the right.
Network Map with Wi-Fi details on right side. Screenshot.


  1. Under Authentication Method, click the drop down button and select WPA2-Personal.
Authentication Method drop down box with WPA2-Personal selected. Screenshot.


  1. Under the WPA-PSK key, type your new password.
WPA-PSK key field for you to enter your password. Apply button. Screenshot.


  1. Click Apply to save the changes.
  2. Your wireless security settings have now been updated.
  3. Any time you change your wireless security settings you will need to reconnect your wireless devices.
  4. If your router is dual-band, meaning it has a 2.4 and a 5 GHz network you may need to repeat the steps listed above for each network because each network may be controlled individually. You must use different network names for each band.
  5. If your router has a guest network you will need to repeat the steps listed above for the guest network because it is controlled separately.

9. Keep Password Secure

Some precautions should be taken in order to keep your password secure.

Best practices:

  • Do not use a master password that you use everywhere (such as email, work, school, home, network)
  • If possible, do not share your password with anybody.
  • Passwords that are shared with others, like for a home network, should only be shared if necessary.
  • Be aware when typing your password in public, or that in no way anyone is watching.
  • Some types of electronic devices like computers and smartphones can remember passwords, so beware of devices that are not yours.
  • Make a schedule of when to change your password. For example, every 180 days.
  • It is not recommended to write down passwords. But if you have to, make sure that it is neither physically nor visually accessible by others.

10. Deciding to Update

Router updates are provided to add new security features, fix vulnerabilities, or other enhancements like performance upgrades. We recommend updating your router at this time in order to get the best possible security. Depending on the model, you may need an internet connection, access to a computer, and a formatted USB flash drive in order to update.

You may update now or do so another time.

11. Go to Updating your Asus Router

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