How to Secure Your MikroTik Router: Changing Default Username

🔐 MikroTik routers are powerful and flexible. Like any network device, they must be properly secured. This prevents unauthorized access. One of the first steps in securing your MikroTik router is to change the default ‘admin’ username. Alternatively, you can create a new user and remove the default one. This prevents attackers from targeting a well-known login credential.

Below are the steps to achieve this using Winbox or WebFig, MikroTik’s GUI configuration tools. You can also perform this via terminal commands.

🛠 Steps to Change the Default Username or Create a New User

✅ Option 1: Via Winbox or WebFig (Graphical Interface)

Step 1: Log in to Your Router

• Open Winbox or your web browser and log in to your MikroTik router.
• Use the default username: admin (if still active).
• Leave the password blank (default) or enter your current password.

Step 2: Create a New User

1. Navigate to System > Users.
2. Click the “+” (Add) button.
3. In the Name field, enter your desired username.
4. Set a strong password.
5. Under Group, select full (equivalent to admin access).
6. Click Apply then OK.

Follow the steps and then click OK, done.

Step 3: Log Out and Log Back In

• Log out of the router.
• Log in using your new user credentials to ensure it works properly.

Step 4: Delete the Default Admin User

1. Go back to System > Users.
2. Select the user admin.
3. Click the “-” (Remove) button to delete it.
4. Confirm the deletion.

⚠️ Important: Make sure you’re logged in as the new user with full access. Do this before deleting the default admin. Otherwise, you might lock yourself out.

Why do we need to delete the Default Admin Use on Mikrotik Router?

The default admin user on MikroTik routers is a well-known username that ships with every MikroTik device. While it’s convenient for initial setup, keeping it active poses serious security risks: learn more…

✅ Option 2: Via Terminal / CLI

If you prefer the terminal:

# Add a new user with full rights
/user add name=newadmin group=full password=YourStrongPassword

# Log out and test newadmin login

# Remove default admin user
/user remove admin

🧩 Final Thoughts

Changing or deleting the default admin user on your MikroTik router is a crucial security step. By using a unique username and a strong password, you reduce the risk of brute-force attacks and unauthorized access. Always make sure to keep a backup of your configuration and test new credentials before removing existing ones.

MikroTik routers are trusted worldwide for their power, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. These qualities make them a great choice for home, office, or ISP-level networking. If you don’t already own one, consider upgrading your network. You can check out MikroTik routers on Amazon here.

The first and most important step after setting up your MikroTik router is to secure it. You should start by changing the default admin username. This helps prevent unauthorized access and ensures your network stays protected.