Cox Router Login
Cox primarily provides the Panoramic WiFi Gateway — a modem and router combo that Cox rents to subscribers for $14/month. It uses 192.168.0.1 as its admin address, but here's the catch: Cox restricts what you can change through the web admin. Many settings that other routers expose are locked behind the Cox app or require calling support.
Cox wants you to use the Cox app for most network management, similar to how Xfinity pushes the xFi app. The web admin at 192.168.0.1 still works for basic settings, but it's not the full-featured interface you'd get with your own router.
Logging In
Open a browser and go to http://192.168.0.1. The default credentials are admin / password, but Cox may set a unique password on newer gateways — check the sticker on the bottom or back of your device. If the default doesn't work and there's no sticker, try admin/admin or check if a previous user changed the password.
What You Can Change
WiFi name and password — The most common reason people access the gateway admin. Under Wireless settings, you can change the SSID (network name) and password for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
Connected devices — View a list of everything on your network with IP addresses and MAC addresses.
Port forwarding — Under Advanced Settings, you can set up port forwarding rules for gaming, home servers, or remote access applications.
Admin password — You can (and should) change the default admin password to prevent anyone on your network from accessing the gateway settings.
What Cox Locks Down
Compared to a standalone router from NETGEAR or ASUS, the Panoramic WiFi gateway is noticeably restricted:
DNS settings — Cox typically locks you into their DNS servers. On some gateway models, you can change this in the admin panel, but on others it's grayed out. If you can't change DNS on the gateway, you can set custom DNS (like 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8) on individual devices instead.
Firmware updates — Managed by Cox. You can't manually update or downgrade firmware. Cox pushes updates automatically, sometimes changing settings in the process.
QoS and bandwidth management — Basic or nonexistent on most Panoramic gateways. The Cox app offers a "device prioritization" feature, but it's limited compared to QoS on standalone routers.
Bridge Mode — Using Your Own Router
If the Panoramic gateway's limitations bother you, the solution is bridge mode. This turns the Cox gateway into a modem only — disabling its router functions, WiFi, and DHCP — and lets you plug in your own router for full control.
To enable bridge mode, you typically need to call Cox support and ask them to enable it, or in some cases you can find it under Advanced Settings in the admin panel. Once bridge mode is active, connect your own router's WAN port to the gateway's Ethernet port, and your router handles everything.
Alternatively, you can buy your own DOCSIS 3.1 modem (the cable modem at 192.168.100.1) and skip the Cox rental entirely. You'll save the $14/month rental fee and have full control with your own router. Check Cox's approved modem list before purchasing.
Cox App vs. Web Admin
| Feature | Web Admin (192.168.0.1) | Cox App |
|---|---|---|
| Change WiFi name/password | Yes | Yes |
| View connected devices | Yes | Yes (better UI) |
| Port forwarding | Yes | No |
| Parental controls | Limited | Yes |
| Speed test | No | Yes |
| Pause devices | No | Yes |
| Advanced settings | Some | Very limited |
Troubleshooting
192.168.0.1 won't load: Make sure you're connected to the Cox gateway's network (WiFi or Ethernet), not a different network. If you have your own router behind the gateway, you may need to connect directly to the gateway to access its admin.
Password doesn't work: Try the sticker on the gateway. If a previous user changed it, factory reset the gateway by pressing and holding the reset button for 10+ seconds. This resets admin credentials but also resets WiFi settings.
Internet is down: Check the gateway lights. If the "Online" or "Internet" LED is off or blinking, the issue is between Cox and your gateway — not something the admin panel can fix. Check for outages in your area on the Cox app or website before troubleshooting further.