Find your router and log in to its settings

Your router is the box that broadcasts your WiFi signal — usually a rectangular device with antennas, made by companies like Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, or your internet provider. To change the password, you need to access the router's admin panel through a web browser on any device connected to that WiFi network.

Open a browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. One of these addresses will load your router's login page. If neither works, check the back or bottom of your router for a sticker that lists the correct address — it may also say "admin URL" or show a QR code you can scan.

When the login page appears, enter your router's username and password. The default is often admin for both, but check your router's sticker or manual if that does not work. Once logged in, you are in the admin panel where all router settings live.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's address is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, and the default login is often admin/admin, but your router's sticker will confirm both.
  • WiFi password settings are typically under a section labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," or "Security," not under general settings.
  • Change both the WiFi name (SSID) and password at the same time so devices do not auto-connect to the old network.
  • After you save changes, your router will restart and disconnect all devices; reconnect them using the new password.
  • If you forget the new password, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, but this erases all custom settings.

Locate the wireless or WiFi settings section

Once you are logged into the admin panel, look for a menu on the left side or top of the page. Find the section labeled Wireless, WiFi, WLAN, or Security. Different router brands organize this differently — some call it "Wireless Settings," others "WiFi Network," but the concept is the same.

Click into that section. You will see fields for the network name (called the SSID) and the password (sometimes called the Pre-Shared Key or Passphrase). Some routers show separate tabs for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks — if yours does, you can change one, both, or keep them the same. Most people change both to the same password for simplicity.

Change the password and save the new settings

Click in the password field and clear the current password. Type a new one that is at least 12 characters long and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — this makes it harder for someone to guess. Avoid using your name, address, or obvious words.

You can also change the network name (SSID) at the same time if you want something easier to recognize. Once both fields are filled, look for a Save, Apply, or OK button and click it. The router will process the change and restart — this takes 30 seconds to two minutes.

During the restart, your WiFi will disappear from the available networks list, then reappear with the new name. All devices currently connected will be kicked off the network.

Reconnect your devices to the new network

Once the router has restarted and the WiFi name reappears, go to each device and forget the old network. On a phone or tablet, go to WiFi settings, find the old network name, and select "Forget." On a computer, do the same through your network settings.

Then connect to the network using the new name and password. Your device will ask for the password the first time — enter it exactly as you typed it in the router settings, paying attention to uppercase and lowercase letters. Once connected, the device will remember it for future use.

Repeat this for every device that uses your WiFi: phones, tablets, laptops, smart speakers, printers, security cameras, and anything else. Devices that are not reconnected will not have internet access.

What to do if you cannot log into the router

If the default username and password do not work, check whether you changed them before. If you did and cannot remember the new password, you will need to reset the router to factory settings. Find the small reset button (usually recessed so you need a paperclip to press it) on the back or bottom of the router, hold it for 10 to 15 seconds, and release.

The router will restart and return to its original settings — this means you will lose any custom configurations you made, including port forwarding or parental controls. After the reset, use the default login credentials again. You can then set a new admin password and WiFi password from scratch.

If you are renting and the router belongs to your internet provider, call their support line instead of resetting it. They may have locked the admin panel or use a different default password, and they can walk you through the process or send a technician.

Why you should change your WiFi password regularly

Changing your password every few months makes it harder for someone outside your home to connect to your network without permission. If a guest or neighbor has your old password, they can still access your WiFi until you change it. A new password also forces any unauthorized devices off the network immediately.

If you notice your WiFi is slow or you see unfamiliar device names in your router's connected devices list, changing the password is one of the first steps to take. It is also a good idea after a houseguest leaves or if you suspect someone has your password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect my smart home devices?

Yes, all devices will be disconnected when the router restarts. You will need to reconnect each one using the new password. Smart home devices like thermostats, cameras, and speakers usually have a settings menu where you can enter the new WiFi credentials. Check the device's manual or app if you are unsure how to reconnect it.

What if I change the password but devices still connect with the old one?

This usually means the device has the old password saved and is auto-connecting. Go to that device's WiFi settings, forget the old network, and manually reconnect using the new password. Make sure you are typing the new password correctly — spaces and capitalization matter.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone instead of a computer?

Yes, you can use any device connected to your WiFi. Open a browser on your phone, type the router address (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar, and log in the same way. The process is identical on a phone or computer.

What happens if I forget the new password I just set?

You can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases the new password and all other custom settings, returning the router to its original state. You can then log in with the default credentials and set a new password. Write down your new password somewhere safe to avoid this in the future.

Do I need to change the admin password too?

It is a good idea. The admin password protects access to your router settings — if someone knows it, they can change your WiFi password or other settings. When you are in the admin panel, look for a section called "Administration," "System," or "Account" and change the default admin password to something only you know.