Access the Xfinity Gateway settings through your web browser or mobile app

To change your Xfinity WiFi password, you log into your gateway's settings page using a web browser on any device connected to your network. Open a browser and go to 10.0.0.1 or mygateway.xfinity.com. You will be asked for a username and password — the default is usually admin for both, unless you changed it before.

If you do not remember your gateway password, you can reset the gateway to factory settings by holding the reset button on the back of the device for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your custom settings and returns the password to admin. After reset, you will need to set up your WiFi name and password again from the start.

Alternatively, use the Xfinity My Account mobile app to change your password without a browser. Open the app, tap the menu, select WiFi settings, and follow the prompts to update your network password.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your WiFi password by logging into 10.0.0.1 or mygateway.xfinity.com with the username and password admin.
  • If you forgot your gateway password, press and hold the reset button on the back of the device for 10 to 15 seconds to restore factory defaults.
  • The Xfinity My Account app offers a mobile-friendly way to update your WiFi password without using a web browser.
  • After you change your password, all devices currently connected to your WiFi will be disconnected and will need the new password to reconnect.

Step-by-step process through the web gateway settings

Once you are logged into the gateway settings page, look for a section labeled WiFi, Wireless, or Network. The exact name depends on your gateway model. Click or tap that section to open the wireless settings.

You will see two networks listed: one for 2.4 GHz and one for 5 GHz. Both use the same password by default, but you can set different passwords for each if you want. Find the field labeled WiFi Password, Passphrase, or Pre-Shared Key (PSK). Clear the current password and type your new one.

Your new password must be at least 8 characters long and can include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write down your new password before you save it — you will need it to reconnect your devices. Click Save or Apply to confirm the change. The gateway will restart, which usually takes 2 to 5 minutes.

What happens to your connected devices after you change the password

When you save a new WiFi password, your gateway restarts and all devices currently connected to your network will be disconnected immediately. Phones, computers, tablets, smart TVs, and any other WiFi-enabled devices will lose their connection and will show "no internet" or "unable to connect" until you reconnect them.

To reconnect a device, open its WiFi settings, select your Xfinity network name from the list of available networks, and enter your new password when prompted. Do this for each device one at a time. Devices that were not in use when you changed the password will ask for the new password the next time you try to connect them.

Resetting your gateway if you cannot log in

If you cannot remember the gateway password and cannot log into the settings page, locate the reset button on the back or bottom of your Xfinity gateway. It is usually a small, recessed button that requires a paperclip or pen to press. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights on the front of the gateway turn off and then back on.

The reset process takes about 5 minutes. Once complete, the gateway will return to its factory settings, and the username and password will both be admin. You will need to set up your WiFi name and password again. Any custom settings you made before the reset — such as port forwarding or parental controls — will be erased.

After reset, log back into 10.0.0.1 with the default credentials and create a new WiFi password. Consider writing down your new gateway password in a safe place so you do not lose access again.

Using the Xfinity My Account app to change your password

Download the Xfinity My Account app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store if you do not have it already. Open the app and sign in with your Xfinity account username and password — this is different from your gateway password.

Once logged in, tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) and look for an option labeled WiFi, Internet, or Network Settings. Select it, then find the option to change your WiFi password. Enter your new password, confirm it, and tap save. The app will send the change to your gateway, which will restart just as it does when you change the password through the web browser.

Troubleshooting common problems when changing your password

If you cannot reach 10.0.0.1, make sure you are connected to your Xfinity WiFi network or plugged into the gateway with an ethernet cable. If you are on a different network, you cannot access the gateway settings. Try typing mygateway.xfinity.com instead — this works from any internet connection.

If the page loads but says "username or password incorrect," you may have changed the default admin password in the past. Check any records or notes where you might have saved it. If you truly cannot remember it, the reset button is your only option.

If your new password does not seem to work after you save it, wait 5 minutes for the gateway to fully restart. If devices still cannot connect, try restarting the device itself — sometimes the WiFi radio needs to be refreshed. If the problem continues, restart the gateway by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my Xfinity account password when I change my WiFi password?

No. Your Xfinity account password and your WiFi password are separate. Changing one does not affect the other. Your account password is what you use to log into your Xfinity bill and services online. Your WiFi password is what guests and devices use to connect to your network.

Can I set different passwords for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks?

Yes. In the gateway settings, you can expand the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz sections separately and set different passwords for each. However, most people leave them the same for simplicity. Devices will automatically choose the best band to connect to.

What if I reset the gateway but still cannot log in with admin/admin?

Wait a full 5 minutes after the reset completes before trying to log in — the gateway needs time to fully restart. If it still does not work, try accessing the gateway from a device plugged in with an ethernet cable rather than WiFi. If you still cannot connect, contact Xfinity support, as the gateway may have a hardware issue.

Will changing my WiFi password affect my internet speed?

No. Your WiFi password controls who can connect to your network, not how fast your connection is. Speed depends on your Xfinity internet plan and the quality of your connection to the gateway.