Find your router and log in to its settings

Your router is the device that broadcasts your WiFi signal — usually a box with antennas sitting on a shelf or mounted on a wall. To change the password, you need to open its settings page in 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 will take you to your router's login page. If neither works, look for a sticker on the back or bottom of the router — it will show the correct address, usually labeled "Admin URL" or "Gateway".

When the login page appears, enter your username and password. Most routers ship with a default username like "admin" and a default password like "admin" or "password". Check the sticker on your router or its manual for the exact defaults. If you have changed these before and do not remember them, you will need to reset the router to factory settings — this erases all your custom settings, so it is a last resort.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your router's settings page by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser, using the default username and password printed on the router itself.
  • Look for a section called "Wireless", "WiFi", "Security", or "Network" — the exact name depends on your router brand.
  • Change the WiFi password (also called the "passphrase" or "pre-shared key") to something at least 12 characters long, mixing letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • Save or apply the changes, then reconnect your devices to WiFi using the new password.
  • Write down your new password somewhere safe, separate from where you keep your router, in case you need it later.

Locate the WiFi password setting

Once you are logged in, look for a menu on the left side or top of the page. Different router brands use different names, but you are looking for something like "Wireless", "WiFi", "Security", "Network Settings", or "Wireless Security". Click on it.

You should see a field labeled "Passphrase", "Pre-Shared Key", "WiFi Password", or "Network Key". This is the password people enter when they connect to your WiFi. Do not confuse it with the router's admin password — that is what you just used to log in, and it is separate.

Create a strong new password

Delete the old password and type in a new one. Make it at least 12 characters long and mix in uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or #. Avoid using your name, address, or anything someone could guess from your social media.

Write the new password down on paper and store it somewhere safe — a drawer, a safe, or a notebook you keep at home. Do not email it to yourself or store it in a note on your phone, because if someone gains access to your email or phone, they have your WiFi password too.

Save the changes and reconnect your devices

Look for a button labeled "Save", "Apply", "OK", or "Confirm" at the bottom of the page. Click it. The router will restart, which usually takes one to three minutes. Your internet will drop briefly while this happens.

Once the router is back online, your old WiFi password will no longer work. Go to each device — phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, printer — and reconnect to the WiFi network. When prompted for the password, enter the new one you just created.

What to do if you cannot log in to the router

If 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1 do not work, check the sticker on your router for the correct address. If the default username and password do not work, someone may have already changed them. Try common defaults like "admin" and "12345", or search online for your specific router model and "default password".

If you still cannot get in, you can reset the router to factory settings. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen. This erases all your settings — including the WiFi password you set — so the router goes back to its factory defaults. You will then be able to log in with the original default credentials and set everything up again from scratch.

Changing the router admin password separately

Your router has two passwords: the WiFi password (which guests use to connect) and the admin password (which you use to log into settings). You can change the admin password too, which is a good idea if you want to prevent someone else from accessing your router's settings.

While you are logged into the router settings, look for a section called "Administration", "Admin", "System Settings", or "User Management". There you can change the admin username and password. Write this down separately from your WiFi password and keep it in a safe place. If you forget it, you will have to reset the router again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect everyone currently using my WiFi?

Yes. When you save the new password, the router restarts and all connected devices lose their connection. They will need to reconnect using the new password. This usually takes a few minutes per device.

What if I forget the new password I just set?

You can log back into the router settings and view or change the password again. If you forget the admin password too, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings and returns it to the original defaults.

Can I see who is connected to my WiFi?

Yes. Most routers have a section called "Connected Devices", "Client List", or "DHCP Clients" in the settings page. This shows you the names and addresses of devices currently using your WiFi. If you see devices you do not recognize, you can change your WiFi password to disconnect them.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There is no set rule. Change it if you suspect someone unauthorized is using your WiFi, if a guest moves out, or if you have not changed it in over a year. For most home users, once or twice a year is reasonable.

Is the WiFi password the same as my internet password?

No. Your internet password is what you use to log into your internet provider's account online. Your WiFi password is what people enter to connect to your network. Your router admin password is a third password for accessing the router's settings. All three are separate.