Change your Verizon WiFi password through the My Verizon app or by logging into your router directly

You can change your Verizon WiFi password in two ways: through the My Verizon mobile app (the fastest method for most people) or by logging into your router's admin panel using a web browser. Both methods take about five minutes. The My Verizon app works on iPhone and Android; the browser method works on any device connected to your network or any device that can reach your router's IP address.

Your router's default password is printed on a sticker attached to the device itself — usually on the back or bottom. If you have lost that sticker, you can reset the router to factory settings, though this will erase any custom settings you have made. Changing your password regularly (every few months to a year) reduces the risk that someone outside your home can connect to your network.

Key Takeaways

  • The My Verizon app is the simplest method and works from your phone without needing to remember your router's IP address.
  • If you use a browser, log into 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1 with your router's admin username and password, then find the WiFi or wireless settings section.
  • Your new password must be at least 8 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • After you change the password, all devices currently connected to your WiFi will be disconnected and will need the new password to reconnect.
  • If you forget your 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.

Changing your password through the My Verizon app

Download the My Verizon app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store if you do not already have it. Open the app and sign in with your Verizon account username and password. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then select "WiFi" or "Internet" depending on your app version.

Look for an option labeled "WiFi settings," "WiFi password," or "Change WiFi password." Tap it, then enter your new password in the field provided. The password must be at least 8 characters long. Tap "Save" or "Confirm." The app will send the new password to your router, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. You will see a confirmation message when the change is complete.

Once the change is confirmed, disconnect from your WiFi network on all your devices (phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, etc.). Reconnect to the same network name using your new password. Devices will prompt you to enter the password the first time you reconnect.

Changing your password through your router's admin panel

Open a web browser on any device connected to your Verizon WiFi network. In the address bar, type 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1 and press Enter. (If neither address works, check the sticker on your router for the correct IP address.) A login page will appear.

Enter your router's admin username and password. For most Verizon routers, the default username is admin and the default password is printed on the sticker on the back or bottom of the router. If you have changed these credentials before and do not remember them, you will need to reset the router to factory settings.

Once logged in, look for a section labeled "WiFi," "Wireless," "Network," or "Settings." Click on it. Find the field labeled "WiFi password," "Pre-shared key," "PSK," or "Passphrase." Delete the current password and type your new one. The password must be at least 8 characters long and can include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! @ # $ % ^ & *.

Click "Save," "Apply," or "OK" to confirm the change. Your router will restart, which usually takes one to three minutes. During this time, your WiFi will be unavailable. Once the router restarts, reconnect all your devices using the new password.

What to do if you forget your new password

If you change your password and then forget it, you can reset your router to factory settings. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your router (it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident). Use a paperclip, pen, or similar object to press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. The router's lights will flash, and it will restart.

Once the router restarts, it will return to its factory default settings. The default WiFi password is printed on the sticker on the router. You can then log back into the admin panel and set a new password. Note that resetting the router will erase any custom settings you have made, such as port forwarding rules or custom DNS settings.

If you do not have access to the reset button or prefer not to reset the router, you can use the My Verizon app to reset your WiFi password remotely. Open the app, go to WiFi settings, and look for an option to "Reset WiFi password" or "Restore default password." This will set your WiFi password back to the factory default without erasing other router settings.

Why your devices disconnect when you change the password

When you change your WiFi password, every device currently connected to your network is automatically disconnected. This is a security feature: the router stops accepting connections with the old password and only accepts the new one. Your phone, laptop, smart TV, and any other connected device will lose internet access until you manually reconnect them.

To reconnect, go to your device's WiFi settings, select your Verizon network name from the list of available networks, and enter your new password. Most devices will then remember the new password and reconnect automatically the next time they are in range of your network. If a device does not reconnect automatically, you may need to "forget" the network in your WiFi settings and reconnect from scratch.

Choosing a strong WiFi password

A strong password makes it harder for someone outside your home to connect to your network without permission. Use at least 12 characters if possible, even though 8 is the minimum. Mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid dictionary words, names, birthdates, or sequences like "12345" or "qwerty."

A strong password might look like: Tr0pic@lSunset42! or BlueM00n#Rises9. Write your new password down and store it somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager app, or a secure note on your phone. Do not share your WiFi password with people you do not trust, and change it if someone who had access to it no longer lives with you or should no longer have internet access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart my router after changing the password?

If you change the password through the My Verizon app, the router restarts automatically and you do not need to do anything. If you change it through the admin panel, the router usually restarts on its own after you click Save. If it does not restart within a few minutes, you can unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in.

Will changing my WiFi password affect my internet speed?

No. Changing your password does not change your internet speed or the performance of your connection. It only changes who can connect to your network. Your internet speed depends on your Verizon plan and the distance between your devices and the router.

Can I change my password if I am not home?

Yes, if you use the My Verizon app. You do not need to be connected to your home WiFi to use the app — you can use your phone's cellular data. The browser method requires you to be connected to your home network or to know your router's public IP address, which is more complicated.

What if the My Verizon app does not show a WiFi password option?

Some older Verizon routers or certain account types may not support password changes through the app. In that case, use the browser method to log into your router's admin panel directly at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1. If neither address works, check the sticker on your router for the correct IP address.

Can someone change my WiFi password if they know my Verizon account password?

Yes, if they log into the My Verizon app with your account credentials, they can change your WiFi password. Keep your Verizon account password private and enable two-factor authentication on your Verizon account for extra security. Two-factor authentication requires a code sent to your phone before anyone can log in, even if they know your password.