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, near your modem, or mounted on a wall. To change your password, you need to access the router's settings page through a web browser on any device connected to that WiFi network.

Open a browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar. The most common address is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If neither works, look on the back or bottom of your router for a sticker that lists the IP address, or check the manual that came with it.

When the login page appears, enter your username and password. The default is often admin for both username and password, but this varies by manufacturer. If the defaults do not work, check the sticker on your router or search online for "[your router model] default login".

Locate the WiFi password settings

Once you are logged in, look for a section called Wireless, WiFi, Network, or Security. The exact name and location depend on your router brand — Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, and others arrange their menus differently.

Find the field labeled Password, Passphrase, Pre-Shared Key (PSK), or Network Key. This is where your current WiFi password is stored. You may need to check a box that says "Show Password" to see what it currently is.

Create and save your new password

Delete the old password and type in a new one. A strong WiFi password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, address, or anything that appears on the router itself.

Write down your new password in a safe place — a password manager, a notebook in a drawer, or a document on your computer. You will need it to reconnect all your devices after you save the change.

Look for a button labeled Save, Apply, or OK and click it. The router will process the change, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your WiFi may briefly disconnect.

Reconnect your devices to the network

After the router restarts, your devices will no longer be connected to the WiFi because they still have the old password stored. You will need to manually reconnect each one.

On your phone, tablet, or computer, go to your WiFi settings and select your network name from the list. When prompted for the password, enter the new one you just created. Repeat this for every device that uses your WiFi — phones, tablets, laptops, smart speakers, printers, and anything else that connects wirelessly.

If you cannot access the settings page

If you cannot reach the login page at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, try these steps in order: first, make sure you are connected to the WiFi network you want to change. Second, try typing the address with http:// at the beginning, like http://192.168.1.1. Third, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

If you still cannot access the settings, check whether your router has a dedicated app. Many newer routers come with a smartphone app that lets you change the password without typing an IP address. Search your phone's app store for your router brand name.

If you forgot your current password

If you do not know your current WiFi password and cannot log into the router settings, you will need to reset the router to its factory defaults. This erases all your settings, including the WiFi password, and returns everything to what it was when you first bought it.

Look for a small Reset button on the back of the router, usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink, and the router will restart. Once it is back online, log in using the default username and password (usually admin/admin), then set a new WiFi password following the steps above.

Key Takeaways

  • Access your router settings by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser, then log in with the default username and password printed on your router.
  • Find the WiFi password field in the Wireless or Security section of your router settings, delete the old password, and type in a new one that is at least 12 characters long.
  • Click Save or Apply, then wait for the router to restart before reconnecting your devices.
  • Reconnect each device by selecting your network name in WiFi settings and entering the new password when prompted.
  • If you cannot access the settings page, try using the router's smartphone app, or reset the router to factory defaults if you have forgotten the password entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect everyone currently on the network?

Yes. When you save the new password, all connected devices will be disconnected within a few minutes. They will not be able to reconnect unless they have the new password. If someone else in your household uses the WiFi, let them know the new password before you make the change.

What if I cannot remember the new password I just created?

Log back into your router settings using the same IP address and login method. Go to the WiFi or Wireless section and look at the password field — it should still be there. You can either write it down this time, or change it to something you will remember better.

Do I need to change my WiFi password regularly?

There is no rule that says you must, but changing it once or twice a year is a reasonable practice if you want to reduce the chance that someone outside your home has gained access to your network. If you suspect someone is using your WiFi without permission, change the password immediately.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes, if your router has a smartphone app. Search your phone's app store for your router brand name, download the app, and log in. Many apps let you change the password without typing an IP address. If your router does not have an app, you can still use a phone browser to visit 192.168.1.1, though the settings page may be harder to read on a small screen.