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

You can change your Xfinity WiFi password two ways: through the Xfinity app on your phone, or by logging into your router's admin panel on a computer. The app is faster if you have it installed. If you do not, logging into the router takes about five minutes and requires only your browser.

Your WiFi password is separate from your Xfinity account password. Changing one does not change the other. You will need to reconnect all your devices to the network once you set a new password, so plan to do this when you are home and can walk through reconnection with anyone else in your household.

Key Takeaways

  • The Xfinity app method is the fastest: open the app, tap the menu, select WiFi settings, and choose Change WiFi Password.
  • If you do not have the app, log into your router at 10.0.0.1 using your admin username and password to change the WiFi name and password.
  • Your new password takes effect immediately, and all devices will disconnect and need to reconnect using the new password.
  • Write down your new password before you change it, because you will need to give it to every device on your network.

Using the Xfinity app to change your WiFi password

Open the Xfinity app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and select WiFi. Tap Change WiFi Password. The app will show you your current network name and ask you to enter a new password.

Your new password must be at least 8 characters long. Xfinity recommends using a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to make it harder to guess. Type your new password twice to confirm it matches, then tap Save. The change takes effect in about 30 seconds.

Once the password changes, your phone will stay connected to the network, but every other device in your home will disconnect. You will need to reconnect each one by selecting your WiFi network and entering the new password.

Logging into your router to change the password

If you do not have the Xfinity app or prefer to use a computer, open a web browser and type 10.0.0.1 into the address bar. Press Enter. A login page will appear asking for a username and password.

Your default admin username is usually admin and your default password is usually motorola or admin. If neither works, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it may have the login information printed there. If you changed your admin password in the past and do not remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your settings.

Once you log in, look for a section labeled WiFi, Wireless, or Network Settings. Find the field that shows your current WiFi password (sometimes labeled Passphrase or Pre-Shared Key). Delete the old password and type in your new one. Click Save or Apply. The router will restart, which takes about two minutes.

What happens after you change your password

Every device connected to your WiFi will lose its connection once the new password takes effect. Phones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, smart speakers, printers, and any other connected devices will show that the network is available but will not connect until you enter the new password.

Go to each device, open its WiFi settings, select your network name, and enter the new password. Most devices will then stay connected automatically the next time they are in range. If a device does not reconnect automatically, you may need to "forget" the network first, then reconnect with the new password.

Resetting your router if you forgot the admin password

If you cannot log into your router because you forgot the admin password, you can reset it to factory settings. Locate the small Reset button on the back of your router. Using a paperclip or pen, press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart.

After the reset, your admin username and password will return to the defaults (usually admin and motorola). However, resetting also erases any custom WiFi settings you created, so you will need to set up your WiFi name and password again from scratch. Your internet connection itself will not be affected.

Choosing a strong WiFi password

A strong WiFi password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, address, phone number, or common words that someone could guess. Do not use the same password as your Xfinity account or any other important account.

Write your new password down and store it somewhere safe, or use a password manager to keep track of it. You will need to give it to guests and family members who want to connect to your network, so having it written down makes that easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi password affect my internet connection?

No. Your internet connection depends on your modem and your account with Xfinity. Changing your WiFi password only affects which devices can connect wirelessly to your network. Your internet speed and service will not change.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There is no set rule. If you live alone and trust everyone who has ever had the password, you may never need to change it. If you live with roommates or have had guests, changing it once or twice a year is reasonable. Change it immediately if you think someone has used your network without permission.

Can I change my WiFi password from outside my home?

Yes, if you have the Xfinity app and are logged into your Xfinity account. You do not need to be on your home network to use the app. However, if you use the router login method (10.0.0.1), you must be connected to your home network or use a VPN to access the router.

What if I change my password and then forget it?

You can change it again using the same method. If you use the app, you do not need to know the old password. If you use the router login, you will need your admin username and password. If you forget both, you will need to reset the router to factory settings.

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

If you use the Xfinity app, the router restarts automatically. If you log into the router directly, it may restart on its own after you save, or you may need to click a Restart button. Either way, the restart takes about two minutes and is normal.