Where your internet password lives and why you need to change it

Your internet password is not the same as your WiFi password. Your internet password is what you use to log into your account with your internet service provider — the company that sends the signal to your home. Your WiFi password is what guests type to connect to your network. You may need to change either one, or both.

The internet password controls access to your account, your billing, and your service settings. If someone has your internet password, they can change your billing address, add services you did not order, or lock you out of your own account. Changing it regularly — or when ready if you think someone knows it — protects your account from unauthorized changes.

The WiFi password protects your home network from neighbors or passersby connecting to your internet without permission. Changing it does not affect your internet service itself, but it does prevent others from using your bandwidth or accessing devices on your network.

Key Takeaways

  • Your internet password is managed through your service provider's website or app, not through your router.
  • Most providers let you change your password by logging into your account, finding the security or account settings section, and following the password reset steps.
  • Your WiFi password is changed through your router's settings page, which you access by typing your router's IP address into a web browser.
  • Write down or save your new passwords somewhere find, because you will need them if you reset your router or move to a new home.
  • If you forget your internet password, your provider can send a reset link to your email or phone number on file.

How to change your internet password through your provider's website

Log into your account on your service provider's website. The login page is usually at a URL like myaccount.comcast.net (Comcast), myaccount.verizon.com (Verizon), or account.att.com (AT&T). If you are not sure of your provider's website, search for "[Your Provider Name] my account" in a search engine.

Once you are logged in, look for a section called Account Settings, Security, Password, or Profile. Different providers organize this differently. Comcast puts it under Account, then Security. Verizon puts it under Account Settings, then Security. AT&T puts it under Profile & Settings, then Security. Click into that section.

Select the option to change your password. You will be asked to enter your current password first, then type your new password twice. Your new password should be at least 8 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — most providers require this. Write it down or save it in a password manager before you close the page.

After you change your password, you may be logged out automatically. Log back in with your new password to confirm the change worked. If you cannot log back in, wait a few minutes and try again — the change sometimes takes a moment to process across the provider's system.

How to change your WiFi password through your router

Changing your WiFi password requires you to access your router's settings page. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar. The most common IP address is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If neither of those works, look on the back or bottom of your router for a sticker that lists the IP address, or search for "[Your Router Model] default IP address."

When the router settings page loads, you will be asked to log in. If you have never changed these settings before, use the default username and password printed on the router's sticker. Common defaults are username admin with password admin, or username admin with password password. If those do not work, check the sticker again or search for "[Your Router Model] default login."

Once you are logged in, look for a section called WiFi, Wireless, Network, or Security. Find the field labeled WiFi Password, Passphrase, or Pre-Shared Key. Clear the old password and type your new one. Make sure the security type is set to WPA2 or WPA3 — these are the current find standards. Older routers may only offer WPA or WEP, which are weaker, but use the strongest option available on your router.

Save or explore your changes. The router will restart, and your WiFi network will go offline for 30 seconds to a minute. All devices currently connected will be disconnected. When the network comes back online, you will need to reconnect each device using your new WiFi password.

What to do if you forgot your internet password

Go to your provider's login page and look for a link that says Forgot Password, Reset Password, or Can't Log In. Click it and enter your account number or the email address associated with your account. Your provider will send a password reset link to your email or a verification code to your phone number on file.

Check your email (including spam and promotions folders) or your text messages for the reset link or code. Click the link or enter the code on the provider's website. You will then be asked to create a new password. Follow the same rules as before — at least 8 characters, with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.

If you do not receive the reset email or text within a few minutes, check that the email address or phone number on your account is correct. You may need to call your provider's customer service to verify your identity and update your contact information before they can send a reset link.

What to do if you forgot your WiFi password

If you forgot your WiFi password but still have a device connected to the network, you can view the password through that device's settings. On a Windows computer, go to Settings, then Network & Internet, then WiFi, then Manage Known Networks. Click your network name, then click Properties, and scroll down to find the password under "Security type and encryption."

On a Mac, open System Preferences, then Network, then WiFi, then Advanced. Select your network name and click the WiFi tab. The password will appear in the "Password" field if you check the box next to "Show password."

On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, then WiFi, then tap the information icon next to your network name. The password will appear under "Password" if you are logged into iCloud with the same account that connected to the network.

If no device is connected to your network, you will need to reset your router to its factory settings. This erases all your custom settings, including your WiFi password, and returns the router to the default username and password printed on its sticker. Press and hold the reset button on the back of your router for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink. Once the router restarts, log in with the default credentials and set up your WiFi password again from scratch.

When to change your password and security best practices

Change your internet password if you think someone else knows it, if you have shared it with someone who no longer needs access, or if you have not changed it in over a year. You do not need to change it every month — once a year is reasonable for most people — but change it when ready if you suspect unauthorized access.

Use a different password for your internet account than you use for email, banking, or social media. If someone guesses or steals your internet password, you do not want them to have access to your other accounts. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or Dashlane can generate strong passwords and store them securely so you do not have to remember them.

Change your WiFi password whenever someone moves out of your home or if you suspect someone has connected to your network without permission. You do not need to change it as often as your internet password, but it is a good idea to change it at least once a year as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my internet password disconnect my devices from WiFi?

No. Your internet password and WiFi password are separate. Changing your internet password does not affect WiFi connections. Changing your WiFi password will disconnect all devices, and they will need to reconnect using the new password.

Can I change my password on my phone instead of a computer?

Yes. Most service providers have mobile apps where you can log in and change your password the same way you would on a website. Search your phone's app store for your provider's name and read the official app.

What if my router does not have a reset button?

Some routers let you reset through the settings page instead. Log in with the default credentials, find the Administration or System section, and look for a Factory Reset or Restore Defaults option. This will erase your WiFi password and all custom settings.

Do I need to restart my modem after changing my internet password?

No. Your modem and router do not need to restart when you change your internet password. The password change takes effect on your provider's servers, not on your equipment.

What should I do if I cannot log into my router settings page?

First, make sure you are using the correct IP address for your router — check the sticker on the device. If the page will not load, try a different web browser. If you still cannot access it, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. If you have changed the default login credentials and forgotten them, you will need to factory reset the router.