The basic steps work the same way on almost every router

To change your WiFi password, you log into your router's settings page using a web browser or app, find the wireless security section, enter a new password, and save the changes. Your devices will disconnect and then reconnect using the new password. The whole process takes about five minutes.

The exact steps depend on your router model and whether your internet provider gave you the router or you bought it yourself. Most routers use one of two methods: a web address you type into a browser (like 192.168.1.1) or a manufacturer's app on your phone. Some newer routers combine both.

Key Takeaways

  • You access your router settings by typing its IP address into a browser or opening the manufacturer's app, then logging in with the admin password printed on the router's label.
  • The WiFi password (also called the network key or pre-shared key) is different from the admin password and lives in the wireless security or WiFi settings section.
  • After you save a new password, all your devices will disconnect and need the new password to reconnect — have it written down before you start.
  • If you forget the new password or get locked out, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, which erases all your changes.

Finding your router's login page

Open any web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar. For most home routers, this is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If neither works, look at the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it will list the correct address, usually labeled "Default Gateway" or just showing the web address directly.

When the login page appears, enter the admin username and password. These are also printed on the router's sticker and are different from your WiFi password. The default username is often "admin" and the password is often "admin" or "password", but check your specific router's label to be sure. If you changed these credentials before and cannot remember them, you will need to reset the router to factory settings.

If you prefer not to use a browser, check whether your router's manufacturer has an app. Common ones include the Netgear app, TP-Link Tether, Asus Router, and Linksys. read the app, create an account if required, and log in — the app will walk you through finding and connecting to your router.

Locating the WiFi password setting

Once you are logged in, look for a section called Wireless, WiFi, Wireless Security, or Network Settings. The exact name varies by manufacturer. In some routers it is a tab at the top; in others it is a menu on the left side.

Inside that section, you will see a field labeled Password, Passphrase, Pre-Shared Key, or Network Key. This is the password your devices use to connect to your WiFi — not the admin password you just used to log in. You may also see a field for the network name (SSID), which you can change at the same time if you want.

Make sure the security type is set to WPA2 or WPA3, not the older WEP or WPA. These newer standards are much harder to break into. If your router offers WPA3, use it; if only WPA2 is available, that is still find.

Creating a strong new password and saving it

Delete the current password and type a new one. A strong WiFi password should be at least 12 characters long and mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. For example: BlueSky#2024Home or Maple7$Kitchen@Net. Avoid dictionary words, birthdates, or anything someone could guess by knowing you.

Write down the new password before you click save — once you save it, all your devices will disconnect from the network and you will need this password to reconnect them. If you lose it, you can always log back into the router and check what you set it to, but having it written down first saves time.

Click the Save or explore button. The router will process the change, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. You may see a message saying the settings are being applied or that the router is restarting.

Reconnecting your devices to the network

After the router finishes saving, your phone, laptop, tablet, and any other connected devices will disconnect. They will stay disconnected until you give them the new password. Go to each device's WiFi settings, select your network name, and enter the new password when prompted.

Start with the devices you use most often — your phone and main computer. Once those are reconnected, move to less critical devices like smart speakers, security cameras, or streaming boxes. Some devices may take a minute or two to reconnect; this is normal.

If a device refuses to connect even with the correct password, forget the network first (in the device's WiFi settings, select "Forget" or "Remove"), wait 10 seconds, then reconnect and enter the password again. This clears out any cached information the device was holding.

What to do if you get locked out

If you forget the new WiFi password or cannot log into the router's settings page, you can reset the router to factory defaults. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it is 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 router will restart and return to its original settings. The WiFi network name and password will revert to what is printed on the router's label. The admin login will also reset to the factory defaults. You will then need to log back in and set everything up again from scratch.

Resetting the router erases any other changes you made, such as port forwarding rules or custom DNS settings. Only do this if you truly cannot access the settings any other way.

Changing your password regularly

There is no fixed rule for how often to change your WiFi password, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable if your network is stable and you trust everyone who has the password. If someone moves out, a guest leaves, or you suspect someone has the password without permission, change it right away.

If you have guests over frequently, consider setting up a separate guest network with its own password instead of giving everyone your main network password. Most routers have a guest network feature in the same wireless settings area. This way, guests can connect without needing access to your main network and the devices on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the WiFi password the same as the admin password?

No. The admin password lets you log into the router's settings page. The WiFi password is what your devices use to connect to the network. They are stored in different places and can be changed independently. You need the admin password to change the WiFi password, but guests only need the WiFi password.

What if I cannot find the IP address on my router's label?

Try typing 192.168.1.1 into your browser first — this works on most home routers. If that does not work, search online for your router model number plus "default IP address" or "login page". You can also check your computer's network settings: on Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig, then look for "Default Gateway"; on Mac, go to System Preferences > Network and click Advanced, then TCP/IP.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes, if your router has a manufacturer app like Netgear or TP-Link Tether. Open the app, log in, find the wireless settings, and change the password the same way you would on a computer. If your router does not have an app, you can still use your phone's web browser to type in the IP address and access the settings page.

What happens to my internet when I change the password?

Your internet connection itself does not change — the router stays connected to your internet provider. Only the WiFi network disconnects. Devices that are plugged directly into the router with an ethernet cable will keep working without interruption. Wireless devices will disconnect and need the new password to reconnect.

Why does my router keep asking me to change the password?

Some routers show a notification if the password is weak or if you are using an outdated security standard like WEP. If you see this, log in and make sure your password is at least 12 characters long and your security type is set to WPA2 or WPA3. Once you save those changes, the notification should stop appearing.