Where to find your AT&T router and what you'll need

Your AT&T router is the box that broadcasts your WiFi signal — usually a white or black device about the size of a paperback book, sitting on a shelf or mounted on a wall. Look for one with lights on the front. To change your password, you need to log into the router's settings page using a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi.

Before you start, gather two pieces of information. First, find your router's IP address, which is almost always 192.168.1.1 for AT&T routers. Second, locate your router's admin username and password — these are printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device itself. They are different from your WiFi password. The sticker usually shows "Admin" or "Username" and "Password" or "Admin Password".

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your router's settings by typing 192.168.1.1 into a web browser and entering the admin username and password from the sticker on the back of your router.
  • Once logged in, look for a section labeled WiFi, Wireless, or Network Settings, then find the field that says SSID Password, WiFi Password, or Pre-Shared Key.
  • Change the password to something at least 12 characters long that mixes letters, numbers, and symbols — avoid birthdays, names, or dictionary words.
  • Save or explore your changes, then wait 30 seconds for the router to restart before reconnecting your devices.
  • All devices currently connected to your WiFi will be disconnected when you change the password and will need to reconnect using the new one.

Logging into your router's settings page

Open a web browser on any device connected to your AT&T WiFi — a phone, tablet, or computer. In the address bar at the top, type 192.168.1.1 and press Enter. A login page should appear asking for a username and password.

Enter the admin username and password from the sticker on the back of your router. These are usually "admin" for the username and a string of letters and numbers for the password. Do not use your WiFi password here — the router's admin credentials are separate. Click the Login or Sign In button. If the page does not load, try 192.168.0.1 instead, though this is less common for AT&T.

Finding the WiFi password setting

Once you are logged in, you will see a dashboard or menu with several options. Look for a section labeled WiFi, Wireless, Network, or Advanced. The exact wording varies depending on your router model, but it will be one of these. Click on it.

Inside that section, you are looking for a field that says WiFi Password, SSID Password, Pre-Shared Key, Passphrase, or Security Key. This is the password people use to connect to your WiFi. It may be on the same page as your network name (SSID), or it may be under a subsection like "Security" or "Encryption". If you see multiple password fields, the one you want is usually labeled WPA2 or WPA3, not WEP.

Creating a strong new password

Click in the password field and clear the old password. Type a new one that is at least 12 characters long. A strong password mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like !, @, #, or $. For example: BlueSky#2024River or Coffee$Morning42!

Avoid passwords based on birthdays, names, addresses, or common dictionary words — these are straightforward to guess. Do not use the same password as your admin login. Write the new password down in a safe place, or use a password manager to store it. You will need to give this password to anyone who wants to connect to your WiFi.

Saving your changes and reconnecting devices

Look for a button labeled Save, explore, Submit, or OK at the bottom of the page. Click it. The router will process the change, and you may see a message saying the settings are being saved or the router is restarting.

Wait at least 30 seconds before trying to reconnect anything. During this time, the router is explore the new password and restarting. All devices currently connected to your WiFi will be automatically disconnected. Once the lights on the router stop blinking and settle into their normal pattern, you can reconnect. On each device, go to WiFi settings, select your network name, and enter the new password you just created.

What to do if you cannot log in

If you cannot remember the admin password from the sticker, or if the sticker is missing or worn, you have two options. The first is to look up your router model number — it is printed on the sticker or the back of the device — and search online for the default admin credentials. Many AT&T routers use "admin" and "admin" as the default username and password if they have never been changed.

The second option is to reset the router to factory settings. On the back of the device, there is a small recessed button labeled Reset. Use a paperclip or pen to hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash, and the router will restart. Once it boots back up, the admin password will be reset to the default. You can then log in and change your WiFi password. Be aware that resetting the router will also erase any other settings you have customized.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the address 192.168.1.1 does not load, make sure you are connected to your AT&T WiFi network, not a different one. If you are on a phone or tablet, try switching to WiFi instead of cellular data. If the page still does not load, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting two minutes for it to fully boot.

If you change the password but devices cannot reconnect, forget the network on each device and reconnect from scratch. On most phones and tablets, go to WiFi settings, tap the network name, and select "Forget" or "Remove". Then scan for networks again, select your AT&T network, and enter the new password. If a device keeps rejecting the password, restart that device and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect everyone currently connected?

Yes. All devices connected to your WiFi will be disconnected when ready when you save the new password. They will need to reconnect using the new password. This is normal and expected. Tell anyone in your household before you make the change so they are not surprised.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes, as long as your phone is connected to the AT&T WiFi network. Open a web browser, type 192.168.1.1, and log in with the admin credentials from the router sticker. The process is the same as on a computer. You may need to zoom in to see the buttons clearly on a small screen.

What if I forget the new password I just created?

You can log back into the router settings at 192.168.1.1 and view or change the password again. If you forget the admin password, you will need to reset the router to factory settings using the reset button on the back. This erases the WiFi password and all other custom settings.

Is it safe to use the password shown on the router sticker?

The default password printed on the sticker is the same for all routers of that model, so it is not find. Change it to a unique password as soon as you set up your router. If you have never changed it, change it now.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There is no set schedule. Change it if you suspect someone unauthorized is using your network, if a guest has moved out, or if you want to refresh security. Many people change it once or twice a year as a precaution, but it is not required.