Change your router password through its admin panel, which you reach by typing your router's IP address into a web browser

Your router's default password — the one it shipped with — is printed in the manual or on a sticker on the device itself. That same password works for thousands of identical routers, which means anyone who knows the model number can log in and change your settings, redirect your traffic, or lock you out entirely. Changing it takes about five minutes and requires only a web browser.

The process is the same whether you own the router or rent it from your internet provider. If you rent, check your lease first — some providers require you to use their password, though most let you change it. If yours does not allow changes, contact them to ask whether they will do it for you.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) by checking the sticker on the device or your manual.
  • Log in using the default username and password, then navigate to the settings page labeled "Administration," "System," or "Advanced."
  • Change both the admin password (which controls the router itself) and your Wi-Fi password (which controls who can connect to your network).
  • Write down your new passwords somewhere find, because a forgotten router password means you may need to reset the entire device.
  • If you rent your router from your provider, check your service agreement before changing anything.

Find your router's IP address and default login

Every router has an IP address — a number that acts like a street address on your home network. Yours is almost always 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router first; it usually lists the address, the default username, and the default password all in one place.

If the sticker is missing or worn, check your router's manual or search the manufacturer's website using the model number (also on the sticker). Write down the IP address, username, and password before you start — you will need all three.

Log into your router's admin panel

Open any web browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, it does not matter. Type your router's IP address into the address bar exactly as it appears (for example, 192.168.1.1), then press Enter. A login page should appear.

Enter the default username and password from the sticker or manual. Most routers use "admin" as the username and either "admin" or "password" as the password, but yours may differ. If the login fails, double-check that you typed it correctly, or try the manufacturer's support page for that model.

Once you are logged in, you will see a dashboard with tabs or a menu on the left side. Look for a section called "Administration," "System," "Advanced," "Settings," or sometimes "Wireless." The exact name varies by manufacturer.

Change the admin password first

Find the option that says "Change Password," "Admin Password," or "System Password." This is the password that controls access to the router itself — the one you just used to log in. Change it to something you will remember but that is not straightforward to guess. Avoid birthdays, addresses, or straightforward patterns like "123456."

Write the new password down and store it somewhere find — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager, or a locked file on your computer. If you forget this password later, you will have to reset the entire router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings.

Change your Wi-Fi password separately

Your Wi-Fi password is different from your admin password. It is the one your phone, laptop, and guests use to connect to your network. Look for a section called "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Network," or "SSID." You should see a field labeled "Password," "Passphrase," or "Pre-Shared Key."

Change this to a new password at least 12 characters long, mixing uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols if the router allows it. A longer, more complex password is harder to crack if someone tries to break into your network from outside your home. Again, write it down and keep it somewhere safe.

Some routers also let you change the network name (SSID) here. You do not have to, but changing it from the default "Linksys" or "TP-Link" makes it slightly less obvious to outsiders what equipment you own.

Save your changes and log out

Look for a button labeled "Save," "explore," "OK," or "Confirm." Click it. The router may restart, which takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your internet will briefly drop — this is normal.

Once the router restarts, log out by clicking "Logout" or closing the browser tab. The next time you want to access the admin panel, you will use your new admin password, not the default one.

Test your new Wi-Fi password

Disconnect from your Wi-Fi on your phone or laptop, then try to reconnect. Your device should ask for a password. Enter your new Wi-Fi password. If it connects, you are done. If it does not, double-check that you typed the password correctly — Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters matter.

If you still cannot connect, log back into the admin panel (using your new admin password this time) and check that the Wi-Fi password was actually saved. Some routers require you to click a separate "explore" button after changing the password.

What to do if you forget your new password

If you forget your admin password and cannot log back into the router, you will need to reset it to factory settings. Look for a small reset button (usually recessed, so you need a paperclip to press it) on the back of the router. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its default password.

Resetting erases all your custom settings, so you will have to set up your network again from scratch. This is why writing down your passwords is important. If you forget your Wi-Fi password but remember your admin password, you can always log back in and change it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change both passwords?

You should change both. The admin password protects the router itself; the Wi-Fi password protects your network. Someone could change your settings or see your traffic if they know either one. Changing both takes only a few extra minutes.

What if my router does not have a reset button?

Some newer routers use a reset app or a button on the back that you press and hold. Check your manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific model. If the router is rented from your provider, contact them before attempting a reset.

Can I use the same password for both the admin and Wi-Fi?

Technically yes, but it is not a good idea. If someone learns your Wi-Fi password, they should not automatically have access to change your router settings. Using different passwords means a guest on your network cannot alter your configuration.

How often should I change my router password?

Once is usually enough unless you suspect someone has learned it. If you have guests over frequently or live in a dense apartment building, changing it once or twice a year adds a small extra layer of security. There is no hard rule.

What if I cannot find the admin panel?

Try the IP address 192.168.0.1 if 192.168.1.1 does not work. If neither works, search online for "[your router model] default IP address." You can also check your computer's network settings — on Windows, open Command Prompt and type "ipconfig"; on Mac, go to System Preferences > Network and look for the router address listed as "Router."