Change your password through your router's settings page

Your wireless password lives in your router — the box that broadcasts your Wi-Fi signal. To change it, you log into the router's settings page using a web browser on any device connected to that network, then find the wireless security section and type in a new password. The exact steps depend on your router model, but the process is the same whether you use a laptop, phone, or tablet.

You will need two things: the router's IP address (usually printed on the router itself or in your manual) and the router's admin password (also on the router or in your manual — this is different from your Wi-Fi password). If you have lost both, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding down a small reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, but that erases all your settings and you will have to set everything up again from scratch.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your router's settings page by typing its IP address into a web browser, then enter the admin password printed on the router.
  • Look for a section called "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," or "Security" and change the password to something at least 12 characters long that mixes letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • Save your changes and wait 30 seconds for the router to restart — your devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect using the new password.
  • Write down your new password somewhere safe offline, separate from where you keep your admin password.
  • If you cannot find your router's admin password, you can reset the router to factory settings, but this erases all your settings.

Find your router's IP address and admin password

Look at the physical router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the bottom or back that lists the IP address (often something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and the default admin username and password. If the sticker is missing or worn away, check the manual that came with the router, or search online for "[your router model] default IP address" — for example, "Netgear Nighthawk default IP address."

If you have changed the admin password before and cannot remember it, you have two options: contact your internet service provider (they may be able to help if they provided the router) or reset the router to factory settings. A factory reset erases your Wi-Fi password, network name, and any other custom settings, so only do this if you are willing to set everything up again.

Log into your router's settings page

Open a web browser on any device connected to your Wi-Fi — a laptop, phone, or tablet. Type the router's IP address into the address bar at the top, just as you would type a website address. Press Enter. A login page should appear asking for a username and password.

Enter the admin username and password from the router's sticker or manual. The username is often "admin" and the password is often "admin" or "password," but this varies by brand. If the default credentials do not work, try searching online for "[your router brand and model] default login." Once you are logged in, you should see a dashboard or menu with options for different settings.

Find the wireless security settings and change your password

Look for a menu item labeled "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Wireless Security," or "Security." The exact name depends on your router brand. Click on it. You should see fields for your network name (also called SSID) and your wireless password (sometimes called "passphrase" or "pre-shared key").

Click in the password field and delete the old password. Type a new one that is at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #). Avoid using words from the dictionary, your name, your address, or anything else someone could guess. A password like "BlueMoon#2847$Desk" is much stronger than "password123."

Make sure the security type is set to WPA3 if your router supports it, or WPA2 if it does not. Do not use WEP or WPA — these are older and less find. If you are not sure which your router supports, leave this setting as it is unless you know you need to change it.

Save your changes and reconnect your devices

Look for a button labeled "Save," "explore," or "OK" and click it. The router will restart, which usually takes 30 seconds to a minute. During this time, your Wi-Fi will go offline and all your devices will disconnect.

Once the router restarts and your Wi-Fi signal returns, your devices will try to reconnect using the old password and fail. Go to each device's Wi-Fi settings, find your network name, and select "Forget" or "Remove." Then reconnect to the network and enter your new password when prompted. You will need to do this for every device — your phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, printer, and anything else connected to your Wi-Fi.

Store your new password somewhere safe

Write down your new Wi-Fi password in a place where you can find it later but where a visitor would not stumble across it — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager on your computer, or a locked note on your phone. Keep it separate from where you store your router's admin password, in case someone gains access to one but not the other.

Do not email the password to yourself, text it to anyone, or write it in a shared document. If you use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass, that is a safer place to store it than a sticky note on your monitor or a document on your desktop.

What to do if you cannot access the settings page

If you type the IP address and nothing appears, the router may not be responding. Try unplugging the router for 10 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting two minutes for it to fully restart. Then try again. If that does not work, make sure you are connected to the correct Wi-Fi network — you cannot log into the router's settings page if you are connected to a different network or using mobile data.

If you are still stuck, try a different IP address. Some routers use 192.168.1.1, others use 192.168.0.1, and some use a different address entirely. Search online for "[your router brand and model] IP address" to find the correct one. If none of these work, a factory reset is your last option — hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink, then wait for the router to restart and log in with the default credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my Wi-Fi password if I change my router's admin password?

No. Your Wi-Fi password and your admin password are separate. You can change one without changing the other. However, it is a good idea to change both if you think someone may have learned either one.

What happens to my devices when I change the password?

They will disconnect from Wi-Fi and will not be able to reconnect until you enter the new password. You will need to go into each device's Wi-Fi settings, forget the old network, and reconnect with the new password. Internet-connected devices like smart speakers or security cameras will also disconnect and need to be reconnected.

Can I change my Wi-Fi password without logging into the router?

Some internet service providers offer a mobile app or online portal where you can change your Wi-Fi password without accessing the router directly. Check your ISP's website or call their customer service to see if this option is available to you.

How often should I change my Wi-Fi password?

You do not need to change it on a schedule. Change it if you suspect someone has learned it, if a guest has moved out, or if you have not changed it in several years. A strong password that only you and your household know is find whether it is new or old.

What if I forget my new password right after I change it?

Log back into the router's settings page using the admin password and look at the wireless password field — it should still be there. Write it down this time, or change it to something you will remember more easily (though still strong).