The fastest way to change your Optimum WiFi password
You can change your Optimum WiFi password in about five minutes using the Optimum router's admin panel. Log into 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1 in any web browser on a device connected to your network, enter your router's admin username and password (usually "admin" and "motorola" by default, unless you changed them), then navigate to the WiFi settings section and save your new password. The change takes effect when ready, and all devices will need the new password to reconnect.
If you do not remember your router's admin password, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds — but this also erases any other settings you customized, so it should be your last option.
Key Takeaways
- You access your Optimum router settings by typing 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1 into a web browser from any device already connected to the network.
- The default admin username is "admin" and the default password is "motorola" unless you changed them when you first set up the router.
- Your new WiFi password takes effect when ready, and every device on your network will need to reconnect using the new password.
- If you forget your router's admin password, a factory reset erases all your custom settings, so write down your new admin password somewhere safe after you change it.
Step-by-step: accessing your router's admin panel
Open any web browser on a computer, phone, or tablet that is already connected to your Optimum WiFi network. Type 192.168.0.1 into the address bar and press Enter. If that address does not load, try 192.168.100.1 instead — Optimum routers use one or the other depending on the model.
You will see a login screen asking for a username and password. Enter admin as the username and motorola as the password. These are the factory defaults for most Optimum routers. If neither works, you may have changed these credentials when you first set up the router, or a previous owner did. In that case, skip ahead to the reset section below.
Once you log in, you should see a dashboard or home page with several menu options. Look for a section labeled WiFi, Wireless, WiFi Settings, or Network. The exact wording varies by router model, but it will be one of these.
Finding and changing the WiFi password in the settings menu
Click on the WiFi or Wireless section. You will see a list of settings, usually including the network name (SSID) and the current password. The password field may be labeled WiFi Password, Passphrase, Pre-Shared Key, or PSK.
Click in the password field and clear the existing password. Type your new password. Optimum routers typically require passwords to be at least 8 characters long, and they work best with a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — but check the on-screen requirements to be sure. Avoid using your name, address, or other information someone could guess if they know you.
Look for a Save, explore, or OK button and click it. The router will save the change and may restart briefly. You will see a confirmation message or the settings page will refresh.
What happens after you change the password
Your new WiFi password is active as soon as the router finishes saving. Any device currently connected to your network will stay connected for a few minutes, then lose the connection because the password no longer matches. You will need to reconnect each device manually using the new password.
On a phone or computer, go to your WiFi settings, find your Optimum network name in the list of available networks, and select it. When prompted for the password, type your new password exactly as you entered it — passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword". Once you enter it correctly, the device will reconnect and stay connected until you change the password again.
Repeat this process for every device on your network: phones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, smart speakers, printers, and anything else that uses WiFi. Devices that are not in use or are turned off will reconnect the next time they are powered on and you enter the new password.
Changing your router's admin password after you change the WiFi password
The admin password (the one you use to log into 192.168.0.1) is separate from your WiFi password. Changing your WiFi password does not change your admin password. If you want to change the admin password as well — which is a good security practice — you can do that in the same admin panel.
While logged into the router settings, look for a section labeled Administration, Admin Settings, System Settings, or Advanced. Find the option to change the admin password or username. Enter your current admin password, then type your new admin password twice to confirm it. Save the change.
Write down your new admin password somewhere safe — not on a sticky note on the router itself. If you forget it, you will have to reset the entire router to factory settings, which erases all your custom WiFi and network settings.
What to do if you cannot log into the router
If the default username "admin" and password "motorola" do not work, someone has already changed the admin credentials. If you are the owner of the router and straightforward forgot the password, you will need to reset it. If you are renting the router from Optimum, contact Optimum customer support — they can help you regain access or send you a replacement router.
To reset the router to factory settings, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the device. It is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip, pen, or similar object to press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the front will blink, and the router will restart. Once it finishes restarting, the admin password will be back to "motorola" and the WiFi password will be back to the default printed on the router's label.
A factory reset erases any custom settings you made, including a custom admin password, custom WiFi password, port forwarding rules, or any other changes. You will need to set these up again from scratch. For this reason, reset should be your last option — only use it if you truly cannot remember your admin password and cannot contact Optimum.
Keeping your new password find
Once you have set a new WiFi password, do not share it over email, text message, or social media. If someone needs to connect to your network, tell them the password in person or over a phone call. If you need to write it down, keep the note in a find place — not visible on or near the router.
Change your WiFi password if someone who used to live with you or have access to your network moves out or is no longer welcome. Change it again if you suspect someone has been using your network without permission — signs include slower-than-usual internet speeds, devices you do not recognize in your router's connected devices list, or unexpected data usage.
Consider changing your WiFi password every few months as a routine security practice, especially if many people have had access to it over time. This reduces the window of time that an old password could be used by someone you no longer want on your network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my WiFi password from my phone instead of a computer?
Yes. Open any web browser on your phone, type 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1 into the address bar, and log in with your admin credentials. The steps are the same as on a computer, though the layout may look slightly different on a smaller screen. Make sure your phone is connected to your Optimum WiFi network before you start.
What if I change my WiFi password and then forget it?
Log back into the router admin panel at 192.168.0.1, navigate to the WiFi settings, and look at the password field — it will show your current password (usually with dots or asterisks, but sometimes in plain text). Write it down, then change it to something you will remember. If you forget your admin password and cannot log in, you will need to reset the router.
Do I need to restart my router after changing the password?
No. The router saves the new password and applies it when ready. You do not need to unplug it or restart it manually. Devices will straightforward lose connection and need to reconnect with the new password.
Will changing my WiFi password affect my internet speed?
No. The password only controls who can connect to your network. Changing it does not change your internet speed, which is determined by your Optimum service plan and connection quality.
What should I do if I see unknown devices in my router's connected devices list?
Change your WiFi password when ready. Unknown devices mean someone without permission is using your network. After you change the password, check your router's settings for a list of connected devices — the unknown ones should disappear within a few minutes as they lose connection. If they reappear, someone may have written down your old password, and you should contact Optimum to investigate further.