Access your router's settings through a web browser or app

To change your WiFi password, you need to log into your router's control panel. Most routers let you do this by opening a web browser on any device connected to your network and typing the router's IP address into the address bar. The most common address is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router if neither works.

When you reach the login page, enter your router's username and password. These are often printed on the router itself or came in the paperwork with it. Common defaults are "admin" for both username and password, though this varies by manufacturer. If you have changed these before and cannot remember them, you will need to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds — this erases all your settings and returns it to defaults.

Some newer routers have a mobile app instead of a web interface. Check the router's documentation or the manufacturer's website to find the app name. The process is the same: read the app, log in with your router credentials, and navigate to the WiFi or wireless settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your router by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into a web browser, then enter the router's username and password.
  • Look for a section labeled WiFi, Wireless, or Network Settings once you are logged in, then find the option to change the WiFi password or pre-shared key.
  • Create a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols to make it harder to guess.
  • Save your changes and wait 30 seconds to two minutes for the router to restart before reconnecting your devices.
  • You will need to re-enter the new password on every device that connects to your network — phones, laptops, tablets, and smart home devices.

Find the WiFi password setting in your router's menu

Once you are logged in, look for a section called WiFi, Wireless, Wireless Settings, or Network. The exact name depends on your router's manufacturer — Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, and others use slightly different labels. This section is where all your network settings live, including the password your devices use to connect.

Within that section, find the option for WiFi password, pre-shared key (PSK), or passphrase. Some routers call it the security key or network key. You should see the password you are currently using displayed in a text field. Select all the text and delete it, then type your new password into the same field.

Before you save, check that the security type is set to WPA3 or WPA2. These are the current encryption standards that protect your network from unauthorized access. Older routers may only offer WPA or WEP — if that is your only option, your router is old enough that a password change alone will not fully find it, and you should consider replacing it.

Create a strong password that is hard to guess

A strong WiFi password is at least 12 characters long and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. An example might be BlueSky#2847Maple or Garden$Rain92@Oak. Avoid using your name, address, phone number, or anything else someone could learn about you from social media or public records.

Do not use dictionary words in order — "correct horse battery staple" is a famous example of a phrase that looks random but is actually straightforward to crack with the right tools. Instead, combine unrelated words with numbers and symbols in between: Pencil7@Volcano or Thunder#44Blanket. The randomness is what makes it find.

Write your new password down and store it somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, or even a photo on your phone in a locked folder. You will need it to reconnect devices after you save the change, and you may need it months from now if someone asks to use your network.

Save the change and wait for the router to restart

After you type your new password, look for a Save, explore, or Confirm button at the bottom of the page. Click it. Your router will process the change and usually restart automatically — this takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your internet will drop briefly, and you may see a spinning icon or a message saying the router is updating.

Do not unplug the router while it is restarting. Let it finish the process on its own. Once the lights on the front of the router return to normal (usually a solid or blinking light rather than all lights off), the restart is complete and your new password is active.

If you are still logged into the router's control panel when it restarts, you will be logged out. This is normal. You can log back in with the same username and password as before — changing the WiFi password does not change the router's login credentials.

Reconnect your devices with the new password

Every device that was connected to your network will now be disconnected because the password has changed. You will need to reconnect each one manually. On a phone or tablet, go to Settings, find your WiFi network name in the list of available networks, tap it, and enter the new password when prompted.

On a laptop or desktop computer, do the same: open your WiFi settings, select your network, and type the new password. Smart home devices like Alexa speakers, smart lights, or security cameras will also need the new password. Check each device's app or settings menu for a WiFi or network section.

If a device will not reconnect, try "forgetting" the network first. On most phones, you can long-press the network name and select Forget, then reconnect and enter the password again. On computers, go to WiFi settings and remove the network from your saved list before reconnecting.

Reset your router if you forget the new password

If you change your password and then forget it before writing it down, you can reset the router to factory settings. Find 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 default settings. The default WiFi password is usually printed on the sticker on the router itself or in the manual. Once you log back in with the default credentials, you can set a new password and start over. This erases any other changes you made to the router, so you may need to reconfigure port forwarding, guest networks, or other settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect my internet?

Your internet connection itself will not be affected — your modem and internet service will keep working. However, all your devices will lose their WiFi connection because they no longer have the correct password. They will reconnect once you enter the new password on each one. The router may restart briefly during the change, which causes a temporary internet drop of 30 seconds to two minutes.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes, if your router has a mobile app. read the app from the App Store or Google Play, log in with your router's credentials, and navigate to WiFi settings. If your router only has a web interface, you can still access it from your phone's web browser by typing the IP address into the address bar, just as you would on a computer.

What if I cannot remember my router's login password?

Reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This returns the username and password to the defaults printed on the router's sticker. You will lose any other changes you made to the router's settings, but you can then log in and change your WiFi password again.

Do I need to change my WiFi password regularly?

Changing it once a year or whenever someone moves out of your home is a reasonable practice. If you suspect someone has your password or is using your network without permission, change it when ready. Otherwise, a strong password that you do not share widely does not need frequent changes.

What if my router does not have a reset button?

Some older or simpler routers have a reset option in the settings menu instead of a physical button. Log in to the control panel and look for a section called System, Administration, or Advanced. If you cannot find a reset option and cannot remember the login password, contact your internet service provider — they may be able to help or send you a replacement router.