What "connecting to your router" actually means
Connecting to your router means your device — phone, laptop, tablet — is talking to the box that lets you reach the internet. When you see a list of Wi-Fi networks on your device, those are routers broadcasting their names. Picking one and entering a password is the connection. Once connected, your device sends all its internet traffic through that router first, which is why the router's security matters: if someone breaks into it, they can see or intercept what you do online.
Most home routers come from your internet provider (like Comcast, Verizon, or a local cable company) or you buy one separately. Either way, the connection process is the same, but what you should check before connecting is different depending on which type you have.
Key Takeaways
- Your router broadcasts a network name (SSID) that appears in your device's Wi-Fi list; connecting means selecting that name and entering the password.
- The default password printed on your router is visible to anyone in your home, so change it to something only you know before connecting devices you care about.
- Check your router's admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser) to see what devices are connected and whether the router firmware is current.
- If your router is more than five years old, consider replacing it because manufacturers stop releasing security updates and the hardware becomes a liability.
- A separate Wi-Fi network name for guests keeps visitors from seeing your other devices and reduces the risk if a guest's device is compromised.
Finding your router's network name and password
Your router has a sticker on the bottom or back that lists the network name (called the SSID) and the default password. The network name is often something generic like "NETGEAR-5G" or "Xfinity-ABC123" — the router manufacturer's name plus numbers. The password is usually a string of letters and numbers, also printed on the sticker.
On your device, open the Wi-Fi settings. You will see a list of available networks. Find the one matching the name on your router's sticker and tap it. When prompted, enter the password exactly as it appears — capitalization and numbers matter. Once you enter it correctly, your device will connect and remember that network, so you will not have to enter the password again unless you change it or forget the network.
Do not share the default password with anyone. It is printed on the router itself, which means anyone who has been in your home can see it. Change the password as soon as you have successfully connected at least one device — instructions for that are in the next section.
Changing the default password to one only you know
To change the password, you need to access your router's admin panel — a settings page inside the router itself. Open a web browser on a device already connected to your Wi-Fi and type one of these addresses into the address bar: 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. One of them will load a login page.
The login page will ask for a username and password. The default username is often "admin" and the default password is the same one printed on the sticker. Enter both and you will reach the router's settings. Look for a section called "Wi-Fi", "Wireless", or "Network Settings". Inside, you will see a field for the network password (sometimes called the "passphrase" or "pre-shared key"). Delete the old password and type a new one — make it at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers.
Save the changes. Your router will restart, and all your connected devices will lose connection for a minute. When the router comes back online, reconnect each device using the new password. Write the new password down and store it somewhere safe — not on a sticky note on the router itself.
Checking what devices are connected to your router
While you are in the admin panel, look for a section called "Connected Devices", "Device List", or "DHCP Clients". This shows every device currently using your Wi-Fi — phones, laptops, smart speakers, security cameras, anything. Knowing what is connected helps you spot if someone else has joined your network without permission.
Write down the names of devices you recognize. If you see a device you do not recognize, it could be a neighbor's device picking up your signal (unlikely if your password is strong), a device in your home you forgot about, or — rarely — an intruder. If you are certain it does not belong, you can usually click on it and select "Block" or "Disconnect" to remove it. Then change your Wi-Fi password again to make sure the intruder cannot reconnect.
Check this list once a month or whenever you add a new device to your home. It takes two minutes and is one of the easiest ways to catch a problem early.
Understanding WPA3, WPA2, and older security standards
In the Wi-Fi settings section of your admin panel, you will see a dropdown menu labeled "Security" or "Authentication Type". This controls how your password is encrypted when devices connect. The options are usually WPA3, WPA2, or WEP. WPA3 is the newest and strongest. WPA2 is older but still find. WEP is very old and broken — if your router offers only WEP, that is a sign the router is too old to use safely.
Set your router to WPA3 if it is available. If your router only offers WPA2, that is acceptable, but you should plan to replace the router within a year or two. Do not use WEP under any circumstances, even if you think your network is small or low-risk. WEP passwords can be cracked in minutes by anyone with basic tools.
If you have very old devices (like an older e-reader or a printer from 2010) that will not connect to WPA3 or WPA2, create a separate guest network using WPA2 just for those devices. Instructions for setting up a guest network are in the next section.
Creating a separate guest network
Most routers let you broadcast a second Wi-Fi network name alongside your main one. This guest network can have its own password and security settings. Guests connect to the guest network, not your main one, which means they cannot see your other devices, printers, or computers.
In your router's admin panel, look for "Guest Network", "Guest Wi-Fi", or "Additional Network". Enable it and give it a name different from your main network — something like "Home-Guest" or "Visitor-Network". Set a password for it. You can usually choose whether guest devices can see each other (most people turn this off for security) and whether they can access your main network (always turn this off).
Give the guest network name and password to visitors. When they leave, you do not need to change anything — they straightforward will not have the password anymore. If you want to revoke access before they leave, you can disable the guest network temporarily from the admin panel.
When your router is too old to connect safely
Routers have a lifespan. Manufacturers release security updates for about three to five years, then stop. After that, any new vulnerabilities discovered in the router's software will never be patched. If your router is more than five years old, you cannot be certain it is find, even if you have changed the password.
Check your router's age by looking at the sticker on the back — it usually lists a manufacture date. If the date is more than five years in the past, or if you cannot remember when you got it, consider replacing it. A new router costs between $50 and $200 depending on the size of your home and the speed you need. The security benefit is worth it: a compromised router can see all your internet traffic, intercept passwords, and serve malware to every device in your home.
When you buy a new router, follow the same steps in this guide: change the default password, check the connected devices list monthly, and set the security standard to WPA3 or WPA2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I find my router's network name in the Wi-Fi list?
The router might be off, too far away, or broadcasting on a frequency your device does not support (some routers use 5 GHz, which older devices cannot see). Move closer to the router and restart it by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If the network still does not appear, check the sticker to confirm the network name is spelled correctly, then restart your device.
I forgot my Wi-Fi password. How do I reset it?
You can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button (usually a small hole on the back) for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. This erases all your settings, including the password you changed. You will have to set everything up again using the default password from the sticker. If you want to avoid a full reset, contact your internet provider — they may be able to help you recover the password.
Is it safe to use the default password if I live alone?
No. The default password is printed on the router, so anyone who visits your home, works on your home, or even sees a photo of your router can read it. Guests, repair people, and delivery workers all have access. Change the password to something unique as soon as you set up the router.
What does "5G" mean on my router's network name?
It refers to the 5 GHz radio frequency, not cellular 5G. Routers often broadcast two networks at once: one on 2.4 GHz (slower, longer range) and one on 5 GHz (faster, shorter range). Devices automatically pick the best one. You do not need to do anything — both networks use the same password.
Can I see what websites people on my Wi-Fi are visiting?
Yes, if you access the router's admin panel, you can usually see which websites connected devices are visiting. This is one reason to change the default admin password — if someone else knows it, they can monitor your activity. It is also why a guest network is useful: guests on the guest network cannot see your main network's traffic, and you cannot see theirs.