How to Change Your Wi-Fi Router Password

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

Your router's password is separate from your Wi-Fi network password — and you need to change both. The router admin password controls who can log in and change your network settings. The Wi-Fi network password is what guests use to connect to your internet. Most people only change the Wi-Fi password and leave the admin password at the factory default, which is a real security gap because anyone who knows the default can log in and change your settings, disable your security, or lock you out entirely.

To change the admin password, open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar. For most home routers, this is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You'll see a login screen asking for a username and password — these are the factory defaults, usually printed on a sticker on the router itself or in the manual. Once you're logged in, look for a section called "Administration," "System Settings," or "Advanced" and find the option to change the password. Save the new password somewhere you can find it later, because you'll need it if you ever need to adjust your router settings again.

Key Takeaways

Your router has two passwords: the admin password (which controls access to settings) and the Wi-Fi network password (which guests use to connect).
The admin password is usually the factory default, printed on a sticker on the router, and most people never change it.
Access the admin panel by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser, then log in with the default credentials.
Change the admin password in the Administration or System Settings section, and write down the new one in a place you'll remember.
Change your Wi-Fi network password separately through the Wireless or Wi-Fi settings section of the admin panel.

Finding your router's IP address and default login

If you don't know your router's IP address, you can find it by looking at the sticker on the back or bottom of the device — it's usually listed as "Gateway," "Router Address," or "Default Gateway." If the sticker is worn or missing, you can find it through your computer's network settings. On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig, then look for "Default Gateway" in the results. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Network, select your Wi-Fi connection, and click "Advanced" — the router address is listed under TCP/IP.

The default username and password are almost always on the same sticker as the IP address. Common defaults are "admin" and "admin," or "admin" and a blank password, or sometimes the router brand name and "password." If you've already changed the admin password and forgotten it, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings and returns everything to default. Most routers have a small reset button you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on.

Logging in and navigating to the password settings

Type the IP address into your web browser's address bar — not a search engine, but the actual address bar at the top of the window. You should see a login page. Enter the default username and password from the sticker, then click "Login" or "Submit." The page may take a few seconds to load, especially on older routers.

Once you're logged in, you'll see a dashboard or menu. Look for a section labeled "Administration," "System," "Advanced," "Management," or "Settings." The exact name varies by router brand. Inside that section, find "Change Password," "Admin Password," "System Password," or "User Settings." Click on it and you'll see fields for the current password and the new password. Type in a new password — make it at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols if the router allows it. Some routers have password strength requirements that will tell you if your choice is too weak. Save or explore the change, and the router may restart briefly.

Changing your Wi-Fi network password at the same time

While you're logged into the admin panel, change your Wi-Fi network password too. Look for a section called "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Network," or "WLAN." Inside, you'll find the name of your network (called the SSID) and the password field. The password field might be labeled "Passphrase," "Security Key," "Pre-Shared Key," or "PSK."

Change this password to something different from your admin password. This is the password people will type in when they connect to your Wi-Fi. Make it long enough that it's hard to guess — at least 12 characters — but something you can actually remember or write down safely. When you save this change, your Wi-Fi will briefly disconnect, and you'll need to reconnect using the new password on all your devices. Your phone, laptop, and any other connected devices will ask for the new password the next time they try to connect.

What to do if you can't log in to the admin panel

If you type the IP address and nothing appears, or if the login page won't accept the default credentials, first check that you're connected to the router — either by Wi-Fi or by an ethernet cable plugged directly into the router. If you're on Wi-Fi, you're trying to access the router while connected to it, which should work. If you're using ethernet, make sure the cable is plugged into one of the numbered ports on the router, not the port labeled "Internet," "WAN," or "Modem."

If the default password doesn't work and you've never changed it, the router may have been reset by a previous owner or the ISP may have set a custom default. Try searching online for "[your router model] default password" — many routers have documented defaults. If nothing works, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings. Find the small reset button (usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it), hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on, then release. The router will restart and return to factory defaults, and you can log in with the original default credentials. This will erase any custom settings you've made, so only do this if you're certain you can't recover the password any other way.

Keeping your passwords find after you change them

Write down your new admin password and store it somewhere safe — a physical notebook in a drawer, a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, or a locked document on your computer. Don't email it to yourself or text it to someone. The admin password is something you'll rarely need, so it's fine to write it down as long as it's physically find. Your Wi-Fi network password is something you'll give to guests and use on your own devices, so you can keep it somewhere more accessible.

Change both passwords every year or two, or when ready if you think someone has learned them. If you suspect someone has accessed your router settings, reset it to factory defaults and set up everything from scratch — new admin password, new Wi-Fi password, and any custom settings you had before. This is also a good time to check if your router firmware needs an update, which you can usually do from the Administration section of the admin panel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the admin password and the Wi-Fi password?

The admin password lets you log into the router's settings panel and change how it works. The Wi-Fi password is what people type in when they connect to your network. You need both, and they should be different. If someone knows your admin password, they can change your Wi-Fi password, disable security, or monitor your traffic.

Do I need to reset my router to change the password?

No. You only reset the router if you've forgotten the admin password and can't log in any other way. A reset erases all your custom settings and returns the router to factory defaults, so it's a last resort. If you remember the admin password, just log in and change it normally.

Will changing my Wi-Fi password disconnect my devices?

Yes, briefly. When you save the new Wi-Fi password, your network will restart and all connected devices will lose connection. They'll ask you for the new password the next time they try to connect. You'll need to enter the new password on your phone, laptop, smart TV, and any other device that uses your Wi-Fi.

What if I forget the new password I just set?

If you forget the admin password, you'll need to reset the router to factory defaults. If you forget the Wi-Fi password, you can log back into the admin panel (if you remember that password) and look at the Wi-Fi settings to see what it is, or change it to something new. This is why writing down the admin password is important.

Can I change my password from my phone or tablet?

Yes, as long as you're connected to the Wi-Fi network. Open a web browser, type the router's IP address into the address bar, and log in the same way you would from a computer. The admin panel works on phones and tablets, though the layout may look different on a smaller screen.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.