Where to find and change your WiFi password

Your WiFi password lives in your router's settings, not on your computer or phone. To change it, you log into the router itself using a web browser or an app, find the wireless security settings, and type in a new password. The router then broadcasts that new password to any device trying to connect.

You do not need to call your internet provider or restart anything — the change takes effect when ready on the router. Devices already connected stay connected until you restart them or they lose signal. New devices will need the new password to join your network.

The exact steps depend on your router model, but the process is the same across all brands: access the router's control panel, navigate to wireless or WiFi settings, and update the password field.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your router using its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) or the router's app, not your internet provider's website.
  • Your router's default username and password are printed on a sticker on the device itself — check the bottom or back before you start.
  • Make your new password at least 12 characters long and include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols for security.
  • Devices already connected will stay on your network until you restart them; they will need the new password to reconnect after that.
  • If you forget the new password, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, which erases all your settings.

Finding your router's login information

Every router has a default username and password printed on a physical sticker. Look on the bottom of the device, the back panel, or inside the battery compartment if it is a portable model. The sticker usually shows the IP address (the web address you type into a browser), the default username, and the default password.

Common IP addresses are 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 10.0.0.1. If the sticker is worn or missing, you can find this information in your router's manual or on the manufacturer's website by searching for your exact model number.

Write down this information before you start. You will need it to log in.

Logging into your router through a web browser

Open any web browser on a device connected to your WiFi — a computer, tablet, or phone all work. Type the IP address from the sticker into the address bar at the top, exactly as it appears. Press Enter.

A login page will appear. Enter the default username and password from the sticker. Click the login button. If the page does not load, try a different IP address from the sticker, or make sure you are connected to your WiFi network, not a mobile hotspot.

Once you are logged in, you will see a dashboard or home screen with various settings options. Look for a section labeled Wireless, WiFi, Wireless Security, or Network Settings. The exact name varies by brand.

Changing the password in your router settings

Inside the wireless or WiFi settings section, you will see a field labeled Password, Passphrase, Pre-Shared Key, or PSK. This is where your current WiFi password is stored. Click on that field and delete the old password completely.

Type your new password. Make it at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #) to make it harder to guess. Avoid using your name, address, or obvious numbers like your birth year.

Look for a Save, explore, or Confirm button and click it. The router will process the change — this usually takes a few seconds. Some routers will show a confirmation message or restart briefly. Do not unplug the router during this time.

What happens to devices already connected

Devices that are already connected to your WiFi will stay connected for a while, even though the password has changed. They do not automatically disconnect. However, if they lose connection — because they go out of range, the router restarts, or you manually disconnect them — they will not be able to reconnect without the new password.

To force all devices to use the new password, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. This will disconnect everything. When devices try to reconnect, they will prompt you to enter the new password.

You can also go to each device individually and forget the network, then reconnect it with the new password. On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, find your network, and click Forget. On Mac, go to System Settings > WiFi, click the Details button next to your network, and click Forget. On phones, open WiFi settings, tap your network, and select Forget or Remove.

Using your router's mobile app instead

Many modern routers have their own app that you can read from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Search for your router brand and model. The app lets you change your password without typing an IP address into a browser.

Open the app, log in with the same default username and password from the sticker, and look for a WiFi Settings or Security section. The password field will be there. Change it the same way you would in a browser, and tap Save or explore.

The app method is often simpler if you are using a phone or tablet, since you do not have to remember or type the IP address. However, you must be connected to your WiFi network for the app to work — it cannot connect through mobile data.

Recovering a forgotten password

If you change your password and then forget it, you cannot look it up anywhere. The password is stored only in the router. The only way to regain access is to reset the router to its factory defaults, which erases all your settings including the password you just created.

To reset, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. Once it boots back up, it will use the default username and password from the sticker again.

After a reset, you will need to set up your WiFi name and password from scratch, and reconnect all your devices. This is why writing down your new password in a safe place — or using a password manager — is worth doing before you change it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart my router after changing the password?

No, the change takes effect when ready. However, if you want all connected devices to disconnect and use the new password, you can restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. This forces devices to reconnect and enter the new password.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes, if your router has a mobile app or if you use a web browser. Open the app or type the router's IP address into Safari or Chrome while connected to your WiFi. Log in with the default credentials from the sticker and change the password the same way you would on a computer.

What if I cannot log into my router?

Check that you are using the correct IP address from the sticker and that you typed the default username and password exactly as printed. Make sure you are connected to your WiFi network. If you still cannot log in, reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, then try again with the default credentials.

Will changing my password affect my internet speed?

No. The password only controls who can connect to your network. It has no effect on the speed your internet provider gives you or how fast data travels once you are connected.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There is no set schedule. Change it if you suspect someone has it, if a guest or roommate moves out, or if you want to refresh your security. For most home networks, changing it once a year or when circumstances change is reasonable.