Where to find your internet username and password settings
Your internet service provider (ISP) — the company that sends internet to your home — keeps your account username and password separate from your Wi-Fi network name and password. Many people confuse the two. Your ISP username and password log you into your account to pay bills and manage service. Your Wi-Fi password is what guests use to connect to your home network.
To change your ISP username and password, you need to log into your account on your provider's website or app. Look for a link that says "Account", "My Account", "Settings", or "Profile" — usually in the top right corner. You may need your account number, which appears on your monthly bill or in your welcome email from when you first signed up.
If you cannot remember your current password, most providers have a "Forgot Password" link on their login page. You will receive a reset link by email or text message. Use that link to create a new password before you try to change it again.
Key Takeaways
- Your ISP username and password are different from your Wi-Fi network password — one logs into your account, the other connects devices to your home network.
- Log into your account through your provider's website or mobile app, usually by clicking "Account" or "Settings" in the top right corner.
- Most providers require you to enter your current password before creating a new one, so have it ready or use the "Forgot Password" option first.
- A strong password contains uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and should not include your name, address, or account number.
- After you change your password, you may need to re-enter it on devices that connect to your account, such as a modem or router.
Steps to change your username with your ISP
Changing your username is less common than changing your password, because usernames are often tied to your email address or account number. However, some providers allow you to create a display name or change how your account appears in their system.
Log into your account and look for "Account Settings", "Profile", or "Personal Information". Click the option next to your username or account name. Some providers let you change this field; others do not. If the field is grayed out or locked, your provider does not allow username changes. Contact their customer service to ask whether an exception is possible.
If you can change it, type your new username and save the change. The system will tell you whether the new name is available or already taken by another customer. Write down your new username and store it somewhere safe, such as a password manager.
Creating a strong new password
A strong password is harder for someone else to guess or crack. Use at least 12 characters and mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like !, @, #, or $). For example, "BlueSky#2024River" is stronger than "password123".
Avoid using your name, address, phone number, account number, or birth date in your password. Do not use the same password for your ISP account as you use for email, banking, or social media. If one account is compromised, the others stay safe.
If you struggle to remember complex passwords, use a password manager such as Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your phone or web browser. These tools store passwords securely and fill them in automatically when you log in.
What happens after you change your password
Once you save your new password, you are logged out of your account on the website or app. The next time you log in, use your new password. You will not be able to use the old one.
If you have a modem or router that connects directly to your ISP account — some providers require this for their equipment — you may need to re-enter your new password in the modem's settings. Check your modem's manual or call your provider to find out whether this step applies to you. Most modern modems update automatically, but older models may not.
Devices that use your account to stream content, such as a smart TV or streaming box, may also ask for your new password the next time they connect. Have your new password ready when you use these devices.
Changing your Wi-Fi network password instead
If you want to change the password that guests and family members use to connect to your home Wi-Fi — not your ISP account password — you change that through your router settings, not your ISP account.
Log into your router by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into a web browser, or use your router's mobile app if it has one. Look for "Wireless Settings", "Wi-Fi Settings", or "Network Settings". Find the field labeled "Password", "Passphrase", or "Pre-Shared Key" and enter your new Wi-Fi password.
After you change your Wi-Fi password, all devices currently connected to your network will be disconnected. They will need to reconnect using the new password. This does not affect your ISP account or your ability to pay bills online.
Troubleshooting common problems
If you change your password but cannot log in afterward, you may have typed it incorrectly. Passwords are case-sensitive, meaning "BlueSky" is different from "bluesky". Check that Caps Lock is off and try again. If you still cannot log in, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset it.
If you changed your password but your modem or router still will not connect, restart both devices. Unplug the modem for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for all lights to turn green. Then unplug the router, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Try logging in again after both devices have restarted.
If you see an error message saying your password does not meet requirements, it may be too short, missing a symbol, or contain a character your provider does not allow. Most providers reject passwords with spaces or certain special characters. Try a different combination and check any error message for details about what is not allowed.
Keeping your account find after a password change
After you change your password, monitor your account for unusual activity. Log into your ISP account once a week for the first month and check whether any new devices have connected to your account or whether your bill has changed unexpectedly.
Enable two-factor authentication if your provider offers it. This adds a second step to logging in — usually a code sent to your phone or email — so that someone who knows your password still cannot access your account without that code. Look for "Security", "Two-Factor Authentication", or "Two-Step Verification" in your account settings.
If you share your home with roommates or family members who no longer need access to your account, change your password so they cannot log in. If you suspect someone else knows your password, change it when ready and contact your provider's customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username to something completely different?
Most ISPs tie your username to your email address or account number and do not allow changes. Some providers let you create a display name instead. Log into your account settings to see whether the username field is editable. If it is grayed out, contact your provider to ask whether they make exceptions.
What if I forget my new password right after I change it?
Use the "Forgot Password" link on your provider's login page. You will receive a reset link by email or text. Click the link and create another new password. Write it down or save it in a password manager so you do not forget it again.
Do I need to change my Wi-Fi password when I change my ISP password?
No. Your ISP account password and your Wi-Fi network password are separate. You can change one without changing the other. Change your Wi-Fi password only if you want to prevent someone from connecting to your home network.
Will changing my password disconnect my smart TV or streaming devices?
Changing your ISP account password may disconnect devices that use your account to stream content. Changing your Wi-Fi password will definitely disconnect all devices. After either change, you will need to re-enter the new password on each device.
How often should I change my internet password?
Change your password if you suspect someone else knows it, if you use the same password on multiple accounts, or if you have not changed it in over a year. You do not need to change it every month unless your provider recommends it for security reasons.