Change your CenturyLink WiFi password through the modem's admin panel or the CenturyLink app

You can change your CenturyLink WiFi password in two ways: log into your modem's admin panel using a web browser, or use the CenturyLink mobile app if your modem supports it. The web browser method works on any device connected to your network and takes about five minutes. The app method is faster if you already have it installed, but not all modem models support it.

Your modem is the box that connects to your wall outlet and broadcasts your WiFi signal. CenturyLink provides different modem models depending on your service plan, but the steps are similar across most of them. You will need to know your modem's admin username and password — these are usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the modem, or you can find them in your CenturyLink account online.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your modem's admin panel by typing your modem's IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1) into a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi.
  • Your modem's admin username and password are printed on a sticker attached to the modem itself, or you can retrieve them from your CenturyLink online account.
  • Once logged in, look for a WiFi settings, wireless settings, or SSID section and change the password to something you can remember.
  • After you save the new password, your devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect using the new password.
  • If you cannot find the admin credentials or cannot log in, you can reset the modem to factory settings, but this will erase all your custom settings.

Find your modem's admin username and password

Look for a white or silver sticker on the back, bottom, or side of your modem. This sticker usually shows "Admin Username" and "Admin Password" along with other information like the modem's model number and serial number. Write down both the username and password exactly as they appear — they are case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters matter.

If the sticker is worn or missing, log into your CenturyLink account online at centurylink.com. Go to the account section or settings area and look for "Modem" or "Equipment" information. Your admin credentials should be listed there. If you cannot find them online and the sticker is gone, you will need to reset the modem to factory settings (see the section below on factory reset).

Log into your modem's admin panel using a web browser

Open any web browser on a device connected to your CenturyLink WiFi — a laptop, tablet, or phone will work. In the address bar at the top, type the modem's IP address. For most CenturyLink modems, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1. Press Enter.

A login page should appear asking for a username and password. Enter the admin username and password from the sticker on your modem. Click "Log In" or "Submit." If the page does not load, try the other IP address (if you used 192.168.0.1, try 192.168.100.1 instead). If neither works, your modem may use a different IP address — check your CenturyLink account or the modem's manual for the correct one.

Navigate to WiFi settings and change your password

Once you are logged into the admin panel, look for a section labeled "WiFi," "Wireless," "SSID," or "Network Settings." The exact name depends on your modem model, but it will be one of these or something similar. Click on that section.

You should see a field labeled "WiFi Password," "Wireless Password," "Pre-Shared Key," or "PSK." This is where your current password is stored (it may be hidden as dots or asterisks). Click in that field and delete the old password, then type your new password. Make it at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols if possible — this makes it harder to guess.

Look for a "Save," "explore," or "Submit" button and click it. The modem will save your new password and may restart. This process usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. Do not unplug the modem during this time.

Reconnect your devices to the network with the new password

Once the modem has restarted, all your devices will automatically disconnect from the WiFi because the password has changed. On each device, go to your WiFi settings and look for your network name (also called the SSID). Select it and enter your new password when prompted.

Start with devices you use most often — your phone, laptop, or tablet. Once you have reconnected those, move on to other devices like smart speakers, security cameras, or smart home devices. Some older devices may take longer to reconnect or may not support the new password format if it contains special characters — if a device will not connect, try a password with only letters and numbers instead.

Change your password using the CenturyLink mobile app

If you have the CenturyLink mobile app installed on your phone, you may be able to change your WiFi password directly from the app without logging into the admin panel. Open the app and look for a section labeled "WiFi," "Network," "Modem," or "Equipment." Not all modem models support this feature, so it may not appear in your app.

If the option is available, tap it and look for "Change WiFi Password" or "Edit WiFi Settings." Follow the prompts to enter your new password. The app will send the change to your modem, and the process is usually faster than using the web browser method. Your devices will still need to reconnect using the new password.

Reset your modem to factory settings if you cannot log in

If you have lost the admin password and cannot find it in your CenturyLink account, you can reset the modem to factory settings. This will erase all your custom settings, including your WiFi password, and restore the modem to the state it was in when you first received it. The admin username and password will return to the defaults printed on the modem's sticker.

To reset, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the modem. It is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds while the modem is powered on. The lights on the modem will blink and it will restart. This process takes about two to three minutes. Once it is done, you can log in using the default admin credentials on the sticker and set a new WiFi password.

After a factory reset, you will also need to reconnect all your devices to the WiFi using the default password (which is usually printed on the sticker as well). If you have other custom settings on your modem, such as port forwarding or parental controls, those will be erased and you will need to set them up again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I forgot my WiFi password but still need to connect a new device?

You can change your WiFi password by logging into the modem's admin panel from any device already connected to the network. Once you set a new password, disconnect the old device and reconnect using the new password. Alternatively, reset the modem to factory settings and use the default password printed on the sticker to reconnect all devices.

Can I change my WiFi password from outside my home?

No, you cannot change the WiFi password from outside your home using the modem's admin panel because you need to be connected to the network to access it. However, some CenturyLink modems allow you to manage settings through the CenturyLink mobile app if you are logged into your account, though this feature is not available on all models.

Why do my devices keep disconnecting after I change the password?

Devices disconnect when ready after a password change because they no longer recognize the new password. Reconnect each device manually by selecting your network in WiFi settings and entering the new password. If a device will not reconnect, try restarting it or forgetting the network and reconnecting from scratch.

Is there a default WiFi password I can use if I do not want to create my own?

Yes, your modem comes with a default WiFi password printed on the sticker. However, this password is the same for all modems of that model, so it is less find. It is recommended to change it to a unique password that only you know.

What should I do if the admin panel will not load in my browser?

First, make sure you are connected to your CenturyLink WiFi network. Then try the other common IP address (192.168.100.1 if you tried 192.168.0.1, or vice versa). If neither works, restart your modem by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in, then try again. If the page still will not load, check your modem's manual or contact CenturyLink support for the correct IP address.