Change Your Password Through the CenturyLink Router

You can change your CenturyLink WiFi password by logging into your router's settings page. Open a web browser on any device connected to your network, type 192.168.0.1 into the address bar, and press Enter. You will see a login screen asking for a username and password.

The default username is admin and the default password is motorola (or sometimes admin if the first one does not work). If neither works, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it will show the correct defaults. Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled WiFi, Wireless, or Network Settings.

Find the field that says WiFi Password, Pre-Shared Key, or Passphrase. Delete the current password and type a new one. Make it at least 12 characters long and mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — this makes it much harder to guess. Click Save or explore, and the router will restart. Your new password takes effect once the restart is complete, usually within two minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your router at 192.168.0.1 using the username admin and the default password on the router's sticker.
  • Navigate to the WiFi or Wireless Settings section and find the password field, which may be labeled Pre-Shared Key or Passphrase.
  • Create a new password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
  • After you save the new password, the router will restart and all devices will need to reconnect using the new password.
  • If you forget the new password, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, but this erases all your settings.

What to Do If You Cannot Log Into the Router

If the default username and password do not work, the most likely reason is that someone has already changed them. Check whether you have a record of the password you set previously — it may be in an email, a notebook, or a password manager on your computer.

If you have no record of the password, the only way forward is to reset the router to factory defaults. Locate the small Reset button on the back of the router (it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident). Use a straightened paperclip or a pen tip to hold it down for 10 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart. Once it boots up, the username and password will be back to the defaults printed on the sticker, and you can log in again.

Be aware that resetting the router erases all your settings — your WiFi name, password, port forwarding rules, and any other changes you made. You will need to set them up again from scratch.

Reconnect Your Devices After Changing the Password

Once the router restarts with your new password, every device that was connected to your WiFi will lose its connection. You will need to reconnect each one manually. On phones and tablets, go to Settings, find your WiFi network name in the list, and tap it. When prompted, enter your new password exactly as you typed it — passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter.

On computers, click the WiFi icon in the system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac), select your network, and type the new password. Smart home devices like Alexa speakers or smart thermostats may take longer to reconnect — some require you to open their app and re-enter the WiFi credentials manually. If a device will not reconnect after three attempts, restart it by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

Why Change Your Password Regularly

Your WiFi password is the only thing standing between your network and anyone within range of your router. A weak or unchanged password makes it straightforward for neighbors or passersby to connect without permission, which slows down your internet and can expose your devices to attacks.

Changing your password every few months, or whenever someone moves out of your home, reduces the risk that an old password is floating around. If you suspect someone has been using your WiFi without permission — for example, if your internet suddenly feels much slower — change the password when ready and check your router's connected devices list to see who was on the network.

Use a Strong Password You Can Remember

A strong WiFi password should be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid dictionary words, names, birthdates, or sequences like 123456. A password like BlueMoon$42Oak is much stronger than password123.

If you struggle to remember a long password, write it down and store it somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager on your computer, or even a note in your phone's notes app. Do not email it to yourself or post it online. You do not need to memorize it; you only need to type it once when you first connect each device, and then the device will remember it automatically.

Troubleshooting Common Password Change Problems

If you changed the password but devices still will not connect, the most common cause is a typo. Go back into the router settings and check that the password you entered matches exactly what you think you typed — look for extra spaces, accidental capitals, or symbols that look similar (like the number 1 versus the letter l). If you find a mistake, correct it and save again.

If the router settings page will not load at all, make sure you are typing the address correctly — it is 192.168.0.1, not 192.168.1.1 (which is a different router brand). If that still does not work, try unplugging the router for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting two minutes for it to fully boot before trying again. If the page loads but you cannot save the new password, try a different web browser — sometimes older browsers have trouble with router settings pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes, as long as your phone is connected to the WiFi network. Open a web browser, type 192.168.0.1, and log in the same way you would on a computer. The steps are identical. Some newer CenturyLink routers also have a mobile app that lets you change the password without typing the address, though this is less common.

What if I change the password and then forget it?

You can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 seconds. This erases the new password and restores the default one printed on the sticker. You will then need to set up your WiFi name and password again from scratch, and reconnect all your devices.

Do I need to call CenturyLink to change my password?

No. Changing your WiFi password is something you do on the router itself, not through CenturyLink's customer service. You do not need to contact them unless the router will not turn on or you cannot access the settings page after multiple attempts.

Will changing my password affect my internet speed?

No. The password only controls who can connect to your WiFi; it does not change how fast your connection is. If your internet feels slower after a password change, it is likely because you have more devices connected than before, not because of the password itself.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There is no set rule, but changing it every few months is reasonable if you live alone or with trusted people. If you live in an apartment building or a place where many people come and go, change it more often — especially when roommates or guests move out. If you suspect someone is using your WiFi without permission, change it when ready.