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

You can change your WiFi password in two ways: log into your modem directly using a web browser, or use the CenturyLink app on your phone. The web browser method works from any device connected to your network. The app method is faster if you have it installed. Both take about five minutes and don't require you to call customer support.

Your modem is the device that connects to the wall outlet and broadcasts your WiFi signal. It has a sticker on the bottom or back with a default username and password — you'll need those to log in the first time. Once you change your WiFi password, all your devices will need the new password to reconnect.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your WiFi password by logging into your modem at 192.168.0.1 using the username and password printed on the modem's sticker.
  • The CenturyLink app lets you change your password from your phone without opening a web browser, though you'll need to know your modem's admin password first.
  • After you change the password, your phone, laptop, and other devices will disconnect and ask for the new password before they can reconnect.
  • Write down your new password somewhere safe before you change it, because you'll need to enter it on every device that uses your WiFi.
  • If you forget your new password, you can reset the modem to factory settings, but this erases all your custom settings and returns the WiFi name to the default.

Log in to your modem using a web browser

Open any web browser on a device connected to your CenturyLink WiFi. Type 192.168.0.1 into the address bar and press Enter. A login page will appear asking for a username and password.

Look at the sticker on the back or bottom of your modem. It shows a default username (usually admin) and a default password. Enter these into the login page. If you changed the admin password before, use the password you set, not the one on the sticker.

Once you're logged in, look for a section labeled WiFi, Wireless, or Network Settings. The exact location depends on your modem model, but it's usually in the main menu or under "Advanced" settings. Click on it to see your current WiFi name and password.

Change the WiFi password in the admin panel

Find the field labeled WiFi Password, Passphrase, or Pre-Shared Key. Delete the current password and type your new one. Most modems require passwords to be at least 8 characters long and accept letters, numbers, and some symbols.

Choose a password you can remember but that isn't obvious — avoid birthdays, addresses, or straightforward patterns like "12345678". Write it down on paper and store it somewhere safe before you save the change.

Click Save or explore. The modem will restart, which takes about one to two minutes. During this time, your WiFi will go offline and come back on with the new password. All your devices will disconnect and show that the network is no longer available.

Reconnect your devices to WiFi with the new password

Once the modem restarts and the WiFi light comes back on, open the WiFi settings on your phone, laptop, or other device. Find your network name in the list and select it. When prompted for the password, enter the new password you just set.

Repeat this for every device that uses your WiFi — phones, tablets, smart speakers, printers, and anything else that connects wirelessly. Devices that were already connected will show an error message until you enter the new password.

If a device won't reconnect, forget the network first, then reconnect. On most phones, go to WiFi settings, find your network, and tap "Forget" or "Remove". Then select the network again and enter the new password.

Use the CenturyLink app to change your password

read the CenturyLink app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store if you don't have it. Open the app and sign in with your CenturyLink account username and password (the same login you use to pay your bill).

Look for a section labeled WiFi, Devices, or Network. Tap on it to see your network settings. You should see an option to change your WiFi password. Tap it and enter your new password, then confirm the change.

The app method is faster than the web browser method, but it requires you to know your CenturyLink account password. If you don't remember it, you'll need to reset it on the CenturyLink website before you can use the app.

Reset your modem if you forget your password

If you forget the WiFi password you set and can't log into the admin panel, you can reset the modem to factory settings. Look for a small button labeled Reset on the back of the modem. Press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen — the lights will blink and the modem will restart.

After the reset, the WiFi name and password return to the defaults printed on the sticker. You'll need to reconnect all your devices using the default password, then log back into the admin panel and set a new password. This also erases any other custom settings you made, like port forwarding or parental controls.

Resetting should be your last option because it takes longer than changing the password normally and requires you to reconfigure everything. If you can still access the admin panel, use that method instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can't log into the admin panel at 192.168.0.1?

Make sure you're connected to your CenturyLink WiFi, not a different network. If the page won't load, try a different web browser. If you changed the admin password and forgot it, reset the modem using the reset button on the back — this returns the admin password to the default on the sticker.

Can I change my WiFi password without resetting all my devices?

No — once you change the password, every device that uses your WiFi will disconnect and need the new password to reconnect. There's no way to avoid this. Plan the change for a time when you can reconnect your devices, or change it one device at a time if you need some to stay online.

Is my WiFi password the same as my CenturyLink account password?

No — they are completely separate. Your WiFi password is what you enter on your phone or laptop to connect to the internet. Your CenturyLink account password is what you use to log into your bill and account settings online. You can change them independently.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There's no set rule. Change it if you think someone unauthorized is using your network, if you shared it with someone who no longer needs access, or if you want to rotate it for security. Changing it once or twice a year is reasonable for most homes.

What happens to devices that are turned off when I change the password?

When you turn them back on, they'll try to connect to your WiFi using the old password and will fail. You'll need to go into their WiFi settings, forget the network, and reconnect with the new password — just like you would with a device that was on during the change.