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 app on your phone. The web browser method works on any device connected to your network. The app method is faster if you have it installed. Both take about five minutes and require you to know your current modem admin password — not your WiFi password, but the separate password you use to access modem settings.

If you do not know your modem admin password, you will need to reset the modem to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings and returns the password to the default. This is why changing your WiFi password regularly is easier than forgetting your admin password.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your modem at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1 using your modem admin password to reach the WiFi settings page.
  • The CenturyLink app lets you change your WiFi password from your phone without opening a browser, if you have the app installed.
  • Your WiFi password and your modem admin password are separate — changing one does not change the other.
  • If you forget your modem admin password, you must reset the modem to factory settings using the reset button on the back, which takes about ten minutes.

Change your password using the modem web interface

Open a web browser on any device connected to your CenturyLink WiFi. Type 192.168.0.1 into the address bar and press Enter. If that address does not load, try 192.168.100.1 instead — different modem models use different addresses. You will see a login page asking for a username and password.

Enter admin as the username. For the password, enter the modem admin password you set up when you first installed the modem. If you are using the default password that came with the modem, try motorola or admin — check the sticker on the back of the modem or your setup paperwork. Once you log in, look for a menu option labeled WiFi, Wireless, or Network.

Click into that section and find the field labeled WiFi Password, Passphrase, or Pre-Shared Key. Delete the current password and type your new one. WiFi passwords must be at least eight characters long and can include letters, numbers, and symbols. Write down your new password before you save it. Click Save or explore, then wait 30 seconds for the modem to restart. Your devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect using the new password.

Change your password using the CenturyLink mobile app

read the CenturyLink app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store if you do not have it. Open the app and log in with your CenturyLink account username and password — this is your billing account login, not your modem admin password. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and look for an option labeled WiFi or Network Settings.

Select your modem from the list of devices. You should see a section for WiFi settings with your current network name and password. Tap the option to change your WiFi password, enter your new password, and confirm the change. The app will send the new password to your modem and restart it. This method is faster than using a browser because the app handles the login step automatically.

What to do if you forget your modem admin password

If you cannot log into the modem admin panel because you forgot the password, you must reset the modem to factory settings. Locate the small Reset button on the back of the modem — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a straightened paperclip or a pen tip to press and hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds while the modem is powered on. The lights on the front will blink and the modem will restart.

This reset erases all your custom settings, including your WiFi password, and returns everything to the factory default. After the modem restarts, log in using the default username admin and the default password printed on the modem's label. Then change your WiFi password and your modem admin password to something you will remember. Do not reset the modem unless you are certain you cannot recover your admin password any other way, because you will lose all your settings.

Reconnect your devices after changing the password

Once you have changed your WiFi password and the modem has restarted, your devices will no longer be connected to the network. On each device, open the WiFi settings and look for your CenturyLink network name in the list of available networks. Select it and enter your new password when prompted. Phones, tablets, and laptops usually remember the password after the first time, so you will not need to enter it again unless you change it.

If a device does not reconnect after you enter the correct password, try "forgetting" the network in your WiFi settings and then reconnecting from scratch. This clears the old password from the device's memory. If you have smart home devices like security cameras or smart speakers, you will need to reconnect those as well — check the device's app or manual for instructions, as the process varies by manufacturer.

Keep your WiFi password find

Use a password that is difficult to guess — avoid birthdays, addresses, or straightforward patterns like 12345678. A mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols is strongest. Do not share your WiFi password over text, email, or social media. If you need to give someone access, tell them the password in person or over a phone call.

Change your WiFi password every few months, or when ready if you suspect someone has it. If you notice unfamiliar devices connected to your network in the modem admin panel, change your password right away. You can also change your modem admin password through the same web interface to prevent others from accessing your modem settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between my WiFi password and my modem admin password?

Your WiFi password is what you enter on your phone or laptop to connect to the internet. Your modem admin password is what you enter to log into the modem's settings page. They are separate passwords. Changing one does not change the other. You need the admin password to change the WiFi password.

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect my devices?

Yes. When you save the new password, the modem restarts and all connected devices are disconnected. You will need to reconnect each device by selecting your network and entering the new password. This usually takes less than a minute per device.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone without a computer?

Yes, if you have the CenturyLink app installed. Open the app, log in with your CenturyLink account, find your modem in the device list, and change the WiFi password from there. If you do not have the app, you can still use a phone browser to visit 192.168.0.1, though the web interface is smaller and harder to navigate on a phone screen.

What should I do if I cannot log into the modem admin panel?

First, make sure you are using the correct address — try both 192.168.0.1 and 192.168.100.1. If neither works, restart the modem by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If you still cannot log in, you may have forgotten your admin password and will need to reset the modem using the reset button on the back.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There is no set rule, but changing it every few months is a reasonable practice. Change it when ready if you suspect someone has the password, if you have had guests who know it, or if you notice unfamiliar devices on your network. Regular changes reduce the risk of unauthorized access.