Change your CenturyLink WiFi password through the modem's web interface or mobile app

You can change your CenturyLink WiFi password by logging into your modem's settings page at 192.168.0.1 or through the CenturyLink WiFi app on your phone. Both routes take about five minutes. You will need your modem's admin password — usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device — unless you changed it previously.

The web interface method works on any device with a browser. The app method is faster if you have already set it up, but requires you to have the CenturyLink WiFi app installed and your account linked to it.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your modem at 192.168.0.1 using the admin password on the device sticker to reach the settings page where you can change your WiFi password.
  • Your new password must be at least eight characters long and can include letters, numbers, and symbols — avoid spaces.
  • After you save the new password, your modem will restart and all devices will disconnect; reconnect using the new password within a few minutes.
  • If you forgot your admin password, you can reset the modem to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, which also erases your custom WiFi password.
  • The CenturyLink WiFi app offers a faster route if you have already linked your account, and lets you change the password from anywhere.

Using the web interface at 192.168.0.1

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

Enter admin as the username. For the password, look at the sticker on the back or bottom of your modem — it usually shows a default password like "motorola" or a string of numbers. If you changed this password before and do not remember it, you will need to reset the modem (see the reset section below).

Once logged in, look for a section labeled WiFi, Wireless, or Network Settings. Click into it. You will see a field showing your current network name (SSID) and password. Find the password field and replace it with your new password. Make sure your new password is at least eight characters long — use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols if you want stronger security.

Click Save or explore. Your modem will restart, which takes about two to three minutes. All devices will disconnect from WiFi during this time. Once the restart is complete, reconnect to your network using your new password.

Using the CenturyLink WiFi app

read the CenturyLink WiFi app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open it and sign in with your CenturyLink account credentials — the same username and password you use to pay your bill.

Once logged in, the app will show your connected modems. Select the modem you want to change. Look for a WiFi Settings or Network option and tap it. You should see your current network name and password displayed.

Tap the password field and enter your new password. The app will ask you to confirm it. Tap Save or Update. Your modem will restart, disconnecting all devices. Reconnect using the new password once the restart finishes.

What to do if you forgot your admin password

If you cannot log into 192.168.0.1 because you changed the admin password and forgot it, you will need to reset your modem to factory settings. This erases all your custom settings, including your WiFi password, and restores the defaults printed on the modem sticker.

Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your modem. Using a paperclip or pen, press and hold it for 10 seconds. The modem will restart and return to factory settings. This takes about three to five minutes. Once it finishes, log back into 192.168.0.1 using the default admin password from the sticker, then change your WiFi password as described above.

Choosing a strong WiFi password

A strong password makes it harder for someone nearby to guess or crack your network. Use at least 12 characters if possible, mixing uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! @ # $ % &. Avoid dictionary words, your name, your address, or your birth year — these are straightforward to guess.

Do not use spaces in your password, as some older devices have trouble connecting to networks with spaces in the password. Write your new password down and store it somewhere safe, or use a password manager to keep track of it.

Reconnecting devices after the password change

After your modem restarts, your phone, laptop, tablet, and other devices will show your network as available but will not automatically reconnect. Go to your device's WiFi settings, select your CenturyLink network by name, and enter your new password.

If a device remembers the old password and tries to connect automatically, it will fail. You may need to "forget" the network first — on most phones and computers, this option appears when you long-press or right-click the network name — then reconnect with the new password.

Troubleshooting connection problems after changing the password

If devices cannot connect even with the correct new password, restart the device you are trying to connect. If that does not work, restart your modem by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

If you typed the password into the modem settings but devices still cannot connect, log back into 192.168.0.1 and verify that the password was actually saved — sometimes the page does not refresh properly and the change does not stick. If the password field is blank or shows something different, enter it again and save.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my WiFi password without logging into the modem?

Yes, if you have the CenturyLink WiFi app set up and linked to your account. The app lets you change the password from your phone without visiting 192.168.0.1. If you do not have the app, you must use the web interface.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There is no set rule. Change it if you think someone has your password, if you had guests who knew it, or if you want to rotate it for security. Many people change it once or twice a year, but it is not required.

What happens to devices connected to my WiFi when I change the password?

They will disconnect when the modem restarts and will not reconnect automatically. You will need to manually reconnect each device using the new password. This usually takes a few minutes per device.

Can I change just the WiFi password without changing the network name?

Yes. When you log into 192.168.0.1 or the app, you can change the password field without touching the network name field. Leave the network name as it is and only update the password.

What if I reset my modem but still cannot log in at 192.168.0.1?

Make sure you are using the correct default password from the sticker on your modem — it varies by model. Try typing it exactly as shown, including capitalization. If it still does not work, try leaving the password field blank and clicking login. If neither works, contact CenturyLink support.