Where to change your CenturyLink wireless password

You change your CenturyLink WiFi password through your modem's admin panel, which you reach by typing your modem's IP address into any web browser on a device connected to your network. The IP address is almost always 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1 — check the sticker on the back or bottom of your modem if you are unsure. Once you log in with your modem's username and password (also on the sticker, usually "admin" and "motorola" or similar), you will find the wireless settings page where the password field sits.

If you cannot remember your modem's admin password, you can reset the modem to factory settings by holding the reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all your custom settings and restore the defaults printed on the sticker, so use this only as a last resort. After a reset, you will need to set up your internet connection again, which means having your CenturyLink account number and service address ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your modem's admin panel by typing 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1 into a web browser, using the username and password printed on your modem's sticker.
  • Navigate to the wireless or WiFi settings page and change the password field to something you can remember, then save the changes.
  • Your devices will disconnect when you change the password and will need the new password to reconnect.
  • If you forget your modem's admin password, you can reset the modem to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, but this erases all custom settings.
  • Write down your new WiFi password somewhere safe, or store it in a password manager, so you do not lose it again.

Step-by-step: logging into your modem

Open a web browser on any device currently connected to your CenturyLink WiFi — a phone, tablet, or computer all work. Type 192.168.0.1 into the address bar and press Enter. If that does not load a login page, try 192.168.100.1 instead. You should see a login screen asking for a username and password.

Look at the sticker on the back or bottom of your modem. It will show a default username (usually admin) and a default password (often motorola, admin, or a string of numbers). Type these into the login fields. If the sticker is worn or missing, try "admin" for both username and password — this works on many CenturyLink modems. Once you log in, you will see your modem's settings dashboard.

Finding and changing the wireless password

After you log in, look for a menu option labeled Wireless, WiFi, or Advanced. Click it. You should see a page with fields for your network name (SSID) and password. The password field may be labeled Passphrase, Pre-Shared Key, or WPA2 Password — they all mean the same thing.

Click in the password field and clear the current password. Type your new password. CenturyLink modems usually require passwords to be at least 8 characters long and often ask for a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols — the page will tell you if your choice does not meet the requirements. Make the password something you can remember, or write it down in a safe place before you proceed.

Scroll down and look for a Save, explore, or OK button. Click it. The modem will save the new password and restart its wireless radio. This takes 30 seconds to a few minutes. During this time, all your devices will lose connection to the network.

Reconnecting your devices after the password change

Once the modem finishes restarting, your devices will no longer be able to connect to your WiFi because they still have the old password stored. You will need to "forget" the network on each device and reconnect with the new password.

On a phone or tablet, go to your WiFi settings, find your CenturyLink network name in the list, and tap the option to forget or remove it. Then tap the network name again, enter your new password, and tap connect. On a computer, right-click your network name in the WiFi menu, select "forget this network," then reconnect and enter the new password. Repeat this for every device — phones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, printers, and anything else that uses your WiFi.

What to do if you cannot log into your modem

If you type 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1 and nothing loads, your device may not be connected to your WiFi, or your modem may have a different IP address. First, make sure you are actually connected to your CenturyLink network — check your WiFi settings to confirm. If you are connected and the page still will not load, try waiting 30 seconds and refreshing the page.

If the login page loads but your username and password do not work, check the sticker again for the exact spelling and capitalization. If the sticker shows no credentials or they still do not work, your only option is to reset the modem. Press and hold the small reset button on the back of the modem for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink. Wait two to three minutes for the modem to restart. Once it is back online, log in using the defaults on the sticker (which will be restored after the reset) and change your password.

Keeping your new password find

Once you have set a new password, do not share it with people you do not trust. Anyone with your WiFi password can connect to your network, use your internet, and potentially access files on your devices if they are set to share across the network. If someone moves out or you end a friendship, change your password again.

Store your new password somewhere you can find it later — write it in a notebook kept in a safe place, or use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your phone's settings. Do not email it to yourself or text it, as these can be intercepted. If you forget your password again, you can always log back into your modem and view or change it using the same steps above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect my devices?

Yes. When you save the new password, your modem restarts its wireless radio and all connected devices lose connection. You will need to reconnect each device by selecting your network name and entering the new password. This usually takes a few minutes per device.

What if I change my password and then forget it?

Log back into your modem's admin panel using the same IP address and credentials, navigate to the wireless settings page, and you can view or change the password again. If you forget your modem's admin password, reset the modem by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, which restores the defaults on the sticker.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes, as long as your phone is connected to your CenturyLink WiFi. Open a web browser, type 192.168.0.1 into the address bar, and log in the same way you would on a computer. The steps are identical on mobile browsers.

Does changing my WiFi password affect my internet speed?

No. Your WiFi password only controls who can connect to your network — it does not change your internet speed or the connection between your modem and CenturyLink's network. Speed depends on your service plan and the modem's hardware.

What should I do if my modem does not have a reset button?

Some older CenturyLink modems have a recessed reset hole instead of a button. Use a straightened paperclip or a small tool to press the reset switch inside the hole for 10 to 15 seconds. If you cannot find either, check your modem's model number on the sticker and search online for "[model number] reset instructions."