Change Your WiFi Password Through the AT&T Mobile App

The fastest way to change your WiFi password is through the AT&T Mobile app on your phone. Open the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), then select "Internet" or "WiFi". You'll see your gateway or router listed — tap it, then look for "WiFi password" or "Network settings". Tap the password field, enter your new password, and save. The change takes effect when ready, and all your devices will need the new password to reconnect.

Your new password must be at least 8 characters long and can include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. AT&T recommends avoiding dictionary words or personal information like birthdays or addresses. Write down your new password somewhere safe before you forget it — you'll need it to reconnect every device in your home.

Key Takeaways

  • The AT&T Mobile app is the quickest method: open it, find Internet settings, and change the password in the WiFi section.
  • You can also log into your AT&T account online at att.com, navigate to your gateway settings, and change the password there.
  • Your new password must be at least 8 characters and can include letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • After you change the password, every device connected to your WiFi will disconnect and will need the new password to reconnect.
  • If you forget your new password, you can reset it the same way or perform a factory reset on your gateway by holding the reset button for 10 seconds.

Change Your Password on the AT&T Website

If you prefer to use a computer, go to att.com and sign in with your AT&T account username and password. Click "Internet" or "My Services", then select your gateway or router from the list of devices. Look for "WiFi settings" or "Network settings" — the exact wording depends on your gateway model. Click the WiFi password field, type your new password, and click Save or explore.

The website method works the same way as the app and takes about the same amount of time. Some older gateway models may have slightly different menu layouts, but the password field is always in the WiFi or Network settings section. If you can't find it after a few clicks, check the model number on your gateway (usually printed on a sticker on the back) and search "AT&T [model number] WiFi password" to see the exact steps for your device.

What Happens When You Change Your Password

The moment you save your new password, your WiFi network stays on but your old password stops working. Every phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, and other device currently connected will disconnect within a few seconds. You'll see them drop off your WiFi network. This is normal and expected — it happens because those devices are still trying to use the old password, which no longer works.

To reconnect each device, open its WiFi settings, find your AT&T network name (called the SSID), and select it. When prompted for the password, type your new one. Devices will reconnect one by one. Smart home devices like thermostats, cameras, or speakers may take a minute or two longer to reconnect than phones and computers do.

Reconnect Your Devices After Changing the Password

Start with the devices you use most — your phone and computer. On a phone, go to Settings, then WiFi, find your network name, and tap it. When the password prompt appears, type your new password and tap Connect. On a Windows computer, click the WiFi icon in the bottom right corner, select your network, click Connect, and enter the new password. On a Mac, click the WiFi icon in the top right, select your network, and type the password when prompted.

For smart home devices, the process varies by brand. Most smart speakers, thermostats, and cameras have their own app — open the app, find WiFi settings, and tell the device to reconnect using your new password. Some devices have a physical reset button you can hold to put them back into pairing mode, which makes them easier to reconnect. Check the device's manual or the manufacturer's website if you get stuck on a particular device.

Reset Your Password If You Forget It

If you change your password and then forget what you typed, you can change it again using the same method — just log back into the AT&T Mobile app or website and set a new one. You don't need to remember the old password to create a new one. The app and website will let you change it as many times as you want.

If you want to wipe everything and start over, you can perform a factory reset on your gateway. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your gateway (it's usually recessed so you can't press it by accident). Hold it down for 10 seconds while the gateway is powered on. The lights will blink and the gateway will restart. After it finishes restarting, your WiFi network will return to its default name and password, which are printed on a sticker on the gateway itself. You can then change the password again using the app or website.

Why You Might Want to Change Your Password

The most common reason to change your WiFi password is security. If someone you don't trust knows your password, or if you've shared it with a guest who no longer visits, changing it locks them out. It's also a good idea to change your password every few months as a routine security practice, especially if many people have used your network over time.

Another reason is if you've forgotten your password and need to reconnect a device. Rather than trying to remember it, it's faster to just set a new one. Some people also change their password to something easier to remember or to a name that's easier to type on a keyboard.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems After a Password Change

If a device won't reconnect after you've changed the password, first make sure you're typing the new password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword". If you're certain the password is right, try forgetting the network on that device and reconnecting from scratch. On a phone, go to WiFi settings, tap the network name, and select "Forget". Then find the network again and reconnect with the new password.

If a device still won't connect, restart it. Power it off completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then try connecting to WiFi again. If it's a smart home device that's giving you trouble, check whether it needs a restart through its app or a physical power cycle. Some devices also have a separate WiFi reset button — check the manual if restarting doesn't work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes. Open the AT&T Mobile app, tap the menu, select Internet, find your gateway, and tap WiFi password. You can change it from anywhere as long as you're signed into your AT&T account. The change takes effect when ready.

What's the difference between my WiFi password and my AT&T account password?

Your AT&T account password is what you use to log into att.com or the AT&T app. Your WiFi password is what your devices use to connect to your home network. They are separate — changing one does not change the other. You can change your WiFi password without touching your account password.

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect my internet?

No. Your internet connection stays on. Only the WiFi stops working for devices that don't know the new password. Devices connected by ethernet cable (plugged directly into the gateway) will keep working without interruption.

How long does it take for devices to reconnect after I change the password?

Most phones and computers reconnect within seconds of you entering the new password. Smart home devices may take 30 seconds to a few minutes. If a device hasn't reconnected after five minutes, restart it and try again.

Can I change my WiFi password if I'm not home?

Yes. As long as you can sign into your AT&T account on the app or website, you can change your WiFi password from anywhere. You don't need to be physically near your gateway.