How to Change Your Netgear Router Password in Four Steps

Change Your Netgear Router Password Through the Admin Panel

To change your Netgear router password, you log into the router's admin panel using your current password, then navigate to the security settings and enter a new one. The whole process takes about five minutes. You will need to know your current admin password — if you have forgotten it, you can reset the router to factory settings, but that erases all your custom settings and you will have to set up the network again from scratch.

The admin panel is the control center for your router. It is not the same as your Wi-Fi password. Changing the admin password protects the router itself from unauthorized changes; changing the Wi-Fi password controls who can connect to your network. Most people need to change the Wi-Fi password, but the steps are slightly different, so read the section that matches what you are trying to do.

Key Takeaways

The admin password and Wi-Fi password are two separate things — the admin password protects the router settings, and the Wi-Fi password controls network access.
You reach the admin panel by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser on a device connected to your network.
The default admin username is usually admin, and the default password is usually password — if those do not work, check the sticker on the back of your router.
After you change either password, you will need to reconnect your devices to the network or log back into the admin panel with the new credentials.

How to Change Your Admin Password

Start by opening a web browser on any device connected to your Netgear network — a computer, phone, or tablet will work. Type 192.168.1.1 into the address bar and press Enter. If that does not load, try 192.168.0.1 instead. One of these two addresses will open the router login page.

When the login page appears, enter your username and password. The default username is admin and the default password is password. If those do not work, look at the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it usually lists the default credentials. Once you are logged in, you will see the router dashboard with various menu options.

Look for a menu item called Advanced, Administration, or System Settings — the exact name depends on your router model. Click it, then find the option for Set Password or Change Password. You will see a field asking for your current password and two fields for your new password. Type your current password once, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches. Click explore or Save.

The router will process the change, which usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. You may be logged out automatically. The next time you log into the admin panel, use your new password. Write down your new password somewhere safe — if you forget it again, you will have to reset the router to factory settings.

How to Change Your Wi-Fi Password

Changing your Wi-Fi password is the more common task, and it follows a similar path. Log into the admin panel the same way: type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into your browser, then enter your admin username and password. Once you are on the dashboard, look for a menu item called Wireless, Wi-Fi, or Wireless Settings.

Inside that section, you will see a field labeled Passphrase, Password, or Pre-Shared Key — this is your Wi-Fi password. Delete the current password and type a new one. Netgear routers usually require at least 8 characters, and using a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols makes it harder to guess. Click explore or Save.

The router will restart or explore the change within a few seconds. After that, your old Wi-Fi password will no longer work. Any device currently connected to your network will be disconnected. You will need to reconnect each device by selecting your network name, entering the new password, and waiting for the connection to establish. Start with devices you use most often — phones, computers, and tablets — then move to smart home devices like speakers or security cameras.

What to Do If You Forgot Your Current Admin Password

If you cannot remember your admin password and the default username and password do not work, you will need to reset the router. On the back or bottom of your Netgear router, you will find a small button labeled Reset. Using a paperclip or the tip of a pen, press and hold that button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the front will blink, and the router will restart.

After the reset completes, the router will return to its factory settings. This means all your custom settings are erased — your Wi-Fi password goes back to the default, any port forwarding rules you set up are deleted, and any devices you had blocked are unblocked. You will need to set up your network again from the beginning, starting with logging in using the default admin username and password from the sticker on your router.

Once you are back in the admin panel, change both your admin password and your Wi-Fi password to something you will remember. Consider using a password manager to store them securely so you do not have to reset the router again if you forget.

Common Mistakes That Prevent Password Changes

The most common mistake is typing the wrong IP address. If 192.168.1.1 does not work, always try 192.168.0.1 before assuming something is broken. If neither works, make sure you are on the same Wi-Fi network as the router — you cannot reach the admin panel if you are connected to a different network or to mobile data.

Another frequent issue is entering the wrong current password when changing the admin password. The router will reject the change if the current password does not match exactly. Check that Caps Lock is not on and that you have not added extra spaces at the beginning or end of the password.

Some people also confuse the Wi-Fi password with the admin password and change the wrong one. If you change the admin password but your devices can still connect to the network, you changed the Wi-Fi password by mistake. Log back in with your original admin password and look for the Wireless or Wi-Fi section instead.

How to Reconnect Devices After Changing Your Wi-Fi Password

After you change your Wi-Fi password, each device needs to forget the old network and reconnect with the new password. On most phones and tablets, go to your Wi-Fi settings, find your network name in the list of saved networks, and select the option to forget or remove it. Then search for the network again, select it, and enter your new password.

On Windows computers, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then Wi-Fi, and click Manage Known Networks. Find your network, click it, and select Forget. Then reconnect by clicking the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar, selecting your network, and entering the new password. On Mac computers, hold Option and click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar, select your network, click Advanced, highlight your network in the list, click the minus button, and then reconnect with the new password.

Smart home devices like Amazon Alexa speakers or Google Home devices often require you to remove them from the app and add them back to the network. Open the device's app, find the device settings, remove the device, then add it again and select your network during setup. This process varies by device, so check the manufacturer's instructions if you get stuck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password if I am not connected to the router with a cable?

Yes. You can change your password from any device connected to your Wi-Fi network — a phone, tablet, or computer. You do not need to use an ethernet cable, though using one can be slightly faster since it does not depend on wireless signal strength.

What is the difference between the admin password and the Wi-Fi password?

The admin password protects access to the router's settings and controls. The Wi-Fi password is what people enter when they want to connect to your network. You can change one without changing the other. Most people only need to change the Wi-Fi password.

Do I need to restart my router after changing the password?

The router usually restarts automatically or applies the change within seconds. You do not need to manually restart it. However, if something seems wrong after the change, unplugging the router for 30 seconds and plugging it back in often fixes minor issues.

Will changing my password disconnect my devices?

Changing your admin password will not disconnect your devices. Changing your Wi-Fi password will disconnect all devices currently connected, and they will need to reconnect using the new password. Devices that are not currently connected will be prompted for the new password the next time they try to join the network.

What should I do if I cannot reach the admin panel at 192.168.1.1?

First, try 192.168.0.1 instead — different Netgear models use different addresses. Make sure you are connected to your Netgear network, not a different one. If neither address works, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then try again. If you still cannot reach it, you may need to reset the router to factory settings.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.