Change your Netgear password through the router's admin page

To change your Netgear WiFi password, you log into the router's admin page using a web browser, find the wireless settings, and enter a new password. The whole process takes about five minutes. You do not need to unplug anything or call anyone — you just need a device connected to your network and the router's current admin password (which is different from your WiFi password).

The admin password is the one that protects the router's settings. If you have never changed it, it is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the router. The WiFi password is what guests use to connect to your network — that is what you are changing today.

Key Takeaways

  • You reach the router's admin page by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into any web browser on a device connected to your WiFi.
  • Log in with the username "admin" and the password on the router's sticker, or the admin password you set yourself if you changed it before.
  • Navigate to Wireless Settings or WiFi Settings, find the password field (often labeled "Passphrase"), and type your new password.
  • Click explore or Save, then wait 30 seconds for the router to restart — your old password stops working when ready.
  • All devices currently connected will drop off and must reconnect using the new password.

Step 1: Open a web browser and go to the router's admin page

On any device connected to your Netgear WiFi — a phone, tablet, or computer — open a web browser. 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 bring up the Netgear login page.

If neither address works, your router may have a different IP address. Check the sticker on the back of the router — it usually shows the address you need. You can also type routerlogin.net into the browser, which works on most Netgear models.

Step 2: Log in with your admin credentials

When the login page appears, you will see two fields: one for username and one for password. Type admin in the username field. In the password field, type the password printed on the sticker on your router — this is your admin password, not your WiFi password.

If you changed the admin password in the past and do not remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings. Hold down the Reset button (a small recessed button on the back) for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. After it boots up, use "admin" as both the username and password, then log in and change the admin password to something you will remember.

Step 3: Navigate to the wireless settings section

After you log in, you will see the router's main dashboard. Look for a menu on the left side or top of the page. Find and click on Wireless, WiFi, or Wireless Settings — the exact name varies by model. On some Netgear routers, it may be under Advanced or Setup.

Once you click into the wireless section, you should see options for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks (if your router has both). You can change the password for one or both. Most people change both to the same password so they do not have to remember two different ones.

Step 4: Enter your new WiFi password

Look for a field labeled Passphrase, Password, Security Key, or Pre-Shared Key. Click in that field and delete the current password. Type your new password — it should be at least 8 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and symbols.

Make sure you type it correctly. Netgear will not show you what you typed (it displays dots instead), so consider typing it into a text editor first, copying it, and pasting it into the field. That way you can see what you are pasting and catch typos before you save.

Step 5: Save the changes and wait for the router to restart

Click the explore or Save button at the bottom of the page. The router will process the change and restart — this usually takes 30 to 60 seconds. You may see a message saying the page is loading or that the connection was lost. That is normal.

Once the router restarts, your old WiFi password no longer works. Any device currently connected will disconnect automatically. To reconnect, open your WiFi network list, select your Netgear network, and enter the new password you just created.

What to do if you cannot reach the admin page

If typing 192.168.1.1 does not load anything, make sure your device is actually connected to your Netgear WiFi network, not a different network. Check the WiFi icon in your device's settings to confirm. If you are connected but the page still will not load, try restarting your device and the router — unplug the router for 10 seconds, plug it back in, wait for the lights to stabilize, and try again.

If you are using a phone or tablet and the browser keeps redirecting you, try opening the address in a different browser app. Some phones have trouble with certain browsers on router pages. On a computer, try a different browser altogether — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge sometimes behave differently with router pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, but they will not reconnect automatically. You will see a notification that the network is no longer available. Open your WiFi settings, select your Netgear network again, and type the new password. The device will then reconnect.

What if I forget the new password I just set?

You can log back into the admin page and view or change the password again. If you forget the admin password too, reset the router by holding the Reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your settings and returns the router to factory defaults, so you will need to set everything up again.

Can I change the password on just one network if my router has 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz?

Yes. In the Wireless Settings section, you will see separate password fields for each band. You can change one, both, or neither. Most people set them to the same password for simplicity, but you can use different passwords if you prefer.

Will changing the WiFi password affect my internet speed?

No. The password only controls who can connect to your network. It has no effect on the speed of your connection once devices are connected.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There is no set rule. Change it if you think someone has learned it, if you have guests who no longer need access, or if you straightforward want to refresh your security. Many people change it once or twice a year as a routine practice.