Access your Netgear router's settings page

To change your WiFi password, you need to log into your router's admin panel. Open any web browser on a device connected to your network and type routerlogin.net into the address bar, then press Enter. If that doesn't work, try 192.168.1.1 instead — both take you to the same login screen.

You'll see a login prompt asking for a username and password. The default username is admin and the default password is also admin unless you changed it before. If you've already changed your admin password and can't remember it, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds — this erases all your custom settings and returns everything to default.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your router at routerlogin.net or 192.168.1.1 using the username and password admin/admin, unless you've changed them.
  • Navigate to Wireless or WiFi settings, find the field labeled Pre-Shared Key or Password, and enter your new password there.
  • Your new WiFi password must be at least 8 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and symbols for stronger security.
  • After saving changes, all devices will disconnect and must reconnect using the new password within a few minutes.
  • If you forget your admin password, hold the reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds to restore factory defaults.

Find the wireless settings section

Once you're logged in, look for a menu on the left side or top of the page. Find the option labeled Wireless, WiFi, or Advanced — the exact name depends on your Netgear model. Click it to open the wireless settings.

You should now see a section with fields for your network name (called SSID) and your password. The password field may be labeled Pre-Shared Key, Passphrase, or straightforward Password. This is where you'll enter your new WiFi password.

Enter and save your new password

Click in the password field and clear out the old password completely. Type your new password — it must be at least 8 characters long. Use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #) to make it harder to guess. Avoid using your name, address, or common words.

Once you've entered the new password, scroll down and click the explore or Save button. The router will process the change, which usually takes 30 seconds to a minute. You may see a message saying the settings have been saved or that the router is explore changes.

Reconnect your devices to the network

After you save, your router will briefly disconnect all devices from the WiFi network. On each device — phone, laptop, tablet, or smart home device — open the WiFi settings and look for your network name in the list of available networks. Select it and enter your new password when prompted.

Devices usually reconnect within a few minutes. If a device doesn't reconnect automatically, forget the network from its WiFi settings, then reconnect by selecting the network again and typing the new password. Older devices or smart home gadgets sometimes take longer to reconnect, so give them a minute or two before troubleshooting.

Verify the change worked

Once all your devices are reconnected, your old password will no longer work. You can test this by trying to connect a device using the old password — it should be rejected. Write down your new password somewhere safe, or store it in a password manager, so you don't forget it.

If you need to change the password again in the future, follow the same steps. You can change it as often as you want, and there's no limit to how many times you can log into the admin panel.

What to do if you're locked out

If you forget your admin password and can't log into routerlogin.net, the only way back in is to reset the router. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it's usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pen to press it. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart.

After the reset completes, the router returns to its factory defaults: username admin, password admin, and your WiFi password becomes the default network name (usually something like NETGEAR or NETGEAR-5G). You'll need to set up your WiFi password again from scratch and reconfigure any other settings you had customized.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should my WiFi password be?

Netgear requires at least 8 characters. Longer passwords are stronger — aim for 12 to 16 characters if you can remember it. Mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols for the best security.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes. Open a web browser on your phone, go to routerlogin.net or 192.168.1.1, log in with your admin credentials, and follow the same steps. Make sure your phone is connected to the WiFi network before you start.

What happens to my internet when I change the password?

Your internet briefly stops while the router applies the change — usually 30 seconds to a minute. All devices disconnect and must reconnect with the new password. Your internet service itself is not affected.

Do I need to change my WiFi password regularly?

There's no requirement to change it, but changing it every few months adds a layer of security, especially if you've shared it with guests or former household members. If you suspect someone is using your network without permission, change it when ready.

Will changing my password affect my internet speed?

No. The password only controls who can connect to your network. Changing it doesn't change your internet speed or the router's performance.