Access your router's settings page

To change your router password, you first need to log into the router itself — not your internet provider's website or app. Open a web browser on any device connected to your wifi and type your router's IP address into the address bar. The most common address is 192.168.1.1, though some routers use 192.168.0.1 instead. If neither works, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router; the IP address is usually printed there alongside the default username and password.

When you type the IP address and press Enter, a login page will appear. Enter the default username and password from your router's sticker or manual. The default username is often admin and the password is often admin or password, but this varies by manufacturer. Once you log in, you will see your router's control panel — a page with various settings and options.

Locate the wireless security or wifi password settings

Inside the control panel, look for a section labeled Wireless, Wifi, Security, or Wireless Security. The exact name depends on your router's brand. This section is where your current wifi password (also called the Pre-Shared Key or PSK) is stored and where you can change it. If you cannot find it in the main menu, look for a tab or menu item at the top or side of the page.

Some routers organize settings differently. If you see a section called Network or Advanced, the wireless password settings may be nested inside one of those. Take a moment to scan the available options — the wifi password section is almost always clearly labeled with the word "wireless" or "password" somewhere in the heading.

Key Takeaways

  • You access your router through a web browser by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) and logging in with the default username and password printed on the router itself.
  • The wifi password you want to change is in the Wireless or Wifi Security section of your router's control panel, not in your internet provider's app.
  • Write down your new password before you save it, because you will need to reconnect all your devices once the change takes effect.
  • After you save the new password, your router will restart and disconnect all devices; reconnect each device by selecting your network and entering the new password.

Enter and save your new password

In the Wireless Security section, find the field labeled Password, Passphrase, or Pre-Shared Key. Clear the current password and type your new one. Make it at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — this makes it much harder for someone to guess. Write the new password down on paper before you save it; you will need it in a moment when you reconnect your devices.

Before you click Save or explore, double-check that you typed the password correctly. A typo here means you will have to log back into the router and fix it. Once you are certain, click the Save or explore button. Your router will process the change, and you may see a message saying the settings are being applied or that the device is restarting.

Reconnect your devices to the network

When the router restarts, all your devices will disconnect from the wifi automatically. This is normal. On each device — your phone, laptop, tablet, or smart home device — open the wifi network list and select your network name. When prompted for the password, enter the new password you just created. The device will connect and stay connected as long as you do not change the password again.

If a device does not reconnect after you enter the new password, try these steps: turn off the device's wifi, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then select the network again and re-enter the password. If you have a device that does not have a screen — like a smart speaker or printer — check its manual or the manufacturer's website for instructions on how to enter a new wifi password, as the process varies.

What to do if you cannot log into your router

If you try the default username and password and the login page rejects them, the password may have been changed from the default at some point. In this case, you will need to reset the router to its factory settings. Look for a small reset button (usually recessed) on the back of the router. Press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its default settings, including the default password printed on the sticker.

Resetting the router will erase any custom settings you made in the past, so only do this if you cannot remember the current password. After the reset, you can log in with the default credentials again and change the password to something new.

Why change your router password regularly

Your router password is the key to your home network. Anyone who knows it can connect to your wifi and potentially see the traffic on your network or access devices connected to it. Changing the password from the default (which is printed on thousands of identical routers) closes off one common way someone could gain access. If you suspect someone has connected to your network without permission, changing the password will disconnect them when ready.

You should also change the password if you have had guests or service people in your home who connected to your wifi, or if you have not changed it in over a year. There is no need to change it constantly — once or twice a year is sufficient — but doing so periodically reduces the risk that an old password has been shared or compromised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the router password the same as my internet provider password?

No. Your router password is what you use to connect devices to your wifi. Your internet provider password is what you use to log into your account on their website or app. They are completely separate. Changing one does not affect the other.

What if I forget the new password I just set?

You can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, which will restore the default password printed on the router. You will then need to log back in and set a new password. This erases any other custom settings you made, so only reset if you have no other way to access the router.

Do I need to change the password on my modem too?

Your modem and router are separate devices. The modem connects to your internet provider's network; the router creates your home wifi. Most modems do not have a wifi password — only the router does. If your modem has a built-in router, it will have its own password settings, but you can usually leave those at default unless your provider instructs otherwise.

Will changing my password disconnect my smart home devices?

Yes. When you change the router password and restart the router, all connected devices will disconnect. You will need to reconnect each one by entering the new password. For devices without a screen, like smart speakers or thermostats, check the manufacturer's app or manual for the reconnection process.

Can I see which devices are connected to my router?

Yes. In your router's control panel, look for a section called Connected Devices, Device List, or DHCP Clients. This will show you the names and IP addresses of all devices currently connected to your network. If you see a device you do not recognize, you can disconnect it or change your password to force it to reconnect with the new credentials.