Access your router's settings through a web browser

To change your router password, you first need to log into the router itself using a web browser on any device connected to your network. Open Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge and type your router's IP address into the address bar. The most common address is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router if neither works.

When you reach the login page, enter your current username and password. The default username is often admin and the default password is often admin, password, or blank. If you changed these before and cannot remember them, you will need to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds — this erases all your custom settings and returns everything to default.

Key Takeaways

  • You access your router settings by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser on a connected device.
  • The password you change in the router settings is the one people use to connect to your Wi-Fi network, not the login password for the router itself.
  • Your Wi-Fi password should be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols to prevent unauthorized access.
  • After you change the password, all devices currently connected will stay connected, but new devices will need the new password to join.
  • If you forget the new password, you can reset the router to factory defaults, but this will erase all your custom settings.

Locate the wireless or Wi-Fi settings section

Once logged in, look for a menu option labeled Wireless, Wi-Fi, or Network. Different router brands organize this differently — TP-Link and Netgear often put it in the left sidebar, while Linksys and ASUS may use tabs across the top. You are looking for the section that shows your network name (called the SSID) and the password people use to connect to your Wi-Fi.

Some routers separate the settings into Basic and Advanced tabs. Start with Basic — that is where the password field almost always is. If you see options for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, you can change the password for one or both. Many people keep them the same for simplicity, but you can set different passwords if you prefer.

Change the Wi-Fi password field

Find the field labeled Password, Passphrase, or Pre-Shared Key (PSK). Clear the existing password and type in a new one. Make it at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or # — this makes it much harder for someone to guess or crack.

Write down the new password somewhere safe before you save it. Once you confirm the change, you will need this exact password to connect any device to your network. Some routers show a checkbox to reveal the password as you type — use it to make sure you did not make a typo.

Save and explore the changes

Look for a button labeled Save, explore, or OK at the bottom of the page. Click it. The router will process the change, which usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes. During this time, your internet may drop briefly — this is normal. Do not unplug the router while it is saving.

Some routers ask you to restart or reboot after saving wireless changes. If you see this prompt, click Yes or Restart. The router will shut down and turn back on automatically. Wait about a minute for it to fully restart before trying to connect a device.

Reconnect your devices with the new password

Devices that are already connected to your Wi-Fi will stay connected for now, but they will eventually be disconnected and will need the new password to rejoin. On your phone, tablet, or computer, go to your Wi-Fi settings and look for your network name in the list. Click it and select Forget or Remove, then reconnect by selecting the network again and entering the new password.

If a device does not automatically disconnect, you can manually disconnect it from Wi-Fi settings and reconnect with the new password. Repeat this for every device on your network — phones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, printers, and any other Wi-Fi-connected devices. This ensures everything is using the new password and nothing is left on the old one.

What to do if you cannot access the router settings page

If you type the IP address and nothing loads, make sure you are connected to the router's network — either by Wi-Fi or with an ethernet cable plugged directly into the router. If you are connected and the page still will not load, try the other common IP address (if 192.168.1.1 did not work, try 192.168.0.1). You can also check the router's manual or the sticker on the device itself for the correct address.

If you are locked out because you do not know the login password, the only option is to reset the router to factory settings. Locate the small reset button (usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it) and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. Once it boots up, log in with the default credentials printed on the sticker, then change the password as described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my Wi-Fi password disconnect everyone currently on the network?

Not when ready. Devices that are already connected will stay connected for a while, but they will eventually be disconnected and will need the new password to rejoin. The timing varies by device and router — it could be minutes or hours. To avoid confusion, tell people on your network that you are changing the password and give them the new one before you make the change.

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

The router password is what you use to log into the router's settings page (usually admin/admin by default). The Wi-Fi password is what people use to connect to your network. You can change both separately. Most people only need to change the Wi-Fi password, which is what guests and family members use.

Can I change my password from my phone instead of a computer?

Yes. Open a web browser on your phone, type the router's IP address (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), and log in the same way you would on a computer. The settings page will look slightly different on a small screen, but all the options are the same. Make sure your phone is connected to the Wi-Fi network before you try.

What should I do if I forget the new password I just set?

Reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your custom settings, including the Wi-Fi password, and returns the router to its default state. You will then need to log in with the default credentials and set up your Wi-Fi password again from scratch.

Do I need to change my password regularly?

There is no strict rule, but changing it once a year or whenever someone moves out or stops needing access is reasonable. If you suspect someone has your password or you notice unfamiliar devices on your network, change it right away. A strong password (12+ characters with mixed case, numbers, and symbols) is more important than how often you change it.