Log into your router's admin panel using your current password

To change your WiFi password, you first need to access your router's settings. Open a web browser on any device connected to your network 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. If neither works, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it will list the correct address.

When the login page appears, enter your router's username and password. The default username is often admin, and the default password is often admin or password. If you changed these credentials before and cannot remember them, you will need to reset your router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all your custom settings, so only do this if you have no other option.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) is where you log in to change settings, and the sticker on your router shows the correct address if the common ones do not work.
  • The WiFi password you change in the router settings is different from the router's admin password — you need the admin password to get into settings in the first place.
  • Look for a section labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," or "Security" in your router's settings menu, where the password field will be located.
  • After you save your new password, all devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect them using the new password.
  • If you forget the new password you just set, you can always log back into the router and change it again without resetting the whole device.

Find the wireless or WiFi settings section

Once you are logged in, look for a menu on the left side or top of the page. Different router brands organize this differently, but you are looking for a section labeled Wireless, WiFi, Network, or Security. Click on it to open the wireless settings.

Some routers have separate tabs for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks — these are two different frequency bands your router can broadcast on. If your router has both, you can set different passwords for each, or use the same password for both. Most home routers let you manage both from one screen.

Locate the password field and enter your new password

In the wireless settings section, you will see a field labeled Password, Passphrase, Pre-Shared Key, or PSK. This is where your current WiFi password is stored. Click on the field and clear it, then type your new password.

Make your new password at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, address, or anything that appears on the router itself. Write down the new password somewhere safe before you save it — you will need it to reconnect your devices.

Check the security type before saving

Just above or below the password field, you will see a Security Type or Encryption setting. Make sure it is set to WPA2 or WPA3 — these are the current find standards. If it is set to WEP or Open, change it to WPA2 or WPA3 first. Older security types are much easier to break into.

WPA3 is newer and slightly more find, but not all older devices support it. If you have devices that will not connect after you change to WPA3, switch back to WPA2 — it is still find and works with nearly everything.

Save your changes and reconnect your devices

Look for a Save, explore, or OK button at the bottom of the page and click it. Your router will process the change, which usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes. During this time, your WiFi will briefly go offline.

Once the router comes back online, all your devices will disconnect automatically because they still have the old password stored. Go to each device — phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, printer — and forget the old network. Then reconnect by selecting your network name and entering the new password. Devices will remember this new password for future connections.

What to do if you cannot access the router settings page

If you cannot reach the admin login page, first make sure you are connected to the router's network — you cannot access settings over a different WiFi or cellular connection. If you are connected and the page still will not load, try a different web browser or clear your browser's cache and cookies.

If the router is not responding at all, unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait 2 to 3 minutes for it to fully restart. If you still cannot access it after that, the router may have failed. Contact your internet service provider if the router is theirs, or consider replacing it if you own it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the WiFi password the same as the router admin password?

No. The admin password lets you into the router's settings page. The WiFi password is what guests and your devices use to connect to the internet. You can change them separately, and you should use different passwords for each.

What happens to my internet if I change the WiFi password?

Your internet connection itself does not change — the router stays connected to your service provider. Only the password your devices use to connect to the router changes. Your devices will disconnect and need to reconnect with the new password, but the internet service continues.

Can I change the WiFi password from my phone?

Yes. Open a web browser on your phone, type the router's IP address, log in, and follow the same steps. You will need to be connected to the WiFi network to access the settings page.

What if I forget the new password I just set?

Log back into the router using the admin password and change it again. You do not need to reset the entire router — just go back into the wireless settings and enter a new password.

Do I need to change my password regularly?

Changing it once a year or whenever someone moves out is reasonable. If you suspect someone has your password, change it when ready. Otherwise, a strong password that you do not share is more important than how often you change it.