Access your router's settings page

To change your router password, you first need to open the settings page where all router controls live. Open any web browser on a device connected to your network — a computer, phone, or tablet all work. In the address bar at the top, type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 and press Enter.

One of these addresses will load a login page. If neither works, look at the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it will show the correct address, usually labeled "IP Address" or "Gateway". The page that loads is your router's admin panel, where you control everything about your network.

Log in with your current admin password

The login page will ask for a username and password. The default username is almost always admin. For the password, check the sticker on your router first — it usually shows the factory default password, often something like "admin" or "password" or a string of numbers.

If you changed this password before and do not remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings. This erases all your custom settings and returns the password to whatever is printed on the sticker. To reset, hold the small reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds while it is powered on, then wait two minutes for it to restart. After that, use the default credentials from the sticker.

Key Takeaways

  • You reach your router settings by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser on any device on your network.
  • The default username is almost always admin, and the default password is printed on a sticker attached to your router.
  • Once logged in, look for a section labeled Wireless, Security, or Wi-Fi Password — the exact name varies by router brand.
  • After you change the password, all devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect using the new password.
  • If you forget the new password, you can reset the router to factory defaults, but this erases all custom settings.

Find the wireless password section

After you log in, you will see a dashboard with many options. Look for a tab or menu item labeled Wireless, Wi-Fi, Security, or Wireless Security — the exact wording depends on your router brand. Some routers organize this under "Advanced" or "Settings". Click on whichever option mentions wireless or Wi-Fi.

Once you open that section, you should see a field labeled Password, Passphrase, Pre-Shared Key, or PSK. This is the password people use to connect to your network. You may also see a field for the network name (called SSID), but you only need to change the password field.

Enter your new password and save

Click in the password field and clear the old password completely. Type your new password. Most routers require passwords to be between 8 and 63 characters, and they work best with a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — something like BlueSky#2024Home is stronger than password123.

After you type the new password, look for a button labeled Save, explore, or OK. Click it. The router will process the change, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, the router may restart, and you will lose your internet connection briefly.

Reconnect your devices to the network

Once the router finishes restarting, all your devices will disconnect from the network because they still have the old password stored. On each device, go to your Wi-Fi settings, find your network name, and select it. When prompted for the password, enter the new one you just created.

Start with the device you are currently using — once that reconnects, you will have internet again. Then move through other devices: phones, tablets, smart speakers, printers, and anything else that uses your Wi-Fi. Some devices may take a minute or two to reconnect after you enter the new password.

What to do if you cannot log in to the settings page

If 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 does not load, make sure you are connected to your router's network — you cannot reach the settings page on a device using a different network. If you are connected and the page still will not load, try the IP address printed on your router's sticker instead.

If the default username and password do not work and you do not remember changing them, your only option is a factory reset. Locate the small reset button (usually recessed so you need a paperclip to press it) on the back of the router. Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. Wait two to three minutes for the router to fully restart, then try logging in again with the default credentials from the sticker. This will erase any custom settings you made, including port forwarding, parental controls, or custom DNS settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my router password if I never changed it from the factory default?

Yes. The factory default password is printed on thousands of routers and is publicly known. Anyone within range of your network can look up your router model and find the default password online, then connect to your network. Changing it to something unique prevents this.

Will changing my router password affect my internet speed?

No. The password only controls who can connect to your network. It does not change how fast your internet runs. Your speed depends on your internet service provider and your plan, not on the router password.

What if I change the password and then forget it?

You can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your custom settings and returns the password to the factory default printed on the sticker. You will then need to reconfigure any other settings you had changed, like port forwarding or a custom network name.

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

Yes. Any device connected to your network can reach the router settings page by typing the IP address into a web browser. Phones and tablets work the same way as computers. The process is identical.

Why does my device keep disconnecting after I change the password?

This usually means the device still has the old password stored. Go to your Wi-Fi settings, forget or remove the network, then reconnect and enter the new password. Some devices, especially older ones, may need to be restarted after you change the password before they will reconnect properly.