Access your router's settings page

To change your router password, you first need to log into the router itself — not your internet account. Open any web browser on a 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 or 192.168.0.1. 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 screen will appear. Enter the default username and password from that sticker. The username is often "admin" and the password is often "admin" or "password" — but yours may be different. Once you log in, you will see your router's control panel, which looks different depending on the brand (Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, etc.), but the process is nearly identical across all of them.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's IP address is printed on the sticker attached to the device itself, along with the default login username and password.
  • The password you change in the router settings is different from your wifi password — it controls who can access the router's control panel.
  • After you change the router password, write it down or store it somewhere safe, because you will need it if you ever need to log back in.
  • Changing the router password does not affect your wifi connection or any devices already connected to your network.

Locate the password or administration settings

Once you are logged in, look for a menu option called "Administration," "Advanced," "System Settings," or "Security." Different router brands use different names, but the option is usually in the main menu on the left side or top of the page. Click on it to expand that section.

Inside that section, find the option for "Password," "Admin Password," "Router Password," or "Change Password." Some routers also label it "System Password" or "Management Password." This is the password that protects access to the router's settings — not your wifi password. If you see an option for "Wifi Password" or "Network Password," that is a different setting and not what you need right now.

Enter your new router password

When you click on the password option, you will see a field (or sometimes two fields) where you can type a new password. If there are two fields, the second one asks you to type the password again to confirm you did not make a typo. Type a password you can remember but that is not obvious — avoid "password," "123456," or your address. A mix of letters and numbers works well.

Some routers have a requirement for password length or complexity, and the page will tell you if your password does not meet those rules. If that happens, add more characters or include a number. Once you have entered the password in both fields (if required), look for a button labeled "Save," "explore," "OK," or "Submit" and click it.

Wait for the router to restart

After you click Save or explore, the router will process the change. Some routers restart automatically, which takes about one to two minutes. During this time, your internet connection may drop briefly — this is normal. You may see a message on the screen saying "explore settings" or "Rebooting," or the page may straightforward go blank for a moment.

Do not unplug the router during this time. Wait until the page returns or your internet comes back online. Once the restart is complete, you will be logged out of the settings page automatically.

Log back in to confirm the change worked

After the router has restarted, type the IP address into your browser again and try to log in using your new password. If the login works, the change was successful. If the login fails, try the old password — sometimes the change did not save. If the old password does not work either, you may need to reset the router to its factory defaults by holding the reset button on the back for ten seconds, which will erase the new password and restore the original one.

Once you have confirmed the new password works, write it down or store it in a password manager. You will need it if you ever need to access the router settings again — for example, to change your wifi password, restart the router, or adjust other settings.

The difference between router password and wifi password

Many people confuse the router password with the wifi password, but they are two separate things. The router password is what you just changed — it controls who can log into the router's settings page. The wifi password is what your family members and guests type into their phones or laptops to connect to your internet. Changing the router password does not change the wifi password, and vice versa.

If you want to change your wifi password instead, that option is usually in a section called "Wireless," "Wifi," "Network," or "SSID" within the router settings. The process is similar: find the password field, type a new password, and click Save. Your devices will then need to reconnect using the new wifi password.

What to do if you forget the new password

If you change the router password and then forget it, you can reset the router to its factory defaults. On the back or bottom of the router, there is a small reset button (sometimes recessed, so you may need a paperclip to press it). Hold it down for ten to fifteen seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its original settings, including the default username and password printed on the sticker.

Resetting the router will also erase any other changes you made to the settings, such as custom wifi names or security settings. It will not affect your internet service or your modem — only the router itself. After a reset, you can log back in with the default credentials and change the password again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing the router password kick me off the internet?

No. Changing the router password only affects who can log into the settings page. Your devices will stay connected to your wifi and the internet will keep working. You will only be logged out of the settings page itself.

What if I cannot find the IP address on the sticker?

On Windows, open Command Prompt and type "ipconfig" then press Enter. Look for "Default Gateway" — that is your router's IP address. On Mac, go to System Preferences, select Network, click Advanced, then look at the Router field. On a phone, go to Settings, select your wifi network, and look for "Router" or "Gateway."

Can I use the same password for the router and my wifi?

Yes, but it is not recommended. The router password protects access to all your network settings, while the wifi password just lets people connect to the internet. Using different passwords means someone who knows your wifi password cannot change your router settings or see your network name.

Do I need to change the router password if I just changed my wifi password?

No. Changing your wifi password is enough for most people. The router password is only necessary if you are concerned about someone accessing the router's settings page — for example, if you live with roommates or have guests with technical knowledge.

What happens if I change the password and then the router restarts on its own?

The new password will remain saved. Router restarts (which happen automatically for updates or after power loss) do not erase the password you set. You will still need the new password to log back in.