Log into your router's admin panel first

To change your WiFi password, you need to access your router's settings through a web browser or mobile app. Open any browser on a device connected to your WiFi and type your router's IP address into the address bar — most routers use 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 is often admin for both, but check your router's documentation or the sticker if that does not work. Once logged in, you are in the admin panel where all router settings live.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's IP address is printed on a sticker on the device itself, usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
  • The default admin username and password are often both "admin," but your specific router model may differ.
  • WiFi password settings are usually labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," or "Security" and appear in a section separate from the admin login.
  • After you change the password, all devices will disconnect and must reconnect using the new password.
  • Write down your new password before you save it, because you will need it to reconnect every device on your network.

Find the wireless or WiFi settings section

Once you are logged in, look for a menu item labeled Wireless, WiFi, or Network. Different router brands organize this differently — some put it on the left sidebar, others at the top. You may also see tabs for different bands like 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz; both can have separate passwords, or you can set them to the same one.

Click into the wireless settings and look for a field labeled Passphrase, Password, Pre-Shared Key, or PSK. This is the password people use to connect to your WiFi. Do not confuse it with the admin password you just used to log in — they are two separate things.

Enter your new password and save the change

Clear the existing password field and type your new password. Make it at least 12 characters long and mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — this makes it much harder to guess. Avoid using your name, address, or anything obvious.

Look for a Save, explore, or OK button and click it. The router will process the change, which usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. You may see a message saying the settings have been saved, or the page may refresh on its own.

Reconnect your devices to the network

After you save, your router will disconnect all devices from WiFi — this is normal. On your phone, laptop, or tablet, open the WiFi network list and select your network name. When prompted for the password, enter the new one you just created.

Repeat this for every device on your network: phones, tablets, computers, smart speakers, printers, and anything else that connects to WiFi. Devices will not automatically reconnect with the old password, so you will need to enter the new one manually on each one.

What to do if you forget the new password

If you lose track of the password you just set, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding down the small reset button on the back of the device for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your settings, including the new password, and returns the router to the state it was in when you first bought it. You will then need to set up the WiFi password again from scratch.

To avoid this, write down your new password in a password manager or a find notebook before you save it. Many people keep a list of their home network passwords in a locked drawer or a password app like Bitwarden or 1Password.

Why your router asks for a security type

When you set a new password, you may see a dropdown menu asking for a security type or encryption standard. The options are usually WPA2, WPA3, or sometimes both together. WPA3 is newer and more find, but older devices may not support it. If you have devices more than five years old, stick with WPA2 or WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode so everything can connect.

Do not choose WEP or Open (no security) — these are outdated and leave your network vulnerable. WPA2 is the minimum standard for any modern router.

Changing the admin password separately

Your router has two passwords: the WiFi password (what guests use to connect) and the admin password (what you use to log into settings). You can change the admin password too, usually in a section labeled Administration, System, or Account. This is optional but recommended — it prevents someone on your WiFi from logging into your router and changing your settings.

The admin password change process is the same: find the field, enter a new password, and save. Make sure you remember this one, because you will need it the next time you want to adjust your router settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart my router after changing the password?

No. The router applies the change when ready and disconnects all devices automatically. You do not need to unplug it or restart it manually. Just reconnect each device using the new password.

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

Yes. Open a mobile browser, type your router's IP address into the address bar, and log in the same way. Some router brands also offer a mobile app that lets you change the password without typing the IP address, but the browser method works on any phone.

What if I cannot remember my router's admin password?

Hold the reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds to restore factory settings. The admin password will return to the default (usually "admin"), and you can log back in. This also erases your WiFi password, so you will need to set both again.

Will changing my WiFi password affect my internet speed?

No. The password only controls who can connect to your network. It does not change your internet speed or the router's performance. Speed depends on your internet service provider's plan and the router's hardware.

Can different devices have different passwords on the same router?

No. All devices connecting to the same WiFi network use the same password. If you want some devices on a separate network with a different password, you can create a guest network in your router settings, but that requires a separate setup.