How to Change Your Router Password in Five Steps

The fastest way to change your router password

You change your router password by logging into the router's settings page using your current password, then updating it in the wireless security section. The whole process takes about five minutes and requires only your computer or phone, a web browser, and your router's current password — which is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device.

The steps are the same whether you have a newer or older router, though the exact wording on each screen varies by manufacturer. If you have forgotten your current password, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings and returns it to the default password printed on the sticker.

Key Takeaways

Your router's default password is printed on a sticker attached to the device itself — check the back or bottom before you start.
You log in through a web address like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 typed into any browser on a device connected to your network.
Once logged in, look for a section called Wireless, Security, or Wi-Fi Settings where you can change the password to something new.
After you save the new password, all your devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect them using the new password.
If you forget your new password, you can reset the router to factory settings using a small button on the device, but this erases all custom settings.

Find your router's current password

Before you can log in to change anything, you need your router's current password. This is almost always printed on a sticker physically attached to your router. Look on the back, bottom, or sides of the device for a label that shows the network name (called SSID) and a password or passphrase next to it.

The sticker usually says something like "Wi-Fi Password" or "Network Key" and the password is often a random string of letters and numbers. Write this down or take a photo of it — you will need it in the next step. If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can reset the router to factory settings using the reset button, which will restore the default password shown on any documentation that came with the device.

Open your router's settings page in a browser

On any device connected to your Wi-Fi network, open a web browser and type one of these addresses into the address bar: 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Most routers use one of these two addresses. Press Enter and a login page should appear.

If neither address works, check the sticker on your router again — some manufacturers print the correct address there. You can also try 192.168.100.1 or search online for "[your router brand] default IP address" if you know the manufacturer. The page that loads will ask for a username and password. The username is often admin and the password is the one from the sticker you found in the previous step.

Log in with your current password

Enter the username (usually admin) and the password from the sticker into the login page. Click the Login or Sign In button. You should now see the router's main settings page, which looks different depending on the manufacturer but typically shows network status, connected devices, and various settings options.

If the login fails, double-check that you typed the password exactly as it appears on the sticker — these passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters are different. If you still cannot log in, the password may have been changed before and you will need to reset the router to factory settings using the reset button on the device.

Find and change the wireless password setting

Once you are logged in, look for a section or menu item called Wireless, Wi-Fi, Security, or Wireless Security. Different manufacturers use different names, but this section is where the Wi-Fi password lives. Click on it to open the wireless settings page.

You should see a field labeled Password, Passphrase, Pre-Shared Key, or PSK. This is where you enter your new password. Type in a password you will remember — it should be at least 8 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using the same password as your router login password or any other account password you use.

Save your new password and reconnect your devices

After you type your new password into the field, look for a button labeled Save, explore, or OK and click it. The router will process the change, which usually takes 30 seconds to a minute. During this time, the router may restart briefly and all your connected devices will lose their Wi-Fi connection.

Once the router finishes restarting, your devices will no longer be able to connect using the old password. Go to each device — phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, or anything else connected to Wi-Fi — find your network name in the available networks list, and select it. When prompted for the password, enter the new password you just created. The device will reconnect and you are done.

What to do if you forget your new password

If you change your password and then forget it before writing it down, you will need to reset the router to factory settings. Look for a small button labeled Reset on the back or bottom of the router. Press and hold this button for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen — a regular finger usually will not fit. The router will restart and return to its default settings.

After the reset, the password will be the one printed on the sticker again, and you can log back in and set a new password. Keep in mind that resetting the router also erases any other custom settings you may have changed, such as port forwarding or parental controls. Write down or save your new password somewhere safe after you create it so you do not have to reset again.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The router usually restarts automatically when you save the new password, so you do not need to do anything. All your devices will disconnect during this restart, which typically takes less than a minute. After the router finishes restarting, you can reconnect each device using the new password.

Will changing my router password affect my internet speed?

No. Changing the Wi-Fi password does not change your internet speed or connection quality. It only changes the password people need to enter to connect to your network. Your internet speed depends on your service plan and the router hardware itself, not the password.

What is the difference between the router password and the admin password?

The router password (on the sticker) is what people enter to connect to your Wi-Fi network. The admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings page to make changes. You can change both separately, though most people only need to change the Wi-Fi password.

Can I change my router password from my phone?

Yes. Open a browser on your phone, type the router's address (usually 192.168.1.1) into the address bar, and log in the same way you would on a computer. The steps are identical. Make sure your phone is connected to your Wi-Fi network before you start.

What should I do if I cannot log into the router settings page?

First, make sure you are using the correct address (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and that your device is connected to the Wi-Fi network. If you still cannot log in, try resetting the router using the reset button, which will restore the default password from the sticker. If the sticker is missing, check the router's manual or search online for the default password by model number.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.