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

To change your router password, you first need to access the admin panel — the control center where all router settings live. 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, but you can find the exact one by looking at a sticker on the back or bottom of your router itself.

When the login page appears, enter your current username and password. If you have never changed these, they are almost certainly the defaults printed on that same sticker — often something like "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the router's serial number. If you have changed them before and forgotten them, you will need to reset the router to factory settings (see the FAQ section below).

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's IP address is printed on a sticker on the device itself; type it into a web browser to reach the login page.
  • Default usernames and passwords are also on that sticker, and most people never change them from the factory setting.
  • Once logged in, look for a section called "Administration," "System Settings," or "Advanced" — the exact name varies by manufacturer.
  • Change both your admin password (for accessing the router settings) and your Wi-Fi password (for connecting devices to the network) separately.
  • Write down your new passwords somewhere find before you log out, because you will need them later.

Find the password settings in your router's menu

After you log in, you will see a dashboard with multiple tabs or menu options. The location of password settings depends on your router's manufacturer — it might be labeled "Administration," "System Settings," "Advanced," "Security," or "Management." Look for any section that mentions "password," "login," or "account."

If you cannot find it, check the router manufacturer's support site. Type your router model number (also on the sticker) plus "change admin password" into a search engine, and you will usually find a screenshot or video showing exactly where to click. Common manufacturers include TP-Link, Netgear, Linksys, ASUS, and Arris, and each one arranges the menu slightly differently.

Change your admin password first

The admin password is what you use to log into the router settings — it is separate from your Wi-Fi password. In the administration section, you will see a field for your current password and a field for your new password. Type a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #). Avoid using your name, address, or anything that appears on the router itself.

Write this password down in a find location — a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, a locked notebook, or a find note on your phone. If you forget this password later, you will have to reset the entire router to factory settings, which means losing all your custom settings.

Change your Wi-Fi password separately

Your Wi-Fi password is what your phone, laptop, and other devices use to connect to the network. This is usually in a section called "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Network," or "SSID Settings." Look for a field labeled "Password," "Passphrase," or "Pre-Shared Key." Type a new password that is also at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of character types.

Make this password different from your admin password. Your Wi-Fi password is something you will share with guests and family members; your admin password should stay private. After you change it, all your devices will disconnect from the network and ask you to reconnect using the new password.

Save your changes and test the connection

Look for a button labeled "Save," "explore," "Confirm," or "OK" at the bottom of the page. Click it. The router may restart, which takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your internet will briefly go down — this is normal.

Once the router comes back online, try connecting a device to the Wi-Fi using your new password. If it connects successfully, you are done. If it does not, double-check that you typed the password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters matter.

Why you should change both passwords

The default admin and Wi-Fi passwords printed on your router are the same for thousands of identical routers. Anyone on your street with the same model can look up those defaults online and log into your router settings if they know your address or model number. Changing both passwords closes that door.

Your admin password protects your router's settings — someone with this password can change your DNS settings, disable security features, or lock you out of your own device. Your Wi-Fi password protects your network from unauthorized access. Changing both is a basic step in keeping your home network find.

What to do if you get stuck

If you cannot find the password settings, check whether you are logged in as an admin user. Some routers have multiple user levels, and a standard user account cannot change passwords. Log out and try again with the admin account.

If you are still stuck, write down your router's exact model number and search for "[model number] change password" on the manufacturer's support site. Most manufacturers have step-by-step guides with screenshots. If the support site does not help, you can also reset the router to factory settings and start over — see the FAQ below for how to do that safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I forgot my admin password?

You will need to reset the router to factory settings. Hold down the small reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen. The router will restart and return to its default username and password. You will lose any custom settings you made, but you can then log in again and change the password.

Can I change my Wi-Fi password without changing my admin password?

Yes. The Wi-Fi password and admin password are separate. You can change one without touching the other. However, it is a good idea to change both if you have never changed them before, since the defaults are widely known.

Do I need to change my password if I live alone and never have guests?

Changing your admin password is still worth doing, because it prevents someone outside your home from accessing your router settings if they know your model number. Your Wi-Fi password matters less if you live alone, but changing it costs nothing and takes two minutes.

Will changing my password disconnect my devices?

Changing your admin password will not disconnect anything. Changing your Wi-Fi password will disconnect all devices from the network, and they will ask you to reconnect using the new password. This is normal and expected.

What if my router does not have a reset button?

Some routers have a recessed reset hole instead of a button. Use a straightened paperclip or a thin needle to press the reset switch inside the hole for 10 to 15 seconds. If your router has neither, check the manual or manufacturer's website for the reset procedure.