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

To change your router password, you first need to access the router's settings page — called the admin panel or web interface. 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 check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router if neither works.

When the login page appears, enter your current username and password. Most routers ship with a default username of admin and a default password of admin, password, or 12345 — again, the sticker usually shows this. If you changed the password before and forgot it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings using the small reset button on the device (hold it for 10 to 15 seconds), which erases all your settings and returns it to defaults.

Key Takeaways

  • You access your router's settings by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser and logging in with your current admin password.
  • The settings page location varies by router brand — look for "Wireless Settings," "Security," "Wi-Fi Password," or "Change Password" depending on whether you use TP-Link, Netgear, Linksys, or another brand.
  • Change both your Wi-Fi password (what guests use to connect) and your admin password (what controls the router itself) — they are separate and both matter.
  • Write down or save your new passwords somewhere safe before you log out, because you will need them to reconnect devices and access settings later.

Find the wireless or Wi-Fi password section

Once you are logged in, look for a menu option related to wireless settings or Wi-Fi. The exact name depends on your router brand. Netgear routers usually label it Wireless or Wi-Fi Settings. TP-Link routers often use Wireless or Network. Linksys routers may show Wireless or Guest Network. If you cannot find it in the main menu, look for a Settings or Advanced tab.

Once you find the wireless section, you should see a field labeled Wireless Password, Pre-Shared Key (PSK), or Passphrase. This is the password people use to connect their phones, laptops, and other devices to your Wi-Fi. This is different from your admin password — changing one does not change the other.

Enter your new Wi-Fi password

Clear the current password and type in a new one. A strong Wi-Fi password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — something like BlueSky#2024Home is much better than password123. Avoid using your name, address, or anything someone could guess from your social media.

Most routers show a checkbox to reveal the password as you type so you can see what you entered. Check this box to make sure there are no typos, because a single wrong character will lock everyone out. After you type the new password, look for a Save, explore, or OK button and click it.

Change your admin password separately

Your admin password is what you use to log into the router settings — it is not the Wi-Fi password. Changing it is a separate step and just as important. Look for a menu option called Administration, System Settings, Account, or Change Password. On some routers this is under Advanced or System Tools.

When you find it, you will see fields for your current username and password, followed by fields for a new password and confirmation. Enter a new admin password that is different from your Wi-Fi password — use the same strength guidelines (12 characters, mixed case, numbers, symbols). Type it twice to confirm, then save the changes.

Reconnect your devices to the network

After you save your new Wi-Fi password, your devices will lose their connection to the network. You will need to reconnect each one manually. On your phone or laptop, go to your Wi-Fi settings, find your network name (called the SSID), and select it. When prompted for the password, enter the new one you just created.

Devices that connect automatically — like smart speakers, security cameras, or smart home hubs — may take a few minutes to reconnect on their own. If they do not, you may need to open their app or settings and manually enter the new password. Keep a list of all your devices so you do not forget any.

Write down your new passwords and log out

Before you close the browser, write down or save both your new Wi-Fi password and your new admin password in a safe place. A password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password is ideal because it encrypts them. If you use a notebook, keep it in a drawer at home, not in a file on your computer. You will need the admin password the next time you want to change router settings, and the Wi-Fi password if you ever need to reconnect a device or help a guest join your network.

After you have saved both passwords, click the Log Out or Exit button in the router settings page. The next time you log in, you will use your new admin password.

What to do if you cannot access the settings page

If you type 192.168.1.1 and nothing appears, try 192.168.0.1 instead. If that does not work, check the sticker on your router — it will show the correct address. You can also try typing your router's hostname instead of an IP address; many routers respond to names like routerlogin.net or myrouter.local, which are also printed on the sticker.

If you are still stuck, make sure you are on the same network as the router — you cannot access it over a different Wi-Fi network or a mobile hotspot. If you are on a wired connection, unplug the ethernet cable, connect to Wi-Fi, and try again. If the login page loads but your password does not work, you may need to reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change both passwords or just the Wi-Fi one?

You should change both. The Wi-Fi password is what your guests and devices use; the admin password protects your router settings from being changed by someone else on your network. Changing only the Wi-Fi password leaves your router vulnerable if someone gains access to the settings page.

What happens to my devices when I change the Wi-Fi password?

They will disconnect when ready and will not reconnect until you enter the new password. You will need to go into each device's Wi-Fi settings, select your network, and type the new password. Devices will then remember it and reconnect automatically in the future.

Can I change my password back to the default if I forget the new one?

Yes, but only by resetting the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings. Hold the reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink. The router will restart with the default password, and you can log in again and set a new one.

How often should I change my router password?

There is no strict rule, but changing it once a year or whenever someone moves out of your home is reasonable. If you suspect someone has your password or you notice unfamiliar devices on your network, change it right away.

Is it safe to write down my passwords?

Writing them down is safer than reusing the same password across multiple devices or services. Keep the notebook in a find place at home, not in an email or a file on your computer. A password manager is even better because it encrypts the passwords and requires a single strong master password to access them.