Access your router's settings page

To change your router password, you first need to log into the router itself. Open a web browser on any device connected to your network — a computer, phone, or tablet works. 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 current username and password. The default is often admin for both, but check your router's manual or the sticker if that does not work. Once you log in, you will see your router's control panel — the exact layout depends on your router brand, but all routers have a settings or administration section.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) goes in your browser's address bar, not a search engine.
  • Default login credentials are printed on a sticker on your router; if you changed them before and forgot, you may need to reset the router to factory settings.
  • The password you change protects your Wi-Fi network, not your internet account with your provider.
  • After you change the password, all devices will disconnect and need the new password to reconnect.
  • Write down or save your new password somewhere safe before you log out.

Find the wireless or Wi-Fi settings section

Once you are logged in, look for a menu item labeled Wireless, Wi-Fi, or Network. Different manufacturers use different names — TP-Link calls it "Wireless", Netgear calls it "Wi-Fi Settings", and Linksys uses "Wireless". If you cannot find it in the main menu, look for a tab or button that says Advanced or Settings.

Click into the wireless section. You will see fields for your network name (called the SSID) and your Wi-Fi password. The password field may show dots or asterisks instead of the actual characters for security. This is the password people use to connect to your network — not the admin password you just used to log in.

Change the password field

Look for a field labeled Password, Passphrase, or Pre-Shared Key (PSK). Click in that field and clear the existing text. Type your new password. Most routers require at least 8 characters, and many work better with a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — but check your router's requirements, which usually appear on the screen.

Make your new password something you can remember but others cannot guess. Avoid using your name, address, or birthdate. A phrase like "BlueDoor42!Kitchen" is stronger than "password123". Write it down or save it in a password manager before you proceed — you will need it to reconnect your devices.

Save your changes

After you type your new password, look for a button labeled Save, explore, or OK. Click it. The router will process the change, which usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. During this time, your internet may drop briefly — this is normal. Do not unplug the router or close the browser window while it is saving.

Once the change is complete, the router will either log you out automatically or show a confirmation message. If you are still logged in, you can log out by clicking a Logout or Exit button, usually in the top right corner of the page.

Reconnect your devices with the new password

Every device connected to your Wi-Fi — phones, computers, tablets, smart speakers, printers — will now be disconnected. You will need to reconnect each one using your new password. On most devices, go to Wi-Fi settings, find your network name in the list, and select it. When prompted for the password, type your new one exactly as you created it (passwords are case-sensitive).

Start with the devices you use most often. If a device refuses to connect or says the password is wrong, double-check that you typed it correctly. If you are still stuck, you can always log back into the router and change the password again, or reset the router to factory settings if you forget the new password entirely.

What to do if you forgot your current password

If you do not know your current Wi-Fi password and cannot log into the router to change it, you have two options. First, check whether your router has a WPS button (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) — a small button on the back or side. Holding it for 3 to 10 seconds puts the router in pairing mode, and some devices can connect without a password for a few minutes. This is a temporary workaround, not a permanent solution.

Your second option is to reset the router to factory settings. Most routers have a small Reset button recessed into the case. Use a paperclip or pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its default settings, including the default password printed on the sticker. You will then follow the steps above to set a new password. Resetting also erases any other custom settings you made, so use this only as a last resort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the router password the same as my internet account password?

No. Your router password protects your Wi-Fi network — who can connect to it. Your internet account password is what you use to log into your provider's website or app to pay bills or change service. Changing one does not affect the other.

What happens to my internet when I change the password?

Your internet connection itself does not change. The router will briefly restart while saving the new password, which may cause a 10 to 30 second interruption. Once it restarts, your internet works the same way — only the Wi-Fi password is different.

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

Yes. Open a browser on your phone, type your router's IP address in the address bar, and log in the same way. The steps are identical. You may find the layout harder to read on a small screen, but it works just as well.

Why does my device keep asking for the password after I change it?

Your device is trying to connect with the old password. Go to your Wi-Fi settings, find your network, and select "Forget" or "Remove". Then search for the network again and reconnect using the new password. This clears the old password from your device's memory.

How often should I change my router password?

There is no set rule. Change it if you think someone unauthorized has connected, if you have guests who no longer visit, or if you straightforward want to refresh it. Many people change it once a year as a precaution, but more frequent changes are not necessary unless you have a specific reason.