Access Your Router's Admin Panel

To change your router password, you first need to log into the router itself — not your internet account. Open a web browser on any device connected to your Wi-Fi 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. If neither works, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router; it will list the correct address.

When you reach the login page, enter your current admin username and password. If you have never changed these, they are usually printed on the router itself — often something like "admin" for both username and password. Once you log in, you will see your router's settings dashboard. This looks different depending on your router brand, but the password change option is always in the settings or administration area.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) goes in your web browser's address bar, not a search engine.
  • The default admin username and password are printed on your router's label if you have never changed them before.
  • Look for "Wireless Settings," "Wi-Fi Password," or "Security" in your router's menu to find where to change your password.
  • Write down your new password before you save it, because you will need it to reconnect all your devices.
  • After you change the password, your devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect them using the new password.

Locate the Wireless Password Setting

Once you are logged into your router's admin panel, look for a menu option labeled "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Wireless Settings," or "Security." Different manufacturers use different names. Some routers have a straightforward home page with a quick-change option right at the top; others require you to click through to an advanced settings menu. If you cannot find it on the main page, look for a menu on the left side or top of the screen.

When you find the wireless settings section, you should see a field labeled "Wireless Password," "Wi-Fi Password," "Pre-Shared Key," or "PSK." This is the password people use to connect to your Wi-Fi — not the admin password you just used to log in. These are two separate passwords, and changing one does not change the other.

Enter Your New Password

Click in the password field and delete the current password completely. Type your new password directly into the box. Make it at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #) if the router allows it. A longer, mixed password is much harder for someone to guess.

Before you save, write down your new password on paper or in a password manager. Once you click save or explore, your router will restart and all your devices will lose connection. You will need the exact password to reconnect them, and there is no way to retrieve it if you forget it before saving the changes.

Save and Restart Your Router

Look for a button labeled "Save," "explore," "OK," or "Submit" and click it. Your router will process the change and may restart automatically. This usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your internet will drop briefly and your Wi-Fi network will disappear from the list of available networks on your devices.

Do not unplug your router while it is restarting. Wait until the lights on the front return to their normal pattern — usually a steady light or a slow blink. Once the restart is complete, your Wi-Fi network will reappear in the available networks list, but now it will require your new password to connect.

Reconnect Your Devices to Wi-Fi

On each device that was connected to your Wi-Fi — phones, tablets, laptops, smart speakers, printers — you will need to "forget" the old network and reconnect with the new password. On most phones and tablets, go to Settings, find Wi-Fi, tap your network name, and select "Forget." Then scan for networks again, select your network, and enter your new password.

On Windows computers, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select Wi-Fi, and click "Manage Known Networks." Find your network, click it, and select "Forget." Then reconnect by selecting the network from the available list and entering your new password. On Mac computers, hold Option and click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar, select your network, and choose "Forget." Reconnect the same way.

Troubleshooting If You Cannot Log In

If you cannot remember your admin password (the one you use to log into the router settings, not the Wi-Fi password), you will need to reset the router to factory defaults. Look for a small reset button on the back of the router, usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or pen to hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart.

After a factory reset, your router will return to its original admin username and password, which are printed on the label. You will also lose any other settings you customized, and your Wi-Fi password will revert to the default. This is why it is important to write down your new Wi-Fi password when ready after changing it — if you forget it, a factory reset is the only way to regain access.

Why Change Your Router Password Regularly

Your Wi-Fi password is the main barrier between your home network and anyone nearby who wants to connect to it. If someone connects to your network without permission, they can see your internet traffic, access shared files, or use your internet bandwidth. Changing your password every few months, or whenever someone moves out of your home, reduces the chance that an old password is still in use.

The admin password — the one you use to log into the router settings — is equally important. If someone gains access to your admin panel, they can change your Wi-Fi password, disable security features, or redirect your internet traffic. Never share your admin password with anyone, and change it from the default as soon as you set up your router.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between my Wi-Fi password and my admin password?

Your Wi-Fi password is what guests and your devices use to connect to the internet through your router. Your admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings to make changes. They are separate passwords, and changing one does not affect the other. You should change both from their defaults.

Will changing my password disconnect my devices?

Yes. When you save the new password, your router restarts and all connected devices lose their connection. You will need to reconnect each device manually using the new password. This usually takes a few minutes per device.

What if I forget my new password right after changing it?

If you have not yet reconnected your devices, you can log back into the router's admin panel and change the password again. If you have already forgotten it and cannot access the admin panel, you will need to perform a factory reset using the reset button on the back of the router.

Can I change my password from my phone?

Yes, as long as your phone is connected to your Wi-Fi. Open a browser, type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1), and log in with your admin credentials. The process is the same as on a computer, though the screen layout may look different on a smaller device.

Do I need to change my admin password too?

Yes, you should change your admin password from the default as soon as possible. Look for an option in your router's settings labeled "Admin Password," "Change Password," or "Account Settings." This prevents anyone who knows the default password from accessing your router's settings.