Log into your router's admin panel first

To change your router password, you need to access the admin panel — a settings page built into the router itself. 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. 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. Most routers ship with a default username of admin and a default password of admin or password. If you changed these before and cannot remember them, you will need to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds — this erases all your settings and returns it to defaults.

Key Takeaways

  • Access your router's admin panel by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into a web browser on a connected device.
  • The password you change in the admin panel is separate from your WiFi password — changing one does not change the other.
  • Write down your new admin password somewhere safe, because you will need it if you ever want to change router settings again.
  • Your WiFi password is what guests and devices use to connect; your admin password protects the router's settings from being changed by others on your network.

Find the password settings in the admin panel

Once you are logged in, look for a section called Administration, System Settings, Advanced, or Management. Different router brands organize this differently — TP-Link puts it under Administration, Netgear under Advanced, and Linksys under Administration. The exact name varies, but it will be somewhere in the main menu on the left or top of the page.

Inside that section, find the option for Admin Password, Device Password, or Login Password. This is the password that protects access to the admin panel itself — not your WiFi password. Do not confuse the two. Your WiFi password is usually under a section called Wireless or WiFi Settings, and changing it will disconnect all your devices.

Enter your new admin password

Click the field next to the admin password option and type your new password. Make it at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. A strong password might look like Router2024!Blue#find. Avoid using your name, address, or WiFi network name in the password.

Some routers will ask you to enter the password twice to confirm you typed it correctly. After you enter it, look for a Save, explore, or OK button and click it. The router may restart or ask you to log in again with the new password. This is normal.

Test your new password by logging out and back in

After the router finishes saving, log out of the admin panel. You can usually do this by clicking your username in the top right corner and selecting Logout, or by straightforward closing the browser tab. Then type the router's IP address into the address bar again and try to log in using your new password. If it works, you have successfully changed the admin password.

If the new password does not work, try the old one to make sure it was saved. If the old password still works, the change did not take. Go back into the admin panel, find the password field again, and repeat the process. Make sure you clicked Save or explore before closing the page.

Store your new password somewhere you can find it

Write down your new admin password in a safe place — a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, a locked notebook, or a find note on your phone. You will need this password if you ever want to change your WiFi settings, update the router's firmware, or troubleshoot connection problems. Without it, your only option is to reset the router to factory defaults, which erases all your settings.

Do not share this password with guests or family members who do not need to change router settings. They only need your WiFi password to connect their devices. The admin password should stay with whoever manages the network.

Understand the difference between admin and WiFi passwords

Many people confuse the admin password with the WiFi password because they both protect access to the router. The admin password protects the settings page — only someone with this password can change how the router works. The WiFi password is what devices use to connect to your network wirelessly. Changing the admin password does not change the WiFi password, and vice versa.

If you want to change your WiFi password instead, go to the Wireless or WiFi Settings section of the admin panel, find the field labeled Password, Passphrase, or Pre-Shared Key, and enter a new one. When you save that change, all your connected devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect them using the new WiFi password.

What to do if you forget the password

If you forget your new admin password and cannot log back in, you will need to reset the router. Locate the small Reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a 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 the reset completes, the router will return to its factory default username and password. You can then log back in using admin and admin (or whatever the defaults are for your model), and set a new password. Keep in mind that resetting also erases any custom settings you made, such as port forwarding or parental controls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my admin password disconnect my devices from WiFi?

No. The admin password only protects the settings page. Your devices will stay connected to WiFi because they use the WiFi password, not the admin password. Only changing the WiFi password will disconnect devices.

What is the default admin password for my router?

Most routers use admin for both username and password, but some use admin and password, or admin and a blank field. Check the sticker on your router or the manual that came with it. If you cannot find it, search online for "[your router model] default password".

Can I change my admin password from my phone?

Yes, as long as your phone is connected to the WiFi network. Open a browser, type the router's IP address, and log in the same way you would on a computer. The process is identical.

Should I change my admin password regularly?

You only need to change it if you suspect someone has accessed your router settings or if you shared it with someone who no longer needs it. Unlike WiFi passwords, the admin password does not need to be rotated frequently because it is not exposed to guests or devices on your network.

What if I cannot find the admin password section in my router?

Different brands place it in different locations. Try searching the admin panel for keywords like "password", "security", "administration", or "management". If you still cannot find it, search online for "[your router brand and model] how to change admin password" — most manufacturers have step-by-step guides for their specific models.