Find Your Router's Admin Page

To change your WiFi password, you need to log into your router's settings — a web page that lives inside the router itself. You reach it by typing a web address into any browser on a device connected to your WiFi. The address is almost always 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Type one of these into your browser's address bar the same way you would type a website name.

If neither address works, look at the back or bottom of your router for a sticker. It will list the admin address, usually labeled "Admin URL" or "Web Address". Some routers also print this in the manual that came in the box. Once you type the address, you should see a login screen asking for a username and password.

If you see an error message instead, make sure you are connected to your WiFi network, not a different one. You cannot reach the router's settings over a wired connection to a different network.

Log In With Your Router's Default Credentials

The username and password you need here are not your WiFi password — they are the credentials that came with your router. Most routers use admin as the username and admin or password as the password. Some use admin and 12345. If you changed these credentials before and do not remember them, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings including your WiFi password.

The sticker on the back of your router usually lists the default username and password. If the sticker is worn away or missing, search online for "[your router model] default username password" — for example, "TP-Link Archer C7 default username password". Your router's model number is printed on the sticker as well.

Type the username and password into the login screen and click the button to proceed. You should now see your router's settings dashboard.

Key Takeaways

  • Access your router's settings by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser on a device connected to your WiFi.
  • Log in using the default username and password printed on a sticker on your router, not your WiFi password.
  • Look for a section labeled "Wireless", "WiFi", or "Network" in your router's settings menu.
  • Change the password field (often called "Passphrase" or "Pre-Shared Key") to your new password and save the changes.
  • You will be disconnected from WiFi when the change takes effect, and you will need to reconnect using your new password.

Locate the WiFi Password Setting

Once you are logged in, look for a menu item labeled Wireless, WiFi, Network, or Security. Different router brands organize this differently. TP-Link and ASUS usually put it under "Wireless". Netgear often labels it "Advanced" or "Wireless Settings". Linksys may call it "Wireless" or "WiFi".

Click on that menu item. You should see a page with several fields, including one for the network name (called the SSID) and one for the password. The password field might be labeled Password, Passphrase, Pre-Shared Key, or WPA Password. The exact name depends on your router brand and model.

If you see multiple security options (like WEP, WPA, or WPA2), your router is probably set to WPA2 or WPA3, which is correct. Do not change the security type unless you have a specific reason — stick to changing only the password field.

Enter Your New Password and Save

Click in the password field and clear the current password. Type your new password. Make it at least 12 characters long and mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — this makes it much harder to guess. Avoid using your name, address, or anything printed on your router.

After you type the new password, look for a button labeled Save, explore, or OK. Click it. Your router will process the change, which usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. During this time, your WiFi may briefly disconnect.

Some routers ask you to confirm the change or restart. If you see a prompt asking whether you want to restart the router, click yes. The restart ensures the new password takes effect properly.

Reconnect Your Devices to WiFi

Once the change is complete, your old WiFi password will no longer work. Every device that was connected to your WiFi — phones, laptops, tablets, smart speakers, printers — will disconnect. You will need to reconnect each one using the new password.

On a phone or laptop, open your WiFi settings and look for your network name in the list of available networks. Click it, select "Connect" or "Join", and type your new password when prompted. Make sure you type it exactly as you entered it in the router settings, including uppercase and lowercase letters.

If a device says the password is wrong after you have typed it correctly, try forgetting the network first. On most phones, this means going to WiFi settings, finding your network name, and selecting "Forget" or "Remove". Then search for the network again and reconnect with the new password.

What to Do If You Cannot Access the Router Settings

If you cannot reach the admin page at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, first check that you are connected to your WiFi network. Open your WiFi settings and confirm your network name appears and shows as connected. If you are on a different network, switch to yours and try again.

If you are connected but still cannot reach the admin page, try the other address (if you tried 192.168.1.1, try 192.168.0.1). If neither works, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait two minutes for it to fully start up, then try again.

If you still cannot log in and you do not remember the default username and password, you will need to reset the router to factory settings. This erases your WiFi password and all other custom settings. To reset, hold down the small reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds while it is powered on. The router will restart and return to its default settings, and you can then log in with the default credentials printed on the sticker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my WiFi password if I just got a new router?

No, but you should. New routers come with a default password printed on the sticker, and that password is the same for every router of that model. Changing it to something unique means only people you tell can connect. If you skip this step, anyone within range who knows the router model can look up the default password and join your network.

What happens to my internet if I change the WiFi password?

Your internet connection itself does not change — your modem and router stay connected to your internet service provider. Only the WiFi password changes, so devices that were connected wirelessly will disconnect and need to reconnect. Devices plugged in with an ethernet cable will not be affected at all.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes, as long as your phone is connected to your WiFi. Open a web browser, type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar, and log in the same way you would on a computer. The process is identical on phones and tablets.

What if I forget my new WiFi password after I change it?

You can see your current WiFi password by logging back into the router's settings page and viewing the password field in the wireless settings. Write it down or save it somewhere safe after you change it so you do not have to log into the router again to find it.

Will changing my WiFi password affect my internet speed?

No. The WiFi password only controls who can connect to your network. It has no effect on the speed your internet service provider gives you or how fast data moves between your router and connected devices.