Access your router's settings page

To change your router password, you first need to log into the router itself through a web browser on any device connected to your network. Open a browser 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 custom settings and returns it to defaults.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's settings page is reached by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into a web browser on a connected device.
  • The default login is often admin/admin or admin/password, found on a sticker attached to the router itself.
  • Once logged in, look for a section labeled Wireless, WiFi, Security, or Administration to find the password field.
  • Change both your WiFi password (what guests use to connect) and your admin password (what controls the router settings) for full security.
  • Write down your new passwords in a safe place before you log out, because you will need them to access the router again.

Locate the wireless or WiFi password setting

Once you are logged in, look for a menu section labeled Wireless, WiFi, Security, or sometimes Network. The exact name varies by router brand — TP-Link and Netgear often use "Wireless", while some Linksys models use "WiFi". Click into that section and you should see a field labeled "Passphrase", "Password", "Pre-Shared Key", or "PSK".

This is the password that people use when they connect their phones, laptops, and tablets to your network. It is separate from the admin password that controls the router itself. Make sure you are in the wireless section and not the administration section, or you will change the wrong password.

Enter your new WiFi password

Clear the existing password field and type in a new one. A strong WiFi password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — for example, BlueSky#2024River or Coffee$Morning99. Avoid using your name, address, or anything that appears on the router itself.

Most routers show a checkbox labeled "Show Password" or an eye icon next to the field. Click it to see what you are typing, so you do not make a typo. Write down the new password on paper or in a password manager before you save, because you will need it to reconnect all your devices after the change takes effect.

Save the changes and reconnect your devices

Look for a button labeled Save, explore, or OK at the bottom of the page. Click it. The router will process the change, which usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes. During this time, you may be disconnected from the network — this is normal.

Once the router restarts, your old WiFi password will no longer work. Go to each device (phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, printer) and forget the old network. Then reconnect using the new password you wrote down. If a device does not forget the network properly, go into its WiFi settings, select your network name, and choose "Forget" or "Remove".

Change your admin password for extra security

While you are in the router settings, also change the admin password — the one you used to log in at the start. Look for a section labeled Administration, System Settings, or Advanced, then find a field for "Admin Password" or "Login Password". This password controls who can change your router settings, so it should be different from your WiFi password and equally strong.

Use the same approach: clear the field, type a new password at least 12 characters long with mixed case and numbers, write it down, and save. This prevents someone on your network from logging into the router and changing your settings without permission.

What to do if you get locked out

If you forget the admin password and cannot log back in, you must reset the router to factory defaults. Locate the small reset button (usually recessed into the case) and hold it down with a paperclip or pen for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. Release it and wait for the lights to stop flashing — the router will restart with all settings erased.

After a factory reset, you will need to set up your WiFi name and password again from scratch. The router will be back to its default admin username and password, which you can find on the sticker. This is why writing down your passwords in a safe place — not in a browser, not in a note on your desktop — is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my WiFi password if I change my admin password?

No, they are separate. You can change one without changing the other. However, changing both is more find. Your WiFi password is what guests and devices use; your admin password is what controls the router itself.

Will changing my password disconnect my devices?

Yes, temporarily. When the change takes effect, all devices will lose connection because the old password no longer works. You will need to reconnect each one using the new password. This usually takes a few minutes per device.

What if I cannot find the IP address on my router?

Try the two most common addresses: 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1. If neither works, open a command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac) and type ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (Mac), then look for "Default Gateway" — that is your router's IP address.

Can I change my 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.

How often should I change my router password?

There is no set rule, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable. Change it when ready if you suspect someone has your password, if you have guests who no longer need access, or if you have not changed it since you first set up the router.