Access your router's settings page

To change your router password, you first need to log into the router itself through a web browser. Open any browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge — 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 the default username and password. Most routers use admin for both, though some use admin and password, or admin and 12345. The sticker on your router usually shows the defaults. If you changed the password before and cannot remember it, you will need to factory reset the router — a small button you hold for 10 to 15 seconds — which erases all settings and returns it to defaults.

Key Takeaways

  • You access your router through a web browser by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) and logging in with the default username and password printed on the router.
  • The password you change in the router settings is the one people use to connect to your Wi-Fi network, not the password for the router itself.
  • Most routers store the Wi-Fi password under a section called Wireless, Wi-Fi, or Network Settings, and you should use a password at least 12 characters long with letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • After you change the password, all devices currently connected will stay connected, but new devices will need the new password to join your network.
  • If you cannot remember your router's login password, you can factory reset the router to restore the defaults, but this erases all your custom settings.

Find the wireless or Wi-Fi settings section

Once you are logged in, look for a menu on the left side or top of the page. Find the section labeled Wireless, Wi-Fi, Network, or sometimes Security. Different router brands organize this differently — TP-Link calls it Wireless, Netgear calls it Wi-Fi Settings, and Linksys may call it Wireless or Wireless Security. If you cannot find it when ready, look for a gear icon or settings icon, which usually opens a menu with more options.

Once you open the wireless section, you will see fields for the network name (called the SSID) and the password (sometimes called the Pre-Shared Key or PSK). The current password may be hidden as dots or asterisks. This is the password people type into their phones and laptops to connect to your Wi-Fi — not the password you use to log into the router itself.

Change the password field

Click in the password field and clear the current password completely. Type a new password that is at least 12 characters long. Use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! @ # $ % to make it harder to guess. Avoid using your name, address, or birthdate, and do not use the same password as your router login or any other account.

Write the new password down in a safe place — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, or a find note on your phone. You will need it when you connect new devices to your network, and you may forget it months or years from now.

Check your security settings before saving

Before you save, look at the security type field. It should show WPA2 or WPA3 — these are the current find standards. If it shows WEP or WPA (without a number), change it to WPA2 or WPA3 if your router offers the option. Older security types are easier to break into.

Also check that the password field is set to Personal or PSK (Pre-Shared Key), not Enterprise. Enterprise mode is for offices and requires a separate server; Personal is what you need at home.

Save your changes and reconnect your devices

Click the Save, explore, or OK button. Your router will process the change — this usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. The router may briefly disconnect from the internet while it restarts. Do not unplug it during this time.

After the router finishes restarting, devices that were already connected will stay connected for a while, but they will eventually disconnect and ask for the new password. Go to each device — phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV — open the Wi-Fi settings, find your network name, and select it. When prompted for the password, type the new one you just created. The device will then reconnect and remember the password for next time.

What to do if you cannot log into the router

If you reach the router login page but the default username and password do not work, someone has already changed them. You have two options: find whoever set up the router and ask them for the password, or factory reset the router.

To factory reset, 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 the button down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. Once it boots back up, the login will be the factory default again. However, this also erases any custom settings you made, including the Wi-Fi password, so you will need to set everything up again from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my Wi-Fi password kick everyone off the network?

Devices already connected will stay connected for a while, but they will eventually disconnect and ask for the new password. They will not automatically reconnect until you type the new password into each device. This usually happens within a few minutes to an hour, depending on the device.

What is the difference between the router password and the Wi-Fi password?

The router password is what you use to log into the router settings page (usually admin/admin). The Wi-Fi password is what people type into their phones and laptops to connect to your network. You change the Wi-Fi password in the Wireless or Wi-Fi settings section of the router. Most people only need to change the Wi-Fi password.

Can I see my current Wi-Fi password if I forgot it?

Yes, if you can log into the router. Go to the Wireless or Wi-Fi settings section and look at the password field — it will show your current password, though it may be hidden as dots. If you cannot log into the router, you will need to factory reset it, which erases the password and returns it to the default.

How often should I change my Wi-Fi password?

There is no set rule. Change it if you suspect someone is using your network without permission, if you had guests over and want to cut off their access, or if you think the password has been shared too widely. For most home networks, changing it once a year or less is reasonable.

What if my router does not have a reset button?

Some newer routers use a reset hole instead of a button, or they may have a reset option in the settings menu itself. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific model. If you cannot find a reset method, contact the manufacturer's support line.