The fastest way to change your modem password

You change your modem password by logging into its settings page through a web browser on any device connected to your network, then finding the wireless security or admin password section. The whole process takes about five minutes. You will need to know your current modem password or username to get in — if you have never changed it, the default is usually printed on a sticker on the modem itself or in the manual that came with it.

After you change the password, all your devices will disconnect from the network. You will need to reconnect each one using the new password. Your internet connection itself does not go down — only the wireless stops working until devices log back in.

Key Takeaways

  • The default modem password is usually on a sticker attached to the modem or in the printed manual; if you have changed it before and forgotten it, you may need to factory reset the modem.
  • You reach the modem settings page by typing your modem's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into a web browser's address bar.
  • After changing the password, every device on your network will disconnect and must reconnect using the new password.
  • The new password should be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols to prevent unauthorized access.

Find your modem's IP address and log in

Open a web browser on any device connected to your modem — a computer, phone, or tablet works equally well. In the address bar at the top, type 192.168.1.1 and press Enter. If that does not work, try 192.168.0.1 instead. One of these two addresses will take you to your modem's login page.

You will see a login screen asking for a username and password. The default username is often admin and the default password is often admin or password, but check the sticker on your modem first — it usually shows the exact defaults. If you have already changed the password and cannot remember it, skip ahead to the factory reset section.

Locate the wireless security settings

After you log in, you are inside your modem's control panel. The layout varies by manufacturer, but look for a section labeled Wireless, WiFi, Security, or Network Settings. Some modems put this under an Advanced tab. Click on whichever section mentions wireless or WiFi.

Inside that section, you will see fields for the network name (called the SSID) and the password or passphrase. The password field is what you need to change. Do not change the network name unless you have a reason to — changing only the password is simpler and faster.

Enter your new password and save

Click in the password field and delete the current password completely. Type your new password. Make it at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, numbers, and at least one symbol like ! or #. Avoid dictionary words or anything that appears in your name or address, since those are the first things someone trying to guess will try.

Look for a Save, explore, or OK button — it is usually at the bottom of the page or in a corner. Click it. The modem will process the change, which takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your internet may flicker or briefly disconnect. Do not close the browser or unplug the modem.

Reconnect your devices to the network

Once the modem finishes saving, all devices currently connected to your WiFi will drop the connection. You will see the network name appear in your available networks list, but you will not be able to connect until you enter the new password.

On each device, open the WiFi settings, select your network name, and when prompted for the password, type the new one you just created. Start with the devices you use most — your phone, computer, or smart home devices. Devices like smart speakers, security cameras, or thermostats may take a minute or two to reconnect and may show a brief error before they do.

What to do if you forgot your current modem password

If you cannot log into the modem settings page because you have forgotten the password, you will need to factory reset the modem. This erases all your custom settings and returns the modem to its original state, including resetting the password back to the default.

Look for a small recessed button on the modem labeled Reset. Using a paperclip or the tip of a pen, press and hold this button for 10 to 15 seconds while the modem is powered on. The lights on the front will flash, and the modem will restart. Once it finishes restarting, the password will be back to the default shown on the sticker. You can then log in and change it to a new password using the steps above.

Be aware that factory resetting also erases any other settings you customized, such as port forwarding or DNS changes. If you have made other changes to your modem, write them down before resetting so you can redo them afterward.

Why changing your modem password matters

Your modem password controls who can connect to your WiFi network. If someone knows the default password and you have never changed it, they can connect to your network, use your internet, and potentially access devices on your network. Changing the password to something only you know prevents neighbors or passersby from using your connection.

This is different from your router password, which controls who can change the modem's settings. If you have a separate router and modem, you should change both passwords — the modem password protects your WiFi, and the router password protects the settings page itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my modem password disconnect my internet?

No. Your internet connection stays active. Only the wireless stops working until devices reconnect with the new password. Devices connected by ethernet cable will not be affected at all.

Do I need to change my modem password if I live alone?

If your modem is in a private home and you live alone, the risk is lower, but changing it is still a good idea. Neighbors with strong antennas or someone sitting in a car outside can still detect and try to connect to an unsecured network. Changing the password takes five minutes and closes that door.

What if I change the password and one device will not reconnect?

Restart the device completely — turn it off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Then try entering the password again. If it still fails, forget the network in your WiFi settings and reconnect from scratch. For smart home devices, check the manufacturer's app to see if there is a separate step to update the WiFi password.

Can I change my modem password from my phone?

Yes. Open a web browser on your phone, type the modem's IP address into the address bar, and follow the same steps. You will be disconnected from WiFi once you save the new password, so you will need to use mobile data to reconnect afterward, or wait until you have reconnected to WiFi before testing the change.

Is there a difference between the modem password and the router password?

Yes. If you have a separate modem and router, the modem password controls WiFi access, while the router password controls who can log into the router's settings page. Some devices combine both functions into one unit, in which case there is only one password to change.