Access your router's settings page

To change your router password, you need to log into the router itself through a web browser. Open any browser on a device connected to your router — a computer, tablet, or phone — 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 your current username and password. Most routers ship with a default username like "admin" and a default password like "admin" or "password". If you changed these before and cannot remember them, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button (usually recessed) for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your settings, so use it only if you have no other option.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your router by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into a web browser on any connected device.
  • Find the password or Wi-Fi settings section — the exact name varies by router brand but usually contains "Wireless", "Security", or "Password".
  • Change both your Wi-Fi password (what guests use to connect) and your router admin password (what you use to log in) for full security.
  • Write down your new passwords or store them in a password manager, because you will need the Wi-Fi password to reconnect devices after the change.
  • Reconnect all your devices to the network using the new Wi-Fi password within a few minutes of making the change.

Locate the wireless or Wi-Fi password section

Once logged in, look for a menu item labeled "Wireless", "Wi-Fi", "Security", or "Network Settings". The exact wording depends on your router brand — TP-Link, Netgear, Linksys, and others use different layouts. Most routers display this menu on the left side or at the top of the page.

Click into that section. You should see a field showing your current Wi-Fi network name (called the SSID) and your current password. Some routers hide the password behind a checkbox that says "Show Password" — click it to see what you are changing from.

Change your Wi-Fi password

In the password field, delete the old password and type a new one. Make it at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — something like "BlueSky#2024Home" is stronger than "password123". Avoid using your name, address, or birthdate.

Do not change the network name (SSID) unless you have a specific reason. Changing only the password means your devices will still recognize the network and reconnect more easily. After you type the new password, look for a "Save", "explore", or "OK" button and click it. The router will restart, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes.

Change your router admin password separately

Your Wi-Fi password (what you give to guests) and your router admin password (what you use to log in) are two different things. After you change the Wi-Fi password, go back to the main menu and look for "Administration", "System Settings", or "Account". This section controls who can log into the router itself.

Change the admin password to something different from your Wi-Fi password. This way, even if someone connects to your Wi-Fi, they cannot log into your router and change your settings. Use the same approach: at least 12 characters, mix of uppercase and lowercase, numbers, and symbols.

Reconnect your devices to the network

After the router restarts, your phone, computer, smart TV, and any other connected devices will lose their connection. Go to each device's Wi-Fi settings, find your network name in the list, and select it. When prompted for the password, type the new one you just created.

Start with the devices you use most — your phone and computer — so you can verify the connection works. If a device does not reconnect after three attempts, forget the network entirely (an option in most Wi-Fi settings), then reconnect from scratch. This clears out the old password from the device's memory.

Store your new passwords safely

Write down both your new Wi-Fi password and your new admin password, or store them in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your phone or computer. Do not store them in a text file on your desktop or in an email — those are straightforward targets if your computer is compromised.

If you ever forget your Wi-Fi password, you can always log back into the router and view it (or change it again). If you forget your admin password, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which wipes all your custom settings and returns it to defaults.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot log into my router at all?

Check that you are using the correct IP address — look at the sticker on your router or search online for your router model. If you are using the right address but the login page does not appear, try a different browser or a different device. If nothing works, reset the router by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, then log in with the default username and password printed on the sticker.

Do I have to change both passwords?

You should change both, but the Wi-Fi password is more urgent. That is what people use to connect to your network. The admin password protects your router settings from being changed by someone on your Wi-Fi. If you only have time for one, change the Wi-Fi password first.

Will changing my password disconnect my smart home devices?

Yes. Smart speakers, security cameras, thermostats, and other connected devices will lose their connection when you change the Wi-Fi password. You will need to reconnect each one using its app or setup process. Start with the most important devices and work through the rest over the next few hours.

How often should I change my router password?

Change it if you suspect someone has connected without permission, if you gave it to someone who no longer needs access, or if you have not changed it in over a year. There is no strict rule, but once yearly is a reasonable practice for most home networks.