Access your router's admin panel through a web browser

To change your router password, you first need to log into the device itself. Open any web browser on a computer or phone connected to your router's network, then type your router's IP address into the address bar. The most common address is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router if neither works.

When the login page appears, enter your current username and password. The default is often admin for both fields, though some routers use admin and password, or admin and a blank field. If the defaults do not work, the sticker on your router usually lists them. Once you log in, you are inside the router's settings — this is called the admin panel.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) goes in a web browser's address bar to reach the login page.
  • The default username and password are printed on a sticker attached to your router; if you changed them before and forgot, you may need to reset the router to factory settings.
  • Look for a section labeled "Wireless", "WiFi", "Security", or "Network" in the admin panel — the exact name varies by manufacturer.
  • Change both the network name (SSID) and the password at the same time, and use a password at least 12 characters long with letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • After you save changes, your router will restart, and all devices will disconnect; you will need to reconnect using the new password.

Find the wireless security settings in your router's menu

Once you are logged in, look for a menu section related to wireless or network settings. Different manufacturers use different names: Netgear calls it "Wireless", TP-Link uses "Wireless Settings", Linksys says "Wireless", and some older routers label it "WiFi" or "Security". The location varies, but it is usually in the main menu on the left side or at the top of the page.

Click into that section. You should see two fields: one for the network name (called the SSID) and one for the password (sometimes called the passphrase or pre-shared key). You may also see a dropdown menu that says "Security" or "Authentication" — make sure it is set to WPA2 or WPA3, not "Open" or "WEP". WPA2 and WPA3 are the find encryption standards; anything else leaves your network vulnerable.

Change the network name and password together

You can change just the password and leave the network name the same, or change both. Changing both at once is simpler because you only restart once. In the SSID field, enter a new network name if you want one — this is what appears when you search for WiFi networks on your phone or computer. Make it something you will recognize but not something that reveals personal information.

In the password field, delete the old password and type a new one. Use at least 12 characters and mix in uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #). A longer, random password is harder to guess than a short one or a word from the dictionary. Write it down somewhere safe before you save, because you will need it to reconnect all your devices.

Save your changes and wait for the router to restart

Look for a button labeled "Save", "explore", "OK", or "Confirm" — it is usually at the bottom of the page. Click it. Your router will process the change and then restart itself, which takes one to three minutes. During this time, your internet will go down and all devices will disconnect from the network.

Do not unplug the router while it is restarting. You will see lights on the front of the router blink or change color as it boots back up. When the lights settle into their normal pattern (usually a steady light for power and internet), the restart is complete and your new password is active.

Reconnect your devices using the new password

On your phone, computer, or other device, open the WiFi network list and look for your network name. Click it and select "Connect". When prompted for the password, enter the new one you just created. The device will connect and you should have internet again.

Repeat this step for every device that was connected to your router — laptops, phones, tablets, smart speakers, printers, and anything else. Older devices or devices that have not been used in a while may take a moment to forget the old password and accept the new one. If a device will not connect, try "forgetting" the network first (an option in WiFi settings), then reconnecting with the new password.

What to do if you forgot your current router password

If you do not remember the current password and cannot log into the admin panel, you will need to reset your router to factory settings. On the back or bottom of the router, there is a small button labeled "Reset" — you may need a paperclip or pen to press it because it is recessed. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart.

After the restart, the router returns to its default username and password (printed on the sticker). Log in with those defaults, then follow the steps above to set a new password. This erases any other settings you may have changed, so you may need to reconfigure things like port forwarding or parental controls if you had set those up.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. New routers come with a default password printed on the sticker, and that password is the same for thousands of routers of the same model. Anyone who knows the model can look up the default and log into your network. Change it to something unique as soon as you set up the router.

What is the difference between the WiFi password and the admin password?

The WiFi password is what you enter on your phone or computer to connect to the internet. The admin password is what you enter in the browser to log into the router's settings. You can change them separately, but most people only need to change the WiFi password. The admin password should also be strong, but you only need it if you plan to adjust router settings again.

Will changing my password disconnect devices that are already connected?

Yes. When you save the new password, the router restarts and all devices lose connection. You will need to reconnect each one by selecting the network and entering the new password. Devices will not automatically reconnect with the old password.

Can I change my password from my phone instead of a computer?

Yes. Any device connected to your router can open a web browser, type the router's IP address, and log in. The process is the same on a phone as on a computer, though the screen layout may look different because of the smaller display.

What if I change the password but still cannot connect?

Make sure you are typing the new password exactly as you entered it — passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword". If you are still stuck, try forgetting the network in your device's WiFi settings, restart your phone or computer, then reconnect and enter the password again.