Access your router's settings page

To change your Wi-Fi password, you need to log into your router's admin panel — a settings page that lives on your router itself, not on your internet provider's website. Open a web browser on any device connected to your Wi-Fi 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 router's username and password. These are different from your Wi-Fi password — they control access to the router itself. The default username is often admin and the default password is often admin, password, or blank. If you changed these credentials before and cannot remember them, you will need to reset your router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings and returns it to defaults.

Locate the wireless or Wi-Fi settings

Once logged in, look for a menu labeled Wireless, Wi-Fi, or Wireless Security. Different router brands organize this differently — TP-Link and Netgear often put it in the left sidebar, while others nest it under an "Advanced" tab. If you cannot find it, check your router's manual or search the manufacturer's website for your specific model number.

You may see separate sections for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. Both are your Wi-Fi; the difference is speed versus range. You can change the password for one, both, or each separately. Most people change both to the same password for simplicity.

Change the password field

Look for a field labeled Passphrase, Pre-Shared Key, or Password. Clear the existing password and type your new one. Make it at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — this makes it harder to guess. Avoid using your name, address, or anything in a dictionary.

Check that the security type is set to WPA2 or WPA3. These are modern encryption standards. Older routers may default to WPA or WEP, which are weaker; if you see those, change the security type to WPA2 or WPA3 first, then set your new password.

Save and explore the changes

Click the Save, explore, or OK button. Your router will restart — this usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your Wi-Fi will drop and come back online. All devices currently connected will be disconnected and will need to reconnect using the new password.

Do not unplug the router while it is restarting. Wait until the lights stabilize and your Wi-Fi network name reappears in your available networks list.

Reconnect your devices

On each device — phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV — open the Wi-Fi settings and select your network name. When prompted for the password, enter the new one you just created. Devices will remember it for future connections, so you only need to enter it once per device.

If a device refuses to connect, forget the network first (usually a "Forget" or "Remove" option in Wi-Fi settings), then reconnect and re-enter the password. This clears out the old password the device was storing.

Update passwords on devices that do not have Wi-Fi settings

Smart home devices like printers, security cameras, doorbells, and smart speakers often cannot display a keyboard to type a password. For these, check the device's manual or app for a pairing mode or setup mode. Many devices have a button you hold for 10 seconds to reset them to factory settings, after which they will broadcast their own temporary network. Use your phone to connect to that network, then follow the app's instructions to connect the device to your main Wi-Fi with the new password.

If the device is already connected and you cannot access its setup mode, you may need to temporarily change your Wi-Fi password back to the old one, reconnect the device, and then change it again. This is tedious but sometimes necessary for older devices.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your router's admin panel by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into a web browser, then enter the router's username and password, which are printed on the router itself.
  • Find the Wireless or Wi-Fi settings section, locate the password or passphrase field, and replace it with a new password at least 12 characters long.
  • Make sure the security type is set to WPA2 or WPA3 before saving, as older standards like WEP are weak.
  • After you save, your router will restart for 30 seconds to two minutes; all connected devices will disconnect and need to reconnect with the new password.
  • Smart home devices without keyboards may need to be reset to factory settings and reconnected through their app or setup mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I forgot my router's admin password?

You will need to reset your router to factory settings. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen. This erases all your settings and returns the router to its defaults, so you will need to log back in with the default username and password printed on the router. After that, you can change your Wi-Fi password again.

Can I change my Wi-Fi password without losing internet?

Your internet connection will not be lost, but your Wi-Fi will drop for 30 seconds to two minutes while the router restarts. Devices connected by ethernet cable will stay online. After the restart, Wi-Fi devices will need to reconnect with the new password.

Why does my new password not work on some devices?

Older devices sometimes struggle with special characters or very long passwords. Try a password with only letters and numbers first. If that works, you know the issue is the character type. You can also check whether the device is connecting to the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band — some older devices only support 2.4 GHz, so if you changed only the 5 GHz password, they will not see the network.

Should I change my Wi-Fi password regularly?

Changing it once a year or after someone moves out is reasonable. Changing it every month is unnecessary unless you suspect someone has guessed it. A strong password — 12 characters with mixed case, numbers, and symbols — is more important than how often you change it.

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

Your Wi-Fi password is what guests and your devices use to connect to the internet. Your router admin password controls access to the router's settings page. They are separate. You should change both, but changing your Wi-Fi password does not change your admin password, and vice versa.