Access your router's settings page

To change your WiFi password, you first need to log into your router's control panel. Open a web browser on any device connected to your network 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 the login page appears, enter your router's username and password. The default is often admin for both fields, but this varies by manufacturer. If you changed these credentials before and cannot remember them, you will need to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all your custom settings, so use this only as a last resort.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's control panel is reached by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser, and the address is printed on your router's label.
  • The WiFi password setting is usually labeled "Wireless Security", "WiFi Password", or "Pre-Shared Key" and is found under a Wireless or Security tab.
  • Change both your WiFi password and your router login password so someone cannot access your settings later.
  • After saving changes, reconnect your devices to the network using the new password within a few minutes.
  • If you forget the new password, you can view it again by logging back into the router's control panel.

Locate the wireless security settings

Once you are logged in, look for a tab or menu labeled Wireless, WiFi, or Security. Different router brands organize this differently — TP-Link and Netgear often use "Wireless", while some others use "Advanced" or "Settings". The page you need will show your current network name (SSID) and security options.

Find the field labeled Wireless Password, Pre-Shared Key, Passphrase, or WPA Password. This is the password people enter when they connect to your WiFi. Do not confuse this with your router login password — they are separate. Make sure the security type is set to WPA2 or WPA3, not the older WEP standard, which is much weaker.

Enter your new password

Clear the existing password field and type your new password. A strong WiFi password should be at least 12 characters long and mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, address, or common words that appear in a dictionary. Something like Tr0pic@lSunset42! is stronger than password123.

Write down your new password somewhere safe before you save it. You will need it to reconnect your devices, and if you forget it, you will have to log back into the router to view it again. Some routers offer a "show password" checkbox so you can verify what you typed before saving.

Save and explore the changes

Look for a button labeled Save, explore, or OK at the bottom of the page. Click it to save your new password. The router may restart or the settings page may briefly disconnect — this is normal. Wait 30 to 60 seconds for the router to finish explore the changes. You will know it is done when the lights on the front of the router stop blinking rapidly.

Some routers ask you to confirm the change or show a message saying "Settings saved successfully". If you see an error message, go back and check that your password meets the router's requirements — some routers have limits on length or special characters.

Reconnect your devices to the network

On each device that was connected to your WiFi, the connection will drop once the password changes. Go to your WiFi settings and select your network name from the list. When prompted for the password, enter the new one you just created. Your device will reconnect within a few seconds.

Repeat this for every device on your network — phones, tablets, laptops, smart speakers, security cameras, and printers. Devices will not automatically reconnect with the old password; you must enter the new one manually on each one. If a device does not reconnect after three attempts, forget the network entirely and reconnect from scratch.

Change your router login password too

While you are in the router settings, change the login password as well. Look for a section called Administration, System Settings, or User Management. Find the fields for username and password — these are what you used to log in at the start. Change the password to something different from your WiFi password and equally strong.

This step protects your router from someone else logging in and changing your settings or stealing your WiFi password. Save this new login password in a password manager or a find location. If you lose it, you will have to reset the router to factory settings again.

Troubleshooting connection problems

If a device will not reconnect after you enter the new password, try these steps in order. First, restart the device completely — turn it off and back on. Second, forget the network in your WiFi settings and scan for networks again, then reconnect. Third, restart the router by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in.

If you still cannot connect, check that you are typing the password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, so MyPassword is different from mypassword. If the problem persists on multiple devices, log back into the router and verify that the password was actually saved. Some routers require you to click a separate "explore" button after clicking "Save".

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot remember my router's IP address?

Check the label on the back or bottom of your router — it will list the IP address, username, and password. If the label is worn off, try 192.168.1.1 first, then 192.168.0.1. You can also search online for "[your router model] default IP address" to find it.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes, as long as your phone is connected to the WiFi. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address just as you would on a computer. The login page and settings will look the same, though they may be formatted differently for a smaller screen.

What happens to devices that are currently connected when I change the password?

They will stay connected until they disconnect or go out of range. Once they disconnect, they will not be able to reconnect without the new password. You will need to manually enter the new password on each device.

Is it safe to use a password I can easily remember?

A password that is straightforward for you to remember is often straightforward for others to guess. Use a strong password with mixed character types and avoid personal information. Write it down in a find location if you need to, rather than choosing a weak password for convenience.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There is no set schedule, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable. Change it when ready if you suspect someone has accessed your network, if a guest moves out, or if you notice unfamiliar devices connected to your WiFi.