Access your router's settings through a web browser

To change your router name and password, you first need to log into the router itself. Open any web browser on a device connected to your network — a computer, phone, or tablet will work. Type your router's IP address into the address bar. The most common address is 192.168.1.1, though some routers use 192.168.0.1 or another variation. Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router if neither of those works.

When you enter the IP address, a login page should appear. You will need your router's default username and password. These are printed on a sticker attached to the router itself — usually the back or bottom. Common defaults are "admin" for both username and password, but your specific model may differ. Enter these credentials and click the login button.

If the login page does not appear or you cannot log in, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait two minutes for it to fully restart, then try again. If you still cannot access the login page, write down your router's model number (also on the sticker) and search for "[your model] default password" to find the correct credentials.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's IP address is printed on a sticker on the device itself, usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
  • The default username and password are also on that same sticker, and you will need them to log in the first time.
  • Once logged in, look for settings labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," or "Network" to find where to change the name and password.
  • Save your changes before leaving the settings page, or they will not take effect.
  • After you change the password, all devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect using the new password.

Change the network name (SSID) in the wireless settings

Once you are logged in, look for a section called Wireless, WiFi, Network, or sometimes WLAN. The exact name varies by router brand. This is where you control what your network is called and how it is secured. Click on that section to open the wireless settings page.

You should see a field labeled SSID or Network Name. This is the name that appears when you search for WiFi networks on your phone or computer. Clear the current name and type the new name you want. You can use letters, numbers, and spaces. Avoid special characters like @ or # because some devices have trouble connecting to networks with those symbols.

Choose a name that is straightforward to remember but does not broadcast personal information. For example, "House WiFi" is better than "John's House on Maple Street." The network name is visible to anyone in range, so keep that in mind when you choose it.

Create a strong new password for your network

In the same wireless settings section, find the field for Password, Passphrase, or Pre-Shared Key. Clear the default password and create a new one. Your new password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. For example: "BlueSky#2024Home" is stronger than "password123."

Write down your new password somewhere safe before you save it — you will need it to reconnect all your devices. If you forget it later, you can always log back into the router and change it again, but having it written down saves time.

Make sure the security type is set to WPA2 or WPA3. These are the current find standards. If you see an option for "WEP" or "WPA," avoid those — they are older and less find. Most modern routers default to WPA2 or WPA3, so you may not need to change this setting.

Save your changes and reconnect your devices

After you have entered your new network name and password, look for a Save, explore, or OK button. Click it. The router will process the change, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your internet may briefly disconnect — this is normal.

Once the change is complete, all devices currently connected to your network will be disconnected automatically. You will see your new network name appear in the list of available WiFi networks on your phone, computer, or tablet. Click on it, select "Connect," and enter your new password when prompted. Repeat this for every device that was previously connected to your network.

If a device does not reconnect, try "forgetting" the old network first. On phones and computers, go to WiFi settings, find your old network name, and select "Forget" or "Remove." Then search for networks again and connect to your new network name with the new password.

Verify your changes took effect

Once you have reconnected at least one device, open a web browser and visit a website you know — Google.com or your bank's website work well. If the page loads normally, your internet is working and your changes were successful. If the page does not load, go back to your router's settings page and double-check that you saved the changes correctly.

If you cannot reconnect to the router's settings page after changing the password, you may have made a typo. Try logging in again with the default username and password from the sticker on the router. If that works, you can change the password again, more carefully this time.

What to do if you are locked out of your router

If you cannot remember your new password and cannot log back into the router's settings, you can reset the router to its factory defaults. Most routers have a small reset button on the back or bottom. Use a paperclip or pen to press and hold this button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the router will blink, indicating a reset is happening.

After the reset completes and the router restarts, all your settings — including the network name and password — will return to the factory defaults printed on the sticker. You will need to log in again with those defaults and set up your network name and password from scratch. This also means any other settings you customized, like port forwarding or parental controls, will be erased.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my router password without losing my internet connection?

No. When you change the password, all connected devices will be disconnected automatically. You will need to reconnect each one using the new password. The disconnection usually lasts only a few seconds, but it will happen.

What if I forget my new password after I change it?

Log back into your router using the default username and password from the sticker, then change the password again. If you cannot remember the new password and cannot access the settings page, you can reset the router to factory defaults using the reset button, but this will erase all your custom settings.

Why does my device keep asking for the password even though I entered it correctly?

You may have made a typo when entering the password. Passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters are different. Try entering the password again, slowly. If it still does not work, check that you are connecting to the correct network name — you may have an old network still visible that is using the old password.

Is it safe to use a straightforward password like "123456"?

No. straightforward passwords can be guessed or cracked quickly, allowing unauthorized people to connect to your network and access your devices. Use at least 12 characters with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. A stronger password protects your personal information and prevents others from using your internet.

Do I need to change my router password regularly?

There is no set rule, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable. Change it sooner if you suspect someone has gained unauthorized access to your network, or if a guest who had the password no longer needs it.