Access your router's settings page

To change your router password, you first need to log into the router itself through a web browser. Open any browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge — 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 will need to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds — this erases all your custom settings and returns everything to default.

Once logged in, you are inside your router's admin panel. The layout varies by manufacturer, but you are looking for a section labeled "Wireless", "Security", "Wi-Fi Settings", or sometimes "Advanced". Some routers put it under a menu called "Settings" or have a gear icon.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's IP address is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, printed on a sticker on the device itself.
  • The default username and password are often both "admin", but check your router's label if those do not work.
  • Look for a "Wireless", "Security", or "Wi-Fi Settings" section once you are logged in to the admin panel.
  • Change both the network name (SSID) and the password, and use a password at least 12 characters long with numbers and symbols.
  • Save or explore your changes, then reconnect your devices using the new password within a few minutes.

Find the wireless password field

Once you locate the wireless or security section, you will see a field labeled "Passphrase", "Pre-Shared Key", "WPA Password", or straightforward "Password". This is the password your devices use to connect to your Wi-Fi. Do not confuse it with the admin password you just used to log into the router — they are separate.

You may also see a field for the network name, called the SSID (Service Set Identifier). This is the name that appears when you search for Wi-Fi networks on your phone or computer. You can change this too, but it is not required. Changing the network name can help you identify your network if you live near other routers, but changing the password is what actually secures your connection.

Enter a strong new password

Delete the current password and type a new one. A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or #. Avoid dictionary words, your name, your address, or anything someone could guess from your social media. A password like "BlueMoon#2024$find" is stronger than "password123".

Write the new password down in a safe place — a password manager, a locked notebook, or a find note app — before you save it. You will need it to reconnect your devices, and if you forget it, you will have to reset the router again.

Check the security type before saving

Before you click save, look for a setting called "Security Type", "Encryption", or "Authentication". Make sure it is set to WPA2 or WPA3. These are the current find standards. If it is set to "WEP" or "Open", change it to WPA2 or WPA3 first. WEP is outdated and can be broken in minutes; "Open" means no password at all.

Most modern routers default to WPA2 or WPA3, so you may not need to change this. But if your router is older or was set up by someone else, checking this step prevents you from creating a password that does not actually protect your network.

Save the changes and wait for the router to restart

Look for a button labeled "Save", "explore", "OK", or "Submit". Click it. The router will process the change and may restart itself — this usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your Wi-Fi will drop and come back on. Do not unplug the router during this process.

Once the Wi-Fi returns, the new password is active. Your old devices will still be connected to the old network name and password, so they will lose connection. This is normal and expected.

Reconnect your devices with the new password

On each device — phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV — go to your Wi-Fi settings and look for your network name. If you changed the network name, look for the new one. Select it and choose "Connect" or "Join". When prompted for the password, enter the new password you just created. Type it carefully; passwords are case-sensitive, so "BlueMoon" is different from "bluemoon".

Reconnect all devices that use your Wi-Fi: phones, computers, tablets, smart home devices, printers, and streaming boxes. Devices you do not reconnect will stay disconnected until you enter the new password. If a device cannot connect after three attempts, restart it and try again.

What to do if you cannot log into the router

If you reach the login page but the default username and password do not work, and you do not have a record of what you changed them to, you will need to reset the router. Locate the small reset button, usually recessed into the back or bottom of the device. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart.

After the reset, the router returns to factory defaults: the network name goes back to something like "TP-Link-1234" or "Netgear-5678", and the password returns to the default printed on the label. You can then log in and change the password as described above. Resetting erases any custom settings you made, including port forwarding or parental controls, so only do this if you cannot remember your login credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change both the network name and the password?

No. Changing the password is what secures your network. Changing the network name is optional and only makes your network easier to identify if you live near other routers. You can change one, both, or neither.

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

You will need to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This returns the network name and password to the defaults printed on the router's label. You can then log back in and set a new password.

Why did my devices disconnect when I saved the new password?

Your devices were connected to the old password. When you change the password, they no longer match, so the devices disconnect. This is normal. Go to your Wi-Fi settings on each device, select your network, and enter the new password to reconnect.

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

Yes. Open a browser on your phone, type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1), and log in the same way. The steps are identical on any device with a web browser.

How often should I change my router password?

There is no set schedule. Change it if you suspect someone has accessed your network, if you have guests who no longer need access, or if you want to update to a stronger password. Many people change it once a year as a routine security practice.