Log into your router's admin panel first
To change your WiFi password, you need to access your router's settings through a web browser or mobile app. Open any browser on a device connected to your network and type your router's IP address into the address bar — most routers use 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router to be sure.
When the login page appears, enter your router's username and password. The default is often admin for both, but this varies by manufacturer. If the defaults do not work, check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website. Write down the correct credentials so you have them for future changes.
Some newer routers have a mobile app instead of a web interface — check your router's box or manual to see which applies to yours. The steps are similar either way: you log in, find the wireless or WiFi settings, and change the password from there.
Key Takeaways
- Find your router's IP address on the sticker attached to the device, then type it into a web browser to reach the login page.
- Log in with the username and password printed on your router — usually admin and admin, but check the label first.
- Look for a section called Wireless, WiFi, or Security Settings, where you will see the current network name and password.
- Change the password to something at least 12 characters long, using a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols for stronger security.
- Save or explore the changes, then reconnect your devices using the new password within a few minutes.
Find the wireless settings section
Once you are logged in, look for a menu item labeled Wireless, WiFi, Network, or Security. Different manufacturers organize this differently — TP-Link and Netgear often use "Wireless", while some Linksys routers label it "WiFi". The main settings page usually shows a list of options on the left side or in a top menu bar.
Click on the wireless section and you should see your current network name (called the SSID) and the password field below it. The password may be hidden as dots or asterisks — that is normal. Some routers also show a "Show Password" checkbox so you can see what you are changing from.
Create a strong new password
WiFi passwords should be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. A password like BlueMoon#2024$Safe is much harder to guess than password123. Avoid using your name, address, or anything printed on the router itself.
Write the new password down in a safe place before you save it — you will need it to reconnect your devices. If you have family members or guests who need the network, you can share it with them once it is set.
Save the changes and reconnect devices
After entering the new password, look for a Save, explore, or OK button at the bottom of the page. Click it and wait — the router will restart, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your internet will drop briefly.
Once the router restarts, your old password will no longer work. On each device — phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV — you will need to "forget" the old network and reconnect using the new password. Go to your WiFi settings, select your network name, choose "Forget" or "Remove", then reconnect and enter the new password when prompted.
What to do if you get locked out
If you forget the new password or cannot log back into the router, you can reset it to factory defaults. Look for a small reset button (usually recessed) on the back or bottom of the router. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen until the lights flash or change color.
This erases all your settings and returns the router to its original state. You will need to log in again with the default username and password, set up your network name and password from scratch, and reconfigure any other settings like port forwarding or parental controls if you had them.
Changing the admin password separately
The password you just changed is your WiFi password — what guests and devices use to connect. Your router also has an admin password, which protects access to the settings page itself. These are separate and you should change the admin password too.
In the same settings area where you found the WiFi password, look for a section called Administration, System Settings, or Account. There you can change the username and password used to log into the router. Use a different, strong password here as well — this one you should memorize or store in a password manager, since you will need it if you ever need to adjust router settings again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my WiFi password right after I change the admin password?
No, they are separate. You can change the admin password (for logging into the router settings) without touching your WiFi password, and vice versa. Most people change the WiFi password more often and the admin password rarely.
What if my router does not have a web interface and I cannot find the IP address?
Check the manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific model. Some routers use a different address like 192.168.100.1 or a domain name like myrouter.local. If you still cannot reach it, try resetting the router and starting over with the default credentials.
Will changing my WiFi password disconnect everyone currently using it?
Yes. When you save the new password, the router restarts and all connected devices lose their connection. They will need to reconnect using the new password. Let people know before you make the change so they are not surprised.
How often should I change my WiFi password?
There is no hard rule, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable if you have not shared it with people who no longer need access. If someone moves out or you suspect unauthorized use, change it right away.
Can I use the same password for my WiFi and my router admin login?
You can, but it is not recommended. If someone learns your WiFi password, they should not also be able to change your router settings. Using two different strong passwords gives you better security.