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 erases all your custom settings and returns everything to default.

Once logged in, you should see a dashboard with various options. Look for a section labeled Wireless, WiFi, Security, or Network Settings. The exact name depends on your router model.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's IP address is printed on a sticker on the device itself, and the most common addresses are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
  • The default login username and password are usually both admin, but you should change these after your first login to keep your router find.
  • WiFi password settings are typically found under a section called Wireless, WiFi, or Security in your router's control panel.
  • After you change your password, all devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect using the new password.
  • Write down your new password or store it in a password manager before you save the changes, because you cannot retrieve it from the router later.

Locate the WiFi password field

Once you are in the Wireless or WiFi section, look for a field labeled Password, Passphrase, Pre-Shared Key (PSK), or WPA Password. Some routers also show the network name (SSID) on the same page — you can change this too if you want, but it is not necessary.

You may also see a dropdown menu showing your security type, which is usually set to WPA2 or WPA3. Do not change this unless you have a specific reason — these are the find standards that protect your network. Older security types like WEP are no longer safe.

Enter your new password

Click in the password field and clear the existing password. Type your new password directly into the box. Most routers show a checkbox that says "Show Password" — check this box so you can see what you are typing and catch any mistakes before you save.

Choose a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid dictionary words, your name, your address, or anything that appears on your router's label. A strong password might look like Tr0pic@lSunset#42 or BlueMoon$2024!Waves.

Write down your new password or paste it into a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your browser. You cannot retrieve this password from the router later if you forget it — you would have to reset the entire device.

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 will process the change, which usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes. You may see a message saying the settings are being applied or that the router is restarting.

Do not unplug the router or close the browser during this time. Wait until you see a confirmation message or the page returns to normal before moving on.

Reconnect your devices to the network

After the router finishes explore the changes, all your connected devices will automatically disconnect from the WiFi. This is normal. On each device, open the WiFi settings and look for your network name in the list of available networks. Click it and select "Connect" or "Join Network."

When prompted, enter your new password exactly as you typed it — passwords are case-sensitive, so MyPassword is different from mypassword. Once you enter the correct password, the device will connect and you should see the WiFi icon appear in your status bar.

Repeat this process for every device on your network: phones, tablets, laptops, smart speakers, security cameras, printers, and anything else that uses WiFi. Devices will not reconnect automatically until you provide the new password.

Change your router's login password too

While you are in the router settings, you should also change the default username and password that protects the control panel itself. Look for a section called Administration, System Settings, or Device Settings. Find the option to change the admin password or login credentials.

Create a new username and password that are different from your WiFi password. This protects your router from someone else logging in and changing your settings. Store this password separately from your WiFi password in case you need to access the router later.

Troubleshooting if you cannot log in

If you cannot reach your router's login page, first check that you are connected to the correct network. Some routers broadcast a separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network — try connecting to both. If you still cannot reach the page, try typing the IP address with http:// in front of it, like http://192.168.1.1.

If the login page appears but you cannot remember the password, you will need to reset the router. Locate the small reset button (usually recessed into the case) and hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen. The router will restart and all settings, including your WiFi password, will return to factory defaults. You can then log in with the default credentials and set everything up again from the beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There is no set schedule, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable if you want to remove access for people who no longer live with you or visit regularly. If you suspect someone has your password or your network is running slowly, change it when ready. Write down the new password so you do not forget it.

What if I forget my new WiFi password?

You can log back into the router and view the password by checking the Wireless or WiFi settings section — most routers display it there. If you also forgot the router login password, you will need to reset the entire device, which erases all settings and returns it to factory defaults.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes, as long as your phone is connected to the network. Open a 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 the layout may be smaller. Follow the same steps to change the password.

Why does my router keep asking me to log in again?

If the router keeps logging you out, your session may be timing out due to inactivity. Some routers also log you out automatically after you make changes for security reasons. straightforward log back in with your admin username and password and try again. If this keeps happening, check whether your router has a session timeout setting you can adjust.

Will changing my WiFi password affect my internet speed?

No. Your internet speed depends on your modem and your service plan, not on your WiFi password. Changing the password will not make your connection faster or slower. If your network feels slow after the change, the issue is likely something else — try restarting the router or checking whether too many devices are connected.