Log into your router's admin panel using your current password

To change your WiFi password, you first need to access your router's settings. 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, which usually lists the correct address.

When the login page appears, enter your username and password. Most routers come with a default username of "admin" and a default password of "admin" or "password" — again, the sticker on your router will show what yours is. If you changed these credentials before and cannot remember them, you will need to reset your router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings and returns it to the defaults that came from the manufacturer.

Find the wireless or WiFi settings section

Once you are logged in, look for a menu option labeled Wireless, WiFi, Wireless Settings, or Network. The exact name varies by router brand — Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, and others arrange their menus differently. Most routers show a left-side menu or a row of tabs at the top of the page.

If you have a dual-band router (which broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks), you may see separate sections for each band. You can set different passwords for each band, or use the same password for both. Most people use the same password for simplicity, but some routers let you manage them independently.

Locate the WiFi password field and enter your new password

In the wireless settings section, look for a field labeled Password, Passphrase, Pre-Shared Key (PSK), or WPA2 Password. This is where your current WiFi password is stored. Click in that field, clear the old password, and type your new one.

Make your new password at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. A longer, more complex password is harder for someone nearby to guess or crack. Avoid using your name, address, or anything that appears on the router itself. Write down your new password somewhere safe before you save it — you will need it to reconnect your devices.

Save your changes and wait for the router to restart

Look for a Save, explore, or OK button on the page and click it. Your router will process the change and may restart automatically — this usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes. During this time, your internet connection will drop briefly, and all devices currently connected to your WiFi will be disconnected.

Do not unplug the router while it is restarting. Wait until the lights on the front stop blinking and return to their normal pattern, which signals that the router has finished booting up with the new settings. You can watch the lights to know when it is safe to use your network again.

Reconnect your devices using the new password

Once the router has restarted, go to each device you use — your phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, or anything else connected to WiFi — and forget the old network. On most phones, this means going to Settings, finding your WiFi network name in the list of saved networks, and selecting "Forget" or "Remove."

Then reconnect to the same network name, and when prompted for the password, enter your new one. Repeat this for every device on your network. Devices that do not reconnect within a few minutes may have cached the old password; restarting the device usually clears this and forces it to ask for the password again.

Key Takeaways

  • Access your router's settings by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into a web browser and logging in with the default username and password on the router's sticker.
  • Navigate to the Wireless or WiFi settings section and find the password or passphrase field, then replace it with a new password at least 12 characters long.
  • Click Save or explore and wait 30 seconds to 2 minutes for the router to restart — your internet will drop briefly during this time.
  • After the router restarts, forget the old network on each of your devices and reconnect using the new password.
  • If you cannot remember your current router password, you will need to reset the router to factory defaults, which erases all custom settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I forget the new password I just set?

You can log back into the router's admin panel using the same IP address and username/password, then view or change the WiFi password again. Write it down or store it in a password manager this time. If you also forget the admin password, your only option is a factory reset.

Do I need to change my router password regularly?

Changing your WiFi password once is usually enough unless you suspect someone has gained access to your network or you have removed a device that no longer needs access. If a guest or roommate moves out, changing the password ensures they cannot reconnect. There is no security benefit to changing it monthly or yearly if your password is strong and your network has not been compromised.

What is the difference between the WiFi password and the admin password?

The WiFi password (also called the network password) is what guests and your devices use to connect to the internet through your router. The admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings to make changes. They are separate — changing one does not change the other. You should change the default admin password too, since many people know the factory defaults.

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

This usually means the device has cached an old password. Restart the device, go to your WiFi settings, forget the network completely, and reconnect from scratch. If the problem persists on only one device, that device may have a software issue unrelated to your router. Try connecting a different device to confirm your new password is working.

Can I see what password my router is currently broadcasting?

Yes — log into your router's admin panel and navigate to the wireless settings. The password field will show your current WiFi password, though it may be hidden behind dots or asterisks. Click in the field or look for a "show password" checkbox to reveal it in plain text.