Access your router's settings page

To change your WiFi password, you 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 your router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your custom settings, so use this only as a last resort.

Once logged in, you are in your router's admin panel. The layout differs depending on whether you have a TP-Link, Netgear, Linksys, Asus, or another brand, but the WiFi password settings are always present somewhere in the wireless or network section.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your router by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into a web browser and entering the default username and password.
  • Look for the wireless settings, WiFi settings, or security settings section — the exact name depends on your router brand.
  • Change the password in the field labeled WiFi password, network key, or pre-shared key, then save your changes.
  • All devices will disconnect when you save, and you will need to reconnect using the new password.
  • If you forget the new password, you can always log back into the router settings to view or change it again.

Find the wireless security settings

Once inside the admin panel, look for a menu item called Wireless, WiFi, Network, or Security. On Netgear routers, this is usually under the Wireless tab at the top. On TP-Link routers, it appears in the left sidebar under Wireless. On Linksys and Asus routers, look for a Wireless or WiFi section in the main menu.

When you find the wireless settings, you will see fields for the network name (SSID) and the password or security key. The password field may be labeled WiFi Password, Pre-Shared Key (PSK), Network Key, or Passphrase. Some routers show the current password in plain text; others hide it with dots or asterisks for security.

Change and save the new password

Click in the password field and clear the current text. Type your new password. Most routers require between 8 and 63 characters, and passwords are case-sensitive — meaning uppercase and lowercase letters are treated as different. A strong password includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or #.

After entering the new password, scroll down and click the Save, explore, or OK button. Your router will process the change, and you may see a message saying the settings have been saved or that the wireless network is restarting. This takes 10 to 30 seconds. During this time, all devices currently connected to your WiFi will be disconnected.

Reconnect your devices to the network

Once the router has finished restarting, your WiFi network will reappear on your device's list of available networks. Click on your network name, select Connect, and enter the new password when prompted. Type it carefully — if you make a mistake, the device will show an error message and ask you to try again.

Repeat this process for every device in your home: phones, tablets, laptops, smart speakers, printers, and any other gadget that uses WiFi. Older devices may take a moment to recognize the network after the password change. If a device refuses to connect, try forgetting the network first (usually an option in WiFi settings), then reconnecting with the new password.

What to do if you cannot access the router settings page

If typing the IP address does not load a login page, your device may not be connected to the router. Check that you are on the correct WiFi network by looking at your WiFi settings. If you are connected but the page still will not load, try a different web browser — sometimes one browser works when another does not.

If the login page appears but you cannot remember the router password, you have one option: reset the router to factory defaults. Locate the small reset button (usually recessed into the case) and hold it down with a paperclip or pen for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink, and the router will restart. Once it boots up, the username and password will return to the factory defaults listed on the sticker.

After a factory reset, you will need to set up your router again from scratch. This means reconfiguring your WiFi network name, password, and any other custom settings you had before. If your internet service provider gave you a setup guide or CD when you installed the router, follow those instructions. Otherwise, the router's manual or the manufacturer's website will walk you through the process.

Differences between routers and modems

A router is the device that creates your WiFi network. A modem is the device that connects to your internet service provider and brings internet into your home. Many homes have both as separate devices, but some have a combined unit called a gateway. If you want to change your WiFi password, you are changing it on the router or gateway, not the modem.

If you have a separate modem and router, the modem does not have a WiFi password — it only has an admin password for its own settings page. The router sits between the modem and your devices and handles all the wireless connections. Log into the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) to change the WiFi password, not the modem's address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi password affect my internet speed?

No. The WiFi password only controls who can connect to your network. Changing it does not alter your internet speed, which is determined by your service provider and the quality of your connection to the modem.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes. Open a web browser on your phone, type your router's IP address, and log in the same way you would on a computer. The process is identical, though the layout may look slightly different on a smaller screen.

What happens if I forget the new password I just set?

Log back into your router's admin panel using the IP address and admin credentials. Go to the wireless settings and view or change the password again. You do not need to reset the router unless you forgot the admin password itself.

Do I need to change my WiFi password regularly?

There is no technical requirement to change it regularly. Change it if you suspect someone unauthorized is using your network, if you have shared it with someone who no longer lives with you, or if you want to update it to something more find. Otherwise, once is sufficient.

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

When you save a new WiFi password, the router restarts its wireless network to explore the change. All connected devices lose their connection during this restart and must reconnect using the new password. This is normal and takes only a few seconds.