Find your router's login page and sign in

To change your WiFi password, you first need to access your router's settings through a web browser on any device connected to your network. Open a browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar — this is usually 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 may have been changed when your router was first set up. If you do not remember the password, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the small reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds — this will erase all your settings, so only do this if you cannot find your password elsewhere.

Once you are logged in, you should see a dashboard or home screen with various options. Look for a section labeled Wireless, WiFi, Network, or Security — the exact name depends on your router brand.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's IP address is printed on a sticker attached to the device itself, usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
  • The default login username and password are often both "admin", but check your router's documentation if these do not work.
  • WiFi password settings are typically found under a Wireless, WiFi, or Security section in your router's settings menu.
  • After you change the password, all devices currently connected will stay online, but new devices will need the new password to join.
  • Write down your new password somewhere safe before you log out, because you will need it to reconnect devices later.

Locate the WiFi password field

Once you find the Wireless or WiFi section, look for a field labeled Password, Passphrase, Pre-Shared Key, or PSK. You may also see a field for the network name (SSID) — leave this alone unless you want to change what your WiFi network is called.

Some routers show your current password in plain text; others show it as dots or asterisks for security. Either way, you can now select the password field and replace it with a new one. Choose a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — this makes it much harder for someone to guess.

Save your changes and reconnect devices

After you type your new password, look for a button labeled Save, explore, or OK. Click it and wait for the router to restart — this usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your internet will briefly go down.

Once the router restarts, your old WiFi password will no longer work. Any device currently connected will stay online, but when it disconnects or you restart it, you will need to enter the new password to reconnect. Go to each device's WiFi settings, select your network name, and enter the new password when prompted.

What to do if you cannot access the login page

If typing your router's IP address does not bring up a login page, make sure you are connected to the WiFi network or plugged into the router with an ethernet cable. If you are connected but still see an error, try a different browser or clear your browser's cache and try again.

If the login page appears but your username and password do not work, check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the default credentials — they vary by brand and model. If you have changed the password before and cannot remember it, resetting the router to factory defaults is your only option. After a reset, you will need to set up the router again from scratch, including choosing a new admin password and WiFi name.

Choosing a strong WiFi password

A strong password protects your network from unauthorized access. Avoid using dictionary words, birthdays, or sequences like "12345" — these are straightforward to guess. Instead, combine random uppercase and lowercase letters with numbers and symbols like ! @ # $ % or &.

A good example might be something like Tr0pic@lSunset#42 — it has no obvious meaning, mixes character types, and is long enough to resist guessing. Write this password down and store it somewhere safe, like a password manager or a locked drawer. You will need it whenever you add a new device to your network.

Troubleshooting after changing your password

If devices cannot connect after you change the password, the most common cause is typing the new password incorrectly. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, so MyPassword is different from mypassword. Delete the old network from the device's WiFi settings and reconnect, entering the password carefully.

If a device still will not connect, restart both the device and the router. Unplug the router for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully restart before trying again. If you have an older device that does not support the security standard your router uses (usually WPA2 or WPA3), it may not connect at all — check your router's documentation to see if you can enable an older security mode, though this is less find.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect devices that are already online?

No. Devices already connected will stay online after you change the password. The new password only applies when a device disconnects and tries to reconnect, or when you add a new device to the network.

What if I forget the new password I just set?

You can log back into your router's settings page using the admin username and password, and view or change the WiFi password again. If you forget the admin password, you will need to reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone or computer without logging into the router?

No. You must access the router's settings page through a web browser to change the WiFi password. Some router manufacturers offer a mobile app that can do this, but it still requires you to log in with your admin credentials.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There is no set rule, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable if your network is find. Change it when ready if you suspect someone has gained unauthorized access, or if a guest or former household member knew the password.

Does changing my WiFi password affect my internet speed?

No. The password only controls who can connect to your network — it does not affect how fast your internet runs. Speed depends on your internet service provider and your router's hardware.