You can change your Verizon WiFi password through the My Verizon app, the Verizon website, or directly on your router

The fastest way is through the My Verizon app on your phone. Open the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), select "Internet," then "Manage WiFi." From there you can rename your network and set a new password. The whole process takes about two minutes.

If you prefer a computer, log into My Verizon at verizon.com, go to "Internet" in the menu, select your router, and look for "WiFi Settings" or "WiFi Network Name and Password." You'll see fields to change both your network name and password.

The third option is to change the password directly on the router itself. This works if you're standing next to it or if the app and website aren't working. You'll need to log into the router's admin panel using your router's IP address (usually printed on a sticker on the device) and your admin password.

Key Takeaways

  • The My Verizon app is the quickest method and requires only your Verizon login credentials.
  • Your new password should be at least 8 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and symbols for stronger security.
  • All devices connected to your WiFi will lose connection when you change the password and will need the new password to reconnect.
  • If you forget your admin password for the router itself, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, which will erase all your custom settings.

What happens to your devices when you change the password

When you set a new WiFi password, every phone, laptop, tablet, and smart device currently connected to your network will disconnect when ready. They won't reconnect automatically, even if they remember the old password.

You'll need to go to each device's WiFi settings, find your network name in the list, and enter the new password. On most phones, you can forget the old network first (which clears the old password from memory) and then select it again to enter the new one. On computers, the process is similar—go to WiFi settings, select your network, and type in the new password when prompted.

Smart home devices like security cameras, doorbells, thermostats, and speakers will also disconnect. Some of these may require you to use their own app to reconnect, rather than just entering the password in your phone's WiFi settings. Check the device's manual or app if you're unsure how to reconnect it.

Changing the password directly on your router

If the app or website isn't working, you can log into your router's admin panel. Look for a sticker on the back or bottom of your Verizon router that shows an IP address (usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and a default username and password.

Open a web browser on a computer or phone connected to your WiFi, type that IP address into the address bar, and log in with the username and password from the sticker. Once you're in the admin panel, look for a section labeled "WiFi," "Wireless," or "Network Settings." You should see fields for your network name (SSID) and password.

After you change the password and save, your router will restart and all devices will disconnect. This method is less common than using the app, but it's useful if you've forgotten your Verizon account password or if you're having trouble with the My Verizon app.

Creating a strong WiFi password

A strong password makes it harder for someone nearby to guess your network password and connect to your WiFi without permission. Verizon doesn't set a minimum length requirement, but security experts recommend at least 12 characters for a WiFi password.

Mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! @ # $ % ^ &). Avoid using your name, address, or anything that appears on your router's sticker. Don't use common words or straightforward patterns like "123456" or "password."

A good example might look like: "BlueSky#Maple47&Rain" or "Verizon$Router2024!Home." These are long enough and random enough that someone trying to guess it would need a very long time. Write your new password down somewhere safe—not on a sticky note on the router itself.

What to do if you can't remember your admin password

If you've forgotten the admin password for your router (the password you use to log into the router's settings panel, not your WiFi password), you can reset the router to factory settings. This erases all your custom settings, including your WiFi password, and returns the router to the way it came from Verizon.

Locate the small reset button on the back of your router. Using a paperclip or the tip of a pen, press and hold the reset button for about 10 seconds until the lights on the front of the router blink or turn off. The router will restart and return to its default settings.

After the reset, you'll need to set up your WiFi network again from scratch. You can do this through the My Verizon app or by logging back into the router's admin panel with the default username and password (which should be on the sticker on your router). Then follow the steps above to create a new network name and password.

Troubleshooting if the password change isn't working

If you've tried to change your password through the My Verizon app but it's not taking effect, first try logging out of the app completely and logging back in. Sometimes the app needs to refresh to show the change.

If that doesn't work, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. Wait for all the lights to stabilize (usually 2 to 3 minutes) before trying to connect with your new password.

If you're still having trouble, check whether your Verizon account is current and in good standing. Some account issues can prevent you from changing router settings. You can also try the website method instead of the app—sometimes one works when the other doesn't. If neither works, contact Verizon support at 1-908-559-4899 or through the My Verizon app's chat feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There's no set rule, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable for most homes. Change it sooner if you've had guests over, if someone moves out, or if you suspect someone has connected without permission. If you notice unfamiliar devices in your network list, change the password right away.

Can I change my WiFi password without losing internet?

Your internet connection itself won't go down, but all your devices will disconnect from WiFi when you change the password. They'll need to reconnect with the new password. Your router will stay online the whole time.

What's the difference between my WiFi password and my Verizon account password?

Your WiFi password is what you enter on your phone or laptop to connect to your home network. Your Verizon account password is what you use to log into My Verizon online or in the app. They're completely separate, and changing one doesn't affect the other.

Will changing my WiFi password affect my Verizon bill or service?

No. Changing your WiFi password is purely a network security setting and has no impact on your bill, your internet speed, or your service with Verizon.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone if I'm not home?

Yes, if you're logged into the My Verizon app. You don't need to be connected to your home WiFi to change the password—you can do it over cellular data. However, you won't be able to test the new password until you're back home or reconnect to WiFi.