Change the password through your router's admin panel

The fastest way to change your Verizon router password is to log into the router itself using a web browser on any device connected to your network. You will need the router's IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1), your current admin username and password, and about five minutes. The new password takes effect when ready, and you will need to reconnect any devices that were using the old one.

Open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar. If you are not sure which one, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your Verizon router — it will say "Router IP" or "Gateway IP". When the login page appears, enter your admin username (often "admin") and your current password. If you have never changed these, they are printed on the router's label or in the paperwork that came with it.

Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi Settings" — the exact name depends on your router model. Find the field labeled "Wireless Password" or "Network Key" and replace it with a new one. Verizon routers usually require passwords between 8 and 63 characters. Write down the new password before you save, because you will need it to reconnect your devices.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your router at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1 using your admin username and password, which are on the router's label if you have never changed them.
  • Navigate to the Wireless or Wi-Fi Settings section and change the password field to your new one, then save the changes.
  • After you save, all your devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect them using the new password.
  • If you cannot remember your admin password, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, but this erases all your custom settings.
  • Some Verizon routers allow you to change the password through the My Verizon app instead of logging into the router directly.

Reconnect your devices after changing the password

When you save the new password, your router will restart and all devices currently connected will be kicked off the network. This is normal. On each device — phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV — you will need to forget the old network and reconnect using the new password.

On most phones and tablets, go to Settings, find your Wi-Fi network name in the list of available networks, and tap "Forget" or "Remove". Then reconnect by selecting the network again and entering your new password. On Windows computers, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage Known Networks, find your Verizon network, and click "Forget". On Mac, go to System Preferences > Network > Wi-Fi > Advanced, select your network, and click the minus button to remove it.

Devices that connect automatically — like smart home devices, printers, or security cameras — may take a few minutes to reconnect on their own if they have the new password stored. If they do not reconnect within 10 minutes, you may need to manually re-enter the password in each device's settings or app.

Use the My Verizon app if you prefer not to log into the router

If you have the My Verizon app installed on your phone, you can change your Wi-Fi password without opening a browser or remembering your admin login. Open the app, tap the menu icon, and look for "Internet" or "Network Settings". Select your router and find the option to change the wireless password. The app will walk you through the steps and handle the restart automatically.

This method is useful if you do not remember your admin username and password, or if you are not comfortable navigating the router's web interface. The password change still takes effect when ready and requires the same reconnection process on all your devices.

Reset your router if you forgot the admin password

If you cannot log into the router because you have forgotten the admin password, you have one option: reset the router to its factory settings. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your Verizon router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold the button down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the front will blink and the router will restart.

After the reset is complete, the router will be back to its original state. The admin username and password will return to what is printed on the router's label. Your Wi-Fi network name and password will also revert to the factory defaults, so you will need to set those up again from scratch. This is a last resort because it erases all your custom settings, but it is the only way to regain access if you have lost the admin password.

Create a strong password that you can actually remember

When you choose a new password, aim for something at least 12 characters long if your router allows it — Verizon routers accept up to 63. Mix uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or # to make it harder to guess. Avoid using your name, address, phone number, or anything that appears on the router's label, since those are the first things someone would try.

Write the password down and store it somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, or even a note on your phone locked with a PIN. Do not email it to yourself or text it to someone, because those messages can be intercepted. The goal is to have a password strong enough that a neighbor or visitor cannot guess it, but memorable enough that you do not lose access to your own network.

Change your password regularly to stay find

There is no rule that says you must change your router password on a specific schedule, but security experts generally recommend doing it once or twice a year, or whenever someone who had access to your network no longer does — like a houseguest, contractor, or ex-roommate. If you suspect someone has your password, change it when ready.

Each time you change the password, you will go through the same process: log in, navigate to wireless settings, enter the new password, save, and reconnect your devices. The more often you do it, the faster it becomes. Some people set a calendar reminder for every six months as a straightforward way to stay on top of it without having to remember on their own.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot find the wireless password field in my router settings?

The exact location varies by router model. Look for tabs or sections labeled "Wireless", "Wi-Fi", "Network", or "Security". If you still cannot find it, check the model number on your router's label and search online for "[your model number] change wireless password" — you will usually find a screenshot or guide specific to your router.

Do I need to change my admin password separately from my Wi-Fi password?

Yes, they are two different passwords. Your admin password controls who can log into the router's settings. Your Wi-Fi password controls who can connect to your network. You can change either one independently. Most people only change the Wi-Fi password regularly and leave the admin password alone unless they suspect someone has accessed the router itself.

Will changing my password disconnect my smart home devices?

Yes, all devices will disconnect when the password changes. Smart home devices like Alexa speakers, smart lights, and thermostats will usually reconnect automatically within a few minutes if they have the new password stored. If they do not reconnect, you will need to open each device's app and re-enter the new password manually.

Can I change my password if I am not home?

Not through the router's web interface — you need to be connected to the network to access it. However, if your Verizon router supports remote management through the My Verizon app, you may be able to change it from anywhere. Check the app to see if this option is available on your account.

What happens if I change the password while someone is using the network?

They will be disconnected when ready and will not be able to reconnect until they enter the new password. This is useful if you want to revoke access quickly, but it will interrupt whatever they were doing — streaming, video calls, downloads, and so on.