Change your Verizon router password through the admin panel or the My Verizon app

Your Verizon router password is the code people enter to join your Wi-Fi network. Changing it regularly — especially if you've shared it with guests or contractors — keeps unauthorized devices off your network and protects the data moving through your home. You can change it in two ways: through the router's admin panel (a web page you access from any device on your network) or through the My Verizon mobile app if your router is a newer model.

The process takes about five minutes and requires you to know your current admin password, which is different from your Wi-Fi password. If you've never changed either one, both may still be the factory defaults printed on a sticker on the router itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Wi-Fi password and your router admin password are two separate things — changing one does not change the other.
  • The fastest method is the My Verizon app if you have a newer Verizon router, since it walks you through the steps without needing to remember your admin password.
  • If you use the web admin panel, you type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into any browser, then log in with your admin credentials.
  • After you change your Wi-Fi password, all devices currently connected will stay connected, but new devices will need the new password to join.
  • If you forget your new password, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, which erases all your custom settings.

Change your password through the My Verizon app

The My Verizon app is the easiest route if your router is a Fios or 5G Home model made in the last three years. Open the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), and select "Internet" or "Network Settings." Look for an option labeled "Wi-Fi" or "Wireless Settings." Tap it, then select "Change Wi-Fi Password" or "Edit Network."

Enter your new password — Verizon recommends at least 12 characters mixing uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols, though the router will accept shorter ones. Tap "Save" or "explore." The app will confirm the change within 30 seconds. Your existing devices stay connected; new devices will need the new password to join.

If your router model does not appear in the app or the Wi-Fi settings option is missing, your router is older and you'll need to use the web admin panel instead.

Change your password through the web admin panel

Open any web browser on a device connected to your Verizon network. Type 192.168.1.1 into the address bar and press Enter. You'll see a login page asking for a username and password. The default username is usually admin and the default password is printed on the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it often looks like a string of letters and numbers.

If you've changed your admin password before and don't remember it, you'll need to reset the router to factory defaults (see the reset section below). Once you log in, look for a menu option labeled "Wi-Fi," "Wireless," "Network," or "Settings." The exact name varies by router model.

Find the field labeled "Wi-Fi Password," "Network Password," "Pre-Shared Key," or "PSK." Delete the current password and type your new one. Make sure "Wi-Fi Security" or "Security Mode" is set to WPA2 or WPA3 — never use WEP or open networks. Click "explore," "Save," or "OK." The router may restart for 30 to 60 seconds; this is normal.

What happens to devices after you change the password

Devices already connected to your network stay connected even after you change the password. They don't need to re-enter anything. However, any new device trying to join your network — a phone, laptop, smart speaker, or security camera — will need the new password. When someone tries to connect, they'll see your network name and be prompted to enter the password. If they enter the old password, the connection will fail.

If you have many devices on your network, changing the password can be disruptive. Some people change it during a time when fewer people are using the network, then notify household members and guests of the new password through a separate channel (text, email, or in person) so they can update their devices.

Reset your router if you forget your admin password

If you've changed your admin password and forgotten it, you cannot log into the admin panel to change your Wi-Fi password. The only way forward is to reset the router to factory defaults. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it's usually recessed so you can't press it by accident. Use a straightened paperclip or a pen tip to press and hold the button for 10 full seconds, then release.

The router will restart and return to its factory settings. This erases your Wi-Fi password, your admin password, and any other custom settings you've made. After the restart, you'll see the default Wi-Fi network name (usually something like "Verizon-XXXX" or "Fios-XXXX") and you can log back in using the default admin password on the sticker. Then you can set a new Wi-Fi password and a new admin password.

Resetting takes about two minutes, and your internet connection will be down during that time. All devices will lose their connection and will need to reconnect using the default network name and password once the router restarts.

Difference between Wi-Fi password and admin password

These are two separate passwords that control different things. Your Wi-Fi password is what guests and household members type into their devices to join your network. Your admin password is what you type to log into the router's settings page — only you should know this one. Changing your Wi-Fi password does not change your admin password, and vice versa.

Many people never change their admin password and leave it as the factory default. This is a security risk if someone gains physical access to your router, since they could log in and change your settings or see your network details. If you share your home with roommates, contractors, or frequent guests, consider changing your admin password to something only you know, separate from your Wi-Fi password.

Why you might want to change your router password regularly

Your Wi-Fi password is the only barrier between your network and someone trying to connect from outside your home. If you've shared the password with guests, contractors, or service people, they retain it unless you change it. Changing your password removes their access without having to contact them or explain why.

A strong password — at least 12 characters with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols — is harder to guess or crack than a short one. Verizon routers allow passwords up to 63 characters. If you use a password manager (like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your phone), you can store a long, random password there and not have to remember it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart my router after changing the password?

The router usually restarts automatically after you save the new password. If it doesn't, you can unplug it for 10 seconds and plug it back in. The restart takes about 30 to 60 seconds. Your internet will be down during this time, but devices already connected will stay connected once it comes back up.

What if I can't log into the admin panel at 192.168.1.1?

Make sure you're on a device connected to your Verizon network (Wi-Fi or ethernet). If you're on a different network, you won't reach the router. Also check that you're typing the address correctly — it's 192.168.1.1, not 192.168.0.1. If you still can't reach it, reset the router to factory defaults using the reset button.

Can I change my Wi-Fi password from my phone?

Yes, if you have the My Verizon app and a newer router model. You can also use a web browser on your phone to reach 192.168.1.1, though the mobile view may be harder to navigate than the desktop version. Either way, your phone must be connected to your Verizon network first.

Will changing my password disconnect my smart home devices?

Yes. Smart speakers, security cameras, thermostats, and other connected devices will lose their connection when you change the password. You'll need to reconnect each one manually by opening its app or settings, selecting your network, and entering the new password. This can take 10 to 20 minutes if you have many devices.

Is my Wi-Fi password the same as my Verizon account password?

No. Your Verizon account password is what you use to log into My Verizon online or on the app to pay your bill and manage your account. Your Wi-Fi password is separate and only controls access to your home network. Changing one does not affect the other.