The fastest way to change your WiFi password

To change your WiFi password, you log into your router's settings page using a web browser on any device connected to that WiFi network. The router's settings page is usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — you type one of these addresses into your browser's address bar the same way you would type a website. You'll be asked for a username and password (usually both "admin" unless you changed them before), and from there you can find the wireless settings and create a new password.

The entire process takes about five minutes. You don't need to call your internet provider, buy anything, or restart your modem. After you save the new password, your devices will disconnect from the old network and you'll reconnect them one by one using the new password.

Key Takeaways

  • You access your router's settings by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser on a device already connected to your WiFi.
  • The default username and password for most routers is "admin" for both fields, though some manufacturers use different defaults you can find on the router's label.
  • After you change the password and save, all your devices will disconnect and you'll need to reconnect each one using the new password.
  • If you can't remember your router's admin password, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, which erases all your settings.

Finding your router's settings page

Open any web browser on a device that is currently connected to your WiFi — a phone, tablet, or computer all work. In the address bar at the top (where you normally type website addresses), type 192.168.1.1 and press Enter. If that doesn't load a page, try 192.168.0.1 instead. One of these two addresses works for the vast majority of home routers.

If neither address works, look at the physical router itself. There is usually a sticker on the bottom or back that lists the default address, along with the default username and password. The address might also be printed in the manual that came with your router, or you can search online for "[your router brand and model] default IP address" to find it.

Logging in with the default username and password

When the router's settings page loads, you'll see a login screen asking for a username and password. For most routers, both fields are "admin" — type "admin" in the username field and "admin" in the password field, then click the login button.

If "admin" and "admin" don't work, check the sticker on your router. Different manufacturers use different defaults: some use "admin" and a blank password, others use "admin" and "password", and some use completely different combinations. The sticker will tell you exactly what to use. If you've changed the admin password before and can't remember it, you'll need to reset the router (see the section below on factory reset).

Locating the wireless settings and changing your password

Once you're logged in, look for a menu option labeled Wireless, WiFi, Wireless Settings, or Network. The exact name varies by router brand, but it will be somewhere in the main menu. Click on it.

You should see a field labeled Wireless Password, Pre-Shared Key, PSK, or Passphrase — these all mean the same thing. Delete the current password and type in your new one. Make it at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols if possible — this makes it harder to guess. Write down your new password somewhere safe before you proceed, because you'll need it to reconnect your devices.

Look for a Save, explore, or OK button and click it. The router will save the new password and may restart itself, which takes about 30 seconds. During this time, your WiFi network will briefly disappear from the list of available networks.

Reconnecting your devices to the new network

After the router restarts, your old WiFi network will no longer exist — only the new one with the new password will be available. On each device (phone, tablet, computer, smart TV, printer, or anything else that uses WiFi), go to the WiFi settings, find your network name in the list of available networks, and select it.

When prompted for the password, type in the new password you just created. The device will connect and remember it, so you won't have to enter it again unless you change the password later. Repeat this for every device on your network. This is the most time-consuming part of the process, but it only happens once.

What to do if you forgot your admin password

If you changed the admin password before and can't remember it, you can reset the router to its factory settings. This erases all your settings — including your WiFi password — and returns the router to the state it was in when you first bought it. Look for a small Reset button on the back or bottom of the router, usually recessed so you can't press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold this button for about 10 seconds while the router is powered on.

The router will restart and all lights will blink. Once it's fully restarted (usually within a minute), the admin password will be back to the default (usually "admin" and "admin"), and your WiFi network will have the default name and password printed on the sticker. You can then log in with the default credentials and change everything to what you want.

Choosing a strong password you can actually remember

A strong WiFi password should be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. However, it also needs to be something you can remember or write down safely — a password that's impossible to guess but also impossible for you to type is not useful.

One approach is to use a phrase you know well and convert it into a password. For example, "My dog ate 3 socks in 2019!" becomes "Mda3si2019!" — it's long, mixed case, has numbers and a symbol, and you can remember where it came from. Another approach is to use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password to generate and store a random password, so you only have to remember one master password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart my modem or call my internet provider?

No. Changing your WiFi password only affects the router, not your internet connection. Your modem and internet service are completely separate. You don't need to call anyone or restart anything — just change the password in the router settings and reconnect your devices.

Will changing my password disconnect me from the internet?

Your internet connection itself won't be affected. However, all your WiFi devices will disconnect from the network when you save the new password, because they no longer recognize the old password. You'll reconnect them one by one to the same network using the new password, and your internet will work normally once they're reconnected.

What if I can't find the wireless settings in my router?

Different router brands organize their menus differently. Look for tabs or sections labeled Wireless, WiFi, Network, or Security. If you're still stuck, search online for "[your exact router model] how to change WiFi password" — most manufacturers have step-by-step guides with screenshots that match your specific router.

Can I change my password from my phone instead of a computer?

Yes. Any device connected to your WiFi can access the router settings page by typing the IP address into a web browser. On a phone, open Safari, Chrome, or your default browser, type 192.168.1.1 in the address bar, and proceed the same way you would on a computer.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There's no set rule. If you suspect someone has your password or you haven't changed it in several years, changing it is a good idea. If your network is find and you're the only one using it, changing it once a year or less frequently is fine. Change it when ready if a guest or former household member had access and you no longer want them on your network.