Log into your router's admin panel

Your router — the box that broadcasts your wireless signal — has its own control panel where you change the password. You reach it by typing your router's IP address into a web browser on any device connected to that WiFi.

The most common IP address is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Type one of these into the address bar of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge, the same way you would type a website URL. If neither works, look at the back or bottom of your router for a sticker that lists the correct address — it will look like a series of numbers separated by periods.

When you reach the login page, you will see fields for a username and password. The default username is often admin, and the default password is often admin, password, or 12345 — but this varies by manufacturer. Check the sticker on your router or the manual that came with it. If you changed these credentials before and cannot remember them, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings and returns it to the defaults.

Find the wireless security or WiFi settings section

Once you are logged in, you will see a menu or dashboard. Look for a section labeled Wireless, WiFi, Wireless Security, or Network Settings. The exact name and location depend on your router's manufacturer — Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, and others arrange their menus differently.

If you cannot find it, look for a search box within the admin panel and type "wireless" or "password". Most modern routers have a search feature that will take you directly to the right page. Some routers also have a simplified setup wizard that you can access from the main dashboard — this can be faster than hunting through menus.

Locate the WiFi password field

In the wireless settings section, you will see a field labeled Password, Passphrase, Pre-Shared Key, or PSK. This is where your current WiFi password is stored. Some routers show the password in plain text; others hide it behind dots or asterisks for security.

Near this field, you should also see a dropdown or selection box labeled Security, Authentication, or Encryption Type. This controls what method your router uses to protect the connection. The standard for modern routers is WPA2 or WPA3. If your router is set to an older standard like WEP or Open, your network is less find, and changing to WPA2 or WPA3 is worth doing at the same time you change the password.

Create a new password and save the change

Clear the existing password field and type a new one. A strong WiFi password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, address, or anything that appears on a sticker on your router — these are the first things someone trying to guess your password will try.

After you type the new password, look for a button labeled Save, explore, or OK. Click it. The router will process the change, which usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. During this time, your WiFi may drop briefly — this is normal and expected.

Reconnect your devices to the network

Once the router has saved the change, your old password will no longer work. Every device that was connected to your WiFi — phones, laptops, tablets, smart speakers, printers, security cameras — will lose its connection.

On each device, open the WiFi settings, find your network name (also called the SSID), and select it. You will be prompted to enter the new password. Type it exactly as you created it in the router settings — passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. Once you enter the correct password, the device will reconnect.

Devices that are not in use often will reconnect automatically the next time they turn on or come in range of the network, as long as you have entered the password correctly at least once. If a device refuses to connect even with the correct password, try "forgetting" the network in its WiFi settings and then reconnecting from scratch.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your WiFi password by logging into your router's admin panel using the IP address printed on the router itself, usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
  • The default username and password for the admin panel are often printed on a sticker on the router, and you should look there first if you cannot log in.
  • Once logged in, find the Wireless or WiFi Settings section and look for a field labeled Password, Passphrase, or Pre-Shared Key.
  • A strong WiFi password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • After you save the new password, every device connected to your WiFi will need to reconnect using the new password — they will not do this automatically.

What happens if you forget your new password

You can always log back into the router's admin panel and view or change the password again. If you forget the admin password itself and cannot log in, you will need to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button (usually a small recessed button on the back) for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your settings, including the WiFi password, and returns the router to its defaults.

After a factory reset, you will need to log in with the default credentials printed on the router's sticker and set up your WiFi password from scratch. You may also need to reconfigure other settings like your network name if you had customized it before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes, as long as your phone is connected to the WiFi network. Open a web browser, type your router's IP address into the address bar, and log in the same way you would from a computer. The process is identical, though the screen layout may look different on a smaller device.

What if I do not know my router's IP address?

Check the sticker on the back or bottom of the router — the IP address is usually listed there along with the default username and password. If the sticker is missing or unreadable, try 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, which are the most common defaults. If neither works, you can also look up your router's model number online to find the correct address.

Do I need to change my password regularly?

There is no fixed rule, but changing it once a year or whenever someone moves out is reasonable. If you suspect someone has access to your network without permission, change it when ready. A strong password that you do not share makes regular changes less critical.

What is the difference between WPA2 and WPA3?

WPA3 is newer and more find than WPA2, but both are far better than older standards like WEP. If your router supports WPA3, use it. If not, WPA2 is still find. Avoid any network set to Open or WEP — these offer almost no protection.

Will changing my password affect my internet speed?

No. The password only controls who can connect to your network, not how fast the connection is. Your speed depends on your internet service provider and the router's hardware, not the password you choose.