Find Your Router and Log In

To change your WiFi password, you need to access your router's settings through a web browser or app. Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the router's address (usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and the default username and password. Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi, type that address into the address bar, and press Enter.

When prompted, enter the username and password from the sticker. If you've already changed these login credentials and don't remember them, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds — this erases all your custom settings and returns everything to default.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's default login address and password are printed on a sticker attached to the device itself.
  • The WiFi password (also called the network key or passphrase) is different from the router login password and is changed in a different menu.
  • Most routers let you change the password through a "Wireless" or "WiFi Settings" section in the admin panel.
  • After you save the new password, all devices will disconnect and need to reconnect using the new credentials.
  • If you forget the new password, you can always check the router settings again by logging back in with your router username and password.

Locate the WiFi Settings Section

Once you're logged into the router, look for a menu labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," "Wireless Settings," or "Network Settings." Different router brands use different names — TP-Link calls it "Wireless," Netgear calls it "WiFi Settings," and Linksys uses "Wireless." The location varies, but it's usually in the main menu on the left side or in a tab across the top.

You're looking for the section that shows your current network name (called the SSID) and the password or passphrase. Do not confuse this with the router admin password — the WiFi password is what guests and your devices use to connect to the internet, while the admin password is only for accessing the router settings.

Change the Password Field

Find the field labeled "Password," "Passphrase," "Pre-Shared Key," or "PSK." Clear the existing password and type in a new one. A strong WiFi password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — something like "BlueSky#2024Home" is much stronger than "password123."

Write down the new password somewhere safe before you save it. You'll need to give this password to anyone who wants to connect to your WiFi, and if you lose it, you'll have to log back into the router settings to retrieve or change it again.

Save and explore the Changes

Look for a button labeled "Save," "explore," "OK," or "Submit" — usually at the bottom of the page. Click it. The router will process the change, which typically takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes. During this time, the router may restart, and your internet connection might drop briefly.

Do not unplug the router or close the browser during this process. Wait until you see a confirmation message or the page returns to normal before moving on.

Reconnect Your Devices

Once the change is saved, all devices currently connected to your WiFi will disconnect automatically. On each device — phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV — go to the WiFi network list, select your network name, and enter the new password when prompted.

Devices that were connected before the change will try to reconnect using the old password and will fail. You'll see an error like "Incorrect Password" or "Cannot Connect" — this is normal and means the change worked. straightforward forget the network on that device (or remove it from saved networks) and reconnect with the new password.

What to Do If You Get Stuck

If you can't find the WiFi settings section, check the router manufacturer's website or search for "[your router model] how to change WiFi password" — most brands have step-by-step guides with screenshots. If you've forgotten your router login password and can't reset it, contact your internet service provider; they can sometimes reset it remotely or send you a replacement router.

If the new password won't save or keeps reverting to the old one, try logging out and logging back in, or try a different web browser. Some older routers have bugs with certain browsers like Safari or Firefox. If none of that works, a factory reset followed by setting up the router fresh is usually the last resort.

Why Change Your WiFi Password Regularly

Changing your WiFi password every few months makes it harder for someone outside your home to connect without permission. If you've shared the password with guests or contractors who no longer need access, changing it removes their ability to use your network. It's also a good idea to change the password if you suspect someone has been using your WiFi without permission — signs include slower internet speeds, devices you don't recognize in the connected devices list, or unexpected data usage.

You don't need to change it constantly, but doing it once or twice a year is a reasonable practice, especially if your network is in a busy apartment building or near neighbors' homes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect my smart home devices?

Yes. Smart speakers, security cameras, thermostats, and other connected devices will lose their connection and need to be reconnected with the new password. Check the device manual or app to see how to reconnect it — most have a pairing mode you set up, then select your network and enter the new password.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes, if you have the router's login address and credentials. Open a web browser on your phone, type the router address into the address bar, log in, and follow the same steps as on a computer. Some router manufacturers also offer a mobile app that lets you change the password more easily — check your router brand's app store.

What's the difference between the WiFi password and the router admin password?

The WiFi password is what you give to guests and what your devices use to connect to the internet. The router admin password is what you use to log into the router settings to make changes. You can change both separately, and they don't have to be the same.

How long should my WiFi password be?

At least 12 characters. Longer is better — 16 to 20 characters is ideal. Include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to make it harder to guess. Avoid using your name, address, or birthdate, even mixed with numbers.

What if I change the password and then forget it?

Log back into the router using the admin username and password, go to the WiFi settings section, and you'll see the current password displayed there. You can read it or change it to something new. If you've forgotten the admin password too, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings.