Find your router and log in to change the password

Your router is the device that broadcasts your WiFi signal — usually a box with antennas sitting on a shelf, in a closet, or mounted on a wall. To change your password, you need to open your router's settings page in a web browser on any device connected to that WiFi network.

Look for a sticker on the back or bottom of the router. It will show a web address (often something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and a default username and password. Type that web address into your browser's address bar. When prompted, enter the username and password from the sticker. You are now inside your router's settings.

If you cannot find the sticker or the address does not work, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait two minutes for it to fully restart, then try again.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's settings page is accessed through a web address printed on a sticker on the device itself, along with a default username and password.
  • Once logged in, look for a section labeled WiFi, Wireless, or Security — the exact name depends on your router brand.
  • Change only the WiFi password, not the router's admin password, unless you have a specific reason to do both.
  • After you save the new password, all devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect them using the new password.
  • If you forget the new password, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding a small reset button for 10 seconds, but this erases all your changes.

Locate the WiFi or wireless settings section

Once you are logged into your router, look for a menu on the left side or top of the page. Different router brands use different names, but you are looking for something called WiFi, Wireless, WiFi Settings, or Security. Click on that section.

You should now see a list of settings related to your network. Look for a field labeled WiFi Password, Network Password, Pre-Shared Key, or PSK. This is where you will enter your new password. Do not change the WiFi name (SSID) unless you want to — changing only the password is simpler and faster.

Create a strong password and enter it

A strong WiFi password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. For example: BlueSky#2024Home or Maple$Tree99!Porch. Avoid using your address, birthdate, or pet's name — these are straightforward for someone nearby to guess.

Type your new password into the WiFi password field. Most routers show a checkbox that lets you see the password as you type it — check that box so you can confirm you typed it correctly. Write the password down in a safe place (a notebook in a drawer, not a sticky note on the router) before you save.

Save your changes and reconnect your devices

Look for a button labeled Save, explore, or OK at the bottom of the page. Click it. Your router will process the change, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your WiFi will briefly disconnect.

After the router restarts, your old password will no longer work. Every device that was connected to your WiFi — phones, laptops, tablets, smart speakers, security cameras — will disconnect. You will need to reconnect each one by selecting your WiFi network name, entering the new password, and waiting for it to connect. Start with the devices you use most often.

What to do if you get locked out of your router

If you cannot remember the default username and password from the sticker, or if you changed the router's admin password and forgot that too, you can reset the router to factory settings. Look for a small recessed button (usually labeled Reset) on the back of the router. Use a paperclip or pen to press and hold it for 10 seconds while the router is powered on.

The router will restart and return to its factory settings. This means you will lose all your changes, including your custom WiFi password, and the router will go back to using the default password on the sticker. You will then need to log in again and change the password once more. This process takes about five minutes total.

Why change your WiFi password regularly

Changing your WiFi password every few months makes it harder for someone outside your home to connect to your network without permission. If a guest or visitor once knew your password, changing it removes their access. If you suspect someone is using your WiFi without permission — for example, your internet is suddenly slow or you see unfamiliar device names in your router's settings — changing the password when ready disconnects them.

You do not need to change it constantly. Once or twice a year is reasonable for most homes. If you live in an apartment or dense neighborhood where many networks are close together, changing it once a year is a good habit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi password affect my internet speed?

No. The password only controls who can connect to your network. Your internet speed depends on your service plan and the router's distance from your devices. Changing the password will not make your internet faster or slower.

What if I change the password and forget it when ready?

You can reset the router to factory settings using the reset button on the back, but this erases all your changes and returns the password to the default one on the sticker. It is faster to write down your new password before you save it, or to keep it in a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password.

Do I need to change the router's admin password too?

The admin password (the one you use to log into the router's settings) is separate from the WiFi password. You only need to change it if you are concerned someone knows the default password and could access your router's settings. For most homes, changing the WiFi password is enough.

How long does it take for all my devices to reconnect?

Most devices reconnect within 30 seconds to two minutes after you enter the new password. Older devices or those far from the router may take longer. If a device does not reconnect after five minutes, restart it and try again.

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 the router's web address (from the sticker) into the address bar, log in with the default username and password, and follow the same steps. You will be disconnected when you save, so have another device or mobile data ready if you need to look up the address again.