The fastest way to change your password

Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi, type your router's IP address into the address bar, and log in with your admin credentials. The most common IP address is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — try the first one first. Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Wireless," "WiFi," "Security," or "Network Settings." Find the field labeled "Password," "Pre-Shared Key," or "Passphrase," delete the old one, type your new password, and click Save or explore. Your router will restart, and all devices will disconnect and reconnect using the new password.

If you do not know your admin username and password, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — most routers ship with a default username like "admin" and a default password printed there. If someone changed these credentials and you cannot find them written down, you will need to factory reset the router, which erases all settings and returns it to the defaults on the sticker.

Key Takeaways

  • The router's IP address is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, and you type it into any web browser to reach the settings page.
  • Your admin username and password are printed on a sticker attached to the router unless someone changed them.
  • The WiFi password field is usually under "Wireless," "WiFi," or "Security" settings, and changes take effect after you click Save or explore.
  • All devices will disconnect when the router restarts and will need to reconnect using the new password.
  • If you cannot log in, a factory reset returns the router to its default settings, but erases any custom configuration you made.

Finding your router's address if 192.168.1.1 does not work

If the common addresses do not load, find the correct one by checking your router's manual or the manufacturer's website. You can also find it on any device already connected to the network. On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig, then look for "Default Gateway" — that number is your router's address. On Mac or Linux, open Terminal and type netstat -nr | grep default, and the address will appear in the output.

Some routers also have a setup app you can read instead of typing an address into a browser. Check the box your router came in or the manufacturer's website to see if an app is available for your phone or computer. The app usually walks you through the same steps as the web interface but may be easier to navigate.

What to do if you forgot the admin password

If you cannot remember the admin password and it is not on the sticker, you have two options: contact your Internet Service Provider, or factory reset the router. Your ISP may be able to reset the admin password remotely or provide you with the default credentials for your specific model. This is faster than a factory reset and does not erase your WiFi settings.

If you choose to factory reset, look for a small recessed button on the router labeled "Reset." Press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on — you may need a paperclip or pen to reach it. The router will restart and return to factory defaults, which means the admin username and password will be whatever is printed on the sticker. However, any custom settings you configured — including your WiFi password — will be erased, and you will need to set them up again from scratch.

Choosing a strong password that you can remember

A strong WiFi password is at least 12 characters long and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, address, phone number, or anything else someone could guess from your social media. Do not use common words in order — "correct horse battery staple" is easier to crack than it sounds.

Write your new password down and store it somewhere find, like a password manager or a locked drawer. If you live with other people, you may want to share it with them in person rather than texting or emailing it. Once you have entered the password into the router and clicked Save, test it by disconnecting one of your devices and reconnecting using the new password to make sure it works.

Why your devices disconnect when you change the password

When you save a new WiFi password, the router restarts to explore the change. During the restart, all connected devices lose their connection because the network briefly goes offline. Once the router finishes restarting, the network comes back up with the new password, and your devices will see it as a network they do not recognize.

Your devices will not automatically reconnect — you have to tell them to forget the old network and connect to the new one using the new password. On most phones and computers, you can do this by going to WiFi settings, selecting your network name, and choosing "Forget" or "Remove." Then scan for networks again, select your network name, and enter the new password. The device will remember it for next time.

Changing the password on a mesh WiFi system

Mesh systems like Eero, Netgear Orbi, or TP-Link Deco work differently from traditional routers. Instead of logging into the router directly, you usually change the password through a mobile app. Open the app, look for "WiFi Settings" or "Network Settings," find the password field, and change it there. The app will push the change to all the nodes in your mesh system at once.

If your mesh system has a web interface, the process is the same as a traditional router — type the main node's IP address into a browser and log in. Check your system's manual or the manufacturer's website to find the correct IP address, as it varies by brand. Some mesh systems also let you change the password by pressing a button on the main node, though this usually generates a random password rather than letting you choose one.

Troubleshooting when devices will not connect with the new password

If a device refuses to connect after you change the password, make sure you typed the new password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword." Try forgetting the network and reconnecting. If that does not work, restart the device and try again.

If the problem persists on only one device, that device may have an old cached version of the network settings. On phones, try forgetting the network, restarting the phone, and reconnecting. On computers, you may need to delete the network from your saved networks list and reconnect from scratch. If multiple devices cannot connect, restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to fully restart before trying to connect again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my WiFi password without logging into the router?

No, you must log into the router's settings page to change the WiFi password. Some mesh systems have a mobile app that handles this for you, but the app still communicates with the router to make the change. There is no way to change it from a connected device without accessing the router itself.

What happens to devices that are currently connected when I change the password?

They will disconnect when the router restarts and will not automatically reconnect. You will need to manually tell each device to forget the old network and reconnect using the new password. Devices that are turned off will straightforward fail to connect the next time you turn them on and try to use WiFi.

Do I need to change my password regularly?

There is no set rule, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable if you want to prevent unauthorized access. If you suspect someone has your password or if you have had guests over, change it sooner. If your network has never been compromised and you use a strong password, changing it less frequently is fine.

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 ISP plan and the router's hardware, not the password. Changing the password will not make your connection faster or slower.

What if I change the password and then forget it?

You can log back into the router settings and change it again using your admin credentials. If you forget both the WiFi password and the admin password, you will need to factory reset the router, which erases all settings and returns it to the defaults printed on the sticker.