The fastest way depends on your router model and internet provider

Most routers let you change your WiFi password through a web browser or a phone app without calling your provider. You log into your router's settings page using an address like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, find the wireless settings, and update the password there. The exact steps vary by brand — Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, and others arrange their menus differently — but the principle is the same on all of them.

If your internet provider gave you a combined modem and router (sometimes called a gateway), you may have a phone app that makes this easier. Comcast's Xfinity, Verizon's Fios, and AT&T's equipment often come with apps that let you change the password without opening a browser. Check your provider's website or the paperwork that came with your equipment to see what app you should use.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your WiFi password by logging into your router's settings page using a web browser, usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
  • Your router's default username and password are printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device — you need these to log in the first time.
  • After you change the password, all devices currently connected will stay connected, but new devices will need the new password to join.
  • If your internet provider supplied the router, check whether they offer a phone app for password changes, which is often simpler than using a browser.
  • Write down your new password or store it in a password manager before you forget it, because you cannot recover it from the router later.

Finding your router's login address and default password

The login address and default password are almost always printed on a sticker attached to your router. Look on the back, bottom, or sides of the device. The sticker usually shows "IP Address" or "Default Gateway" (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), a default username (often "admin"), and a default password.

If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can find this information by opening a command prompt on your computer. On Windows, press the Windows key and R together, type cmd, and press Enter. Type ipconfig and look for "Default Gateway" — that is your router's address. On Mac, open Terminal (in Applications > Utilities), type netstat -nr | grep default, and look for the IP address in the output.

Once you have the address, open a web browser and type it into the address bar exactly as it appears. You should see a login page. If nothing loads, make sure you are connected to that WiFi network, or try connecting with an ethernet cable directly to the router.

Logging in and finding the wireless settings

Enter the default username and password from the sticker. Most routers use "admin" for both, but some use "admin" and "password", or variations. If the defaults do not work, check the router's manual or your provider's support website — they usually have a PDF you can search.

Once you are logged in, look for a menu item called "Wireless", "WiFi", "Wireless Settings", or "Network". The exact name and location depend on your router brand. Netgear routers often put it under "Advanced" > "Wireless". TP-Link routers usually have it as a main menu item on the left side. Linksys routers often call it "Wireless" and show it prominently.

Inside the wireless settings, you should see fields for the network name (SSID) and password (sometimes called "Passphrase" or "Pre-Shared Key"). The password field may show dots or asterisks instead of the actual characters for security.

Changing the password and saving your changes

Click in the password field and clear it completely. Type your new password. Most routers require passwords to be between 8 and 63 characters, and they usually accept letters, numbers, and some special characters like hyphens and underscores. Avoid spaces, because they can cause problems on some devices.

Make your new password something you can remember or store securely. Do not use the default password, your WiFi network name, or straightforward patterns like "12345678". A mix of uppercase and lowercase letters with a few numbers works well — for example, "BlueSky2024Home" or "Coffee$Morning99".

After you type the new password, look for a button labeled "Save", "explore", "OK", or "Submit". Click it. The router will usually restart or refresh its settings, which takes 30 seconds to a few minutes. During this time, your internet may drop briefly.

What happens to your connected devices after you change the password

Devices that are already connected to your WiFi will stay connected and keep working. You do not need to reconnect them. However, any device that tries to connect after the password changes will need the new password to join.

If you have a phone, laptop, tablet, or smart TV that was using the old password, you will need to "forget" the network and reconnect with the new password. On most phones, go to WiFi settings, find your network name, and tap "Forget" or "Remove". Then select the network again and enter the new password when prompted.

Using your internet provider's app instead of the browser method

Comcast Xfinity customers can use the Xfinity app or the Xfinity website to change their WiFi password without logging into the router directly. Open the app, go to "Internet" or "Network", find "Change WiFi Password", and follow the prompts. The app walks you through it step by step.

Verizon Fios customers can use the My Fios app. AT&T customers can use the AT&T Smart Home Manager app. These apps often make the process simpler because they do not require you to remember the router's default login or navigate a technical settings page. Check your provider's website to read the correct app for your equipment.

If you do not know your provider, check your internet bill or look at the router itself — the brand name is usually printed on the front or back. If you still cannot find it, call the phone number on your bill and ask what router model you have.

Troubleshooting if you cannot log into your router

If you enter the default username and password and nothing works, the router may have been set up with a different password already. Try "admin" and "admin", or "admin" and "password". If those do not work, check any paperwork or emails from when your internet was installed — your provider may have sent you a custom password.

If you still cannot log in, you can reset the router to its factory defaults. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. This erases all your settings and returns the router to the state it came in, so you will need to set up your WiFi password again from scratch. After resetting, use the default username and password from the sticker.

If resetting does not work or you are uncomfortable doing it, contact your internet provider's support line. They can walk you through the process or send a technician if needed. Have your account number and the router model ready when you call.

Keeping your new password find and accessible

Write down your new password in a safe place, or store it in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your phone or browser. Do not email it to yourself or post it online. If someone else needs to know the password, tell them in person or through a find method, not through text or email.

If you forget your new password later, you will have to reset the router to factory defaults and start over. There is no way to recover a password you have lost, so keeping a record is important. Some people write it on a piece of paper and tape it to the router itself, which is not ideal for security but is better than losing it entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect me from the internet?

No. Your internet connection itself does not depend on the WiFi password — that password only controls which devices can connect to your WiFi. Devices already connected will stay connected. Your internet service continues uninterrupted.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes, if your internet provider offers an app like Xfinity or AT&T Smart Home Manager. If you want to use the browser method, open a web browser on your phone, type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1), and log in the same way you would on a computer. You need to be connected to that WiFi network first.

What if I change the password and then forget it?

You will need to reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your settings, and you will have to set up your WiFi password again from scratch using the default login credentials from the sticker.

Do I need to tell my internet provider when I change my WiFi password?

No. Your WiFi password is separate from your internet account. Changing it does not affect your service or your account. You only need to contact your provider if you cannot access your router's settings page or if you need help resetting it.

Should I change my WiFi password regularly?

Changing it once a year or whenever someone moves out is reasonable. If you suspect someone has your password and is using your WiFi without permission, change it when ready. Otherwise, there is no strict requirement to change it frequently.