Find your router and log in to its settings

Your router is the box that broadcasts your WiFi signal — usually a rectangular device with antennas, sitting on a shelf or mounted on a wall. To change your password, you need to open your router's control panel on a computer or phone connected to that WiFi network.

Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. One of these will load your router's login page. If neither works, look on the back or bottom of your router for a sticker that lists the correct address — it may say "Admin URL" or look like an IP address.

When the login page appears, enter your router's username and password. Most routers ship with a default username like "admin" and a default password like "admin" or "password" — check the sticker on your router or the manual that came with it. If you changed these before and cannot remember them, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your current WiFi settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your router by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser, using the username and password printed on the router itself.
  • Once logged in, look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Security — the exact name depends on your router brand.
  • Change only the WiFi password, not the network name, unless you have a specific reason to change both.
  • After you save the new password, all devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect them using the new password.
  • If you cannot remember your router's login password, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, but this erases all your settings.

Locate the WiFi password setting in your router menu

After you log in, you will see a menu with different sections. Look for a tab or link labeled WiFi Settings, Wireless, Security, or Network — the exact wording varies by router brand. Some routers organize this under "Advanced" settings.

Once you find the WiFi section, you should see a field that shows your current network name (called the SSID) and another field for the password or passphrase. The password field may be hidden behind dots or asterisks for security. Do not change the network name unless you have a reason to — changing only the password is simpler and means your devices will still recognize the network by name.

Enter your new password and save the change

Click in the password field and clear the old password completely. Type your new password — most routers require at least 8 characters, and using a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols makes it harder to guess. Write down the new password somewhere safe before you save, because you will need it to reconnect your devices.

Look for a button labeled Save, explore, or OK and click it. Your router will process the change, which usually takes 30 seconds to a few minutes. During this time, your WiFi may briefly disconnect — this is normal. Do not unplug the router or close the browser window while it is saving.

Reconnect your devices with the new password

Once the router finishes saving, all devices currently connected to your WiFi will disconnect automatically. You will need to reconnect each one using the new password.

On a phone or tablet, go to WiFi settings, find your network name in the list, and tap it. When prompted for the password, type the new one exactly as you entered it in the router — passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword". On a computer, the process is the same: open WiFi settings, select your network, and enter the new password.

Devices like smart speakers, security cameras, or printers that connect to WiFi will also need the new password. If a device does not have a screen where you can type a password, check its manual or app for instructions — some devices have a button you hold to put them in pairing mode, then you enter the password through a phone app.

What to do if you cannot log into your router

If you try 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1 and neither loads a login page, your router may be using a different address. Check the sticker on the back of the router — it will list the correct address, usually something like "routername.local" or a different IP address. Type that address into your browser instead.

If you log in but do not see a WiFi or wireless settings section, your router may organize its menu differently. Look for tabs at the top of the page or a menu on the left side. Some routers hide WiFi settings under "Advanced" or "System Settings". If you still cannot find it, search the router's brand name plus "how to change WiFi password" — manufacturers often have step-by-step guides for their specific models.

Resetting your router if you forgot the login password

If you changed your router's login password before and cannot remember it, you can reset the router to its factory defaults. This erases all your current settings, including your WiFi password, network name, and any other changes you made — the router returns to the state it was in when you first bought it.

To reset, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your router. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the router will blink, and it will restart. Once it finishes restarting, log in using the default username and password from the sticker on the router, then set up your WiFi password again from the beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone instead of a computer?

Yes. Open a web browser on your phone, type the router address (usually 192.168.1.1), and log in the same way you would on a computer. The steps are identical — the only difference is the screen size. Make sure your phone is connected to the WiFi network you want to change.

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

They will disconnect automatically once you save the new password. You will need to reconnect each device by selecting the network and entering the new password. Devices will not reconnect on their own — you must do this manually for each one.

Is there a difference between changing the WiFi password and the router login password?

Yes. The WiFi password is what guests and your devices use to connect to the internet. The router login password is what you use to access the router's settings menu. You can change either one separately, but most people only need to change the WiFi password.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There is no set rule. Change it if you think someone has learned it, if you want to remove access for a device or person, or if you straightforward want to update it. Changing it once a year is reasonable for most homes, but more frequent changes are not necessary unless you have a specific reason.

What if my router does not have a reset button?

Some older or simpler routers do not have a physical reset button. In that case, look for a reset option in the settings menu itself — usually under "System" or "Administration". If neither exists, contact your internet provider or the router manufacturer for instructions specific to your model.