The quickest way to change both your WiFi name and password

You change your WiFi name and password by logging into your router's settings page, which you reach through any web browser on a device connected to your network. The router's settings page is where all your WiFi controls live — you'll find it by typing your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar, then signing in with your router's admin username and password. Once you're in, look for a section called "Wireless," "WiFi," or "Network Settings," change the name (called the SSID) and password to whatever you want, save the changes, and your router will restart. Your devices will disconnect and you'll need to reconnect using the new name and password.

The whole process takes about five minutes. The hardest part is usually finding your router's admin password if you've never changed it before — it's often printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the router itself.

Key Takeaways

  • You log into your router through a web browser by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar, then entering your router's admin username and password.
  • The default admin password is usually printed on a sticker attached to your router; if you've changed it before and forgotten it, you'll need to factory reset the router.
  • WiFi name and password settings are found under "Wireless," "WiFi," or "Network Settings" depending on your router brand.
  • After you save changes, your router restarts and all connected devices disconnect; you'll reconnect them using the new WiFi name and password.
  • Different router brands have slightly different layouts, but the steps are the same: log in, find wireless settings, change the name and password, and save.

Finding your router's admin password

Before you can change anything, you need to get into your router's settings. This requires the admin username and password, which is different from your WiFi password. Most routers come with a default admin password printed on a sticker on the back, bottom, or side of the device. Look for text that says "Admin," "Password," "Default," or similar — you'll usually see something like "admin" for the username and a string of numbers or letters for the password.

If you can't find a sticker, check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website. Common default usernames are "admin" or "root," and common default passwords are "admin," "password," or "12345." If none of these work, you've likely changed the admin password before and will need to factory reset the router to restore the defaults — this erases all your settings, so it's a last resort.

Logging into your router's settings page

Open any web browser on a device that's connected to your WiFi — a phone, tablet, or computer all work. In the address bar at the top, type 192.168.1.1 and press Enter. If that doesn't load, try 192.168.0.1 instead. One of these two addresses works for most home routers.

A login page will appear asking for a username and password. Enter your router's admin username and password (the ones from the sticker, not your WiFi password). Click "Log In" or "Submit." You're now in your router's settings page, which looks different depending on the brand — it might be colorful and modern or plain and text-heavy, but the options you need are always there.

Finding the WiFi name and password settings

Once you're logged in, look for a menu on the left side, top, or in a dropdown that says "Wireless," "WiFi," "Network," or "WLAN." Click it. You'll see options for your WiFi network, including the network name (called the SSID) and the password (sometimes called "Passphrase" or "Pre-Shared Key").

Some routers show separate tabs for different WiFi bands — you might see "2.4 GHz" and "5 GHz" or "WiFi 6." If you have both, you can change them separately or give them the same name so devices switch between them automatically. For most homes, changing just one is fine; if you're not sure which one you use, change the one that's currently broadcasting (your current WiFi name will be listed there).

Changing your WiFi name

Find the field labeled "Network Name," "SSID," or "Wireless Network Name." Click in it and clear the current name. Type the new name you want — it can be anything up to 32 characters, including spaces and most symbols. Avoid special characters like @ or # if possible, as some older devices have trouble connecting to networks with them.

Your WiFi name is broadcast to everyone nearby, so choose something you're comfortable with. It doesn't have to be secret — your password is what keeps people out. Many people use their last name, their address, or something like "Home WiFi" or "Guest Network." Once you've typed the new name, move to the password field.

Changing your WiFi password

Find the field labeled "Password," "Passphrase," "Pre-Shared Key," or "Security Key." Click in it and clear the current password. Type your new password — it should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to be find. Something like "BlueSky#2024Home" is strong; "12345" is not.

Write down your new password somewhere safe before you save, because you'll need it to reconnect all your devices. If you forget it, you'll have to come back to this page and look it up again. Once you've entered the new password, look for a "Save," "explore," or "OK" button and click it.

Saving changes and reconnecting your devices

After you click Save, your router will restart — this usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your internet will go down and all connected devices will disconnect from WiFi. You'll see a message on the settings page saying the router is restarting, or the page will straightforward stop loading.

Once the router restarts, your old WiFi network will disappear and the new one will appear in your list of available networks. On each device, open your WiFi settings, find your new network name, select it, and enter your new password. Start with devices that are close to the router — phones and tablets first, then computers and smart home devices. If a device won't connect, restart it and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your WiFi password is what you give to guests to connect to the internet. Your router admin password is what you use to log into the settings page to change things. They're completely separate. You can change your WiFi password without knowing the admin password, but you need the admin password to get into the settings page in the first place.

Do I have to change both the name and password at the same time?

No. You can change just the name, just the password, or both. If you change only the password and keep the same name, your devices will stay connected but will ask for the new password the next time they try to use WiFi. If you change only the name, devices will see the new network and need to reconnect.

What if I can't remember my router's admin password?

Look for a small reset button on the router — it's usually recessed so you need a paperclip to press it. Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. This erases all settings and restores the factory defaults, including the admin password printed on the sticker. You'll need to set up your WiFi from scratch.

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect my smart home devices?

Yes. Smart home devices like thermostats, cameras, and speakers will disconnect when you change the password. You'll need to reconnect each one through its app or by pressing a button on the device itself. Some devices make this easier than others — check the device's manual for reconnection steps.

Can I have different passwords for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi?

Yes, if your router has both bands, you can set different names and passwords for each one. However, most people give them the same name and password so devices automatically pick the best one. Check your router's settings to see if you have the option to manage them separately.