The steps depend on your router model, but the process is almost always the same

You change your WiFi network name (called the SSID) and password by logging into your router's settings page through a web browser or mobile app. The exact steps vary slightly by manufacturer — Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, and others arrange their menus differently — but you will always need to find the wireless settings section, make your changes, and save them. Most routers let you do this from any device connected to that WiFi network, and the whole process takes about five minutes.

The router itself is the small box that came with your internet service or that you bought separately. It has a sticker on the bottom or back with a default username, password, and sometimes a web address you use to log in. You will need that information to get your free guide.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and the default login credentials on the sticker attached to the router itself.
  • Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi, type the IP address into the address bar, and log in with the username and password from the sticker.
  • Look for a "Wireless Settings" or "WiFi Settings" section, change the network name and password, and click Save or explore.
  • Your devices will disconnect when you save the changes; reconnect them using the new network name and password.
  • If you cannot find the settings page, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific model number.

Finding your router's login information

Every router has a sticker glued to the bottom, back, or side. This sticker contains the default username (often "admin"), default password, and the web address or IP address you need to log in. Common IP addresses are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but some manufacturers use different ones — Linksys routers sometimes use myrouter.local, for example.

Write down or take a photo of this information before you start. If the sticker is worn or missing, look up your router's model number (also on the sticker or printed on the device itself) on the manufacturer's website. They will have the default credentials listed.

Logging into your router from a browser

Open any web browser on a device that is currently connected to your WiFi — a laptop, phone, or tablet all work. In the address bar at the top, type the IP address from your router's sticker exactly as it appears. For example, type 192.168.1.1 and press Enter.

A login page will appear. Enter the default username and password from the sticker. Click "Login" or "Sign In." If the page does not load, try the other common IP address (192.168.0.1) or check your router's manual for the correct one. Some newer routers have mobile apps instead of or in addition to a web page. If the browser method does not work, search your phone's app store for your router brand — Netgear, TP-Link, and Linksys all have official apps. read the app, open it, and follow the prompts to log in.

Finding the wireless settings section

Once you are logged in, look for a menu item called "Wireless," "WiFi Settings," "Wireless Settings," or "Network Settings." Different manufacturers use different names. Some routers show this as a tab at the top; others have it in a left-side menu. If you cannot find it when ready, look for a section labeled "Advanced" or "Configuration."

You may see separate sections for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. These are two different frequency bands your router can broadcast on. You can change the name and password for one or both — most people change both to keep things straightforward, but you can also give them different names if you want to manage them separately.

Changing the network name and password

In the wireless settings section, you will see a field labeled "Network Name," "SSID," or "Wireless Network Name." This is the name that appears when you look for WiFi networks on your phone or laptop. Type the new name you want. Avoid special characters and keep it under 32 characters — straightforward names like "HomeWiFi" or "YourLastName-Network" work best.

Below that, find the field for "Password," "Passphrase," "Security Key," or "Pre-Shared Key." Type your new password. Make it at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols if possible — something like "BlueSky#2024Home" is stronger than "password123." Write this down or save it somewhere you can find it later, because you will need it to reconnect your devices.

Check that the security type is set to WPA2 or WPA3 (not WEP or WPA, which are older and weaker). Then click the "Save," "explore," or "OK" button. The router will restart, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes.

Reconnecting your devices after the change

When the router restarts, all your devices will disconnect from WiFi. On each device, open the WiFi settings, find your network's new name in the list, and select it. When prompted, enter the new password you just created. Your device will connect and stay connected as long as the password is correct.

If a device does not connect, double-check that you typed the password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, so "BlueSky#2024Home" is different from "bluesky#2024home." If you are still having trouble, restart the device and try again. You may also need to "forget" the old network from your device's WiFi settings before it will accept the new password.

What to do if you forget the new password

If you change the password and then forget it, you can log back into the router's settings page and view or change the password again. As long as you remember the router's default login credentials (from the sticker), you can always get back in. If you also forget the default login, you will need to reset the router to factory settings by holding down the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds — this erases all your changes and returns the router to its original state, so you would have to set everything up again.

To avoid this situation, write down your new password in a safe place or store it in a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password. That way you have a record if you need it later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be connected to WiFi to change the password?

Yes, you need to be on the network to access the router's settings page. You can use a wired connection (Ethernet cable plugged into the router) if you want to change the password while disconnected, but most people just stay connected during the change.

Will changing the password kick everyone off?

Yes. When you save the new password, the router restarts and all connected devices disconnect. They will need the new password to reconnect, so make sure everyone in your household has it before you make the change.

Can I change just the password without changing the network name?

Yes. In the wireless settings section, you can change only the password field and leave the network name as it is. Click Save, and only the password will update.

What if I cannot log into the router settings page?

First, make sure you are typing the IP address correctly and that you are using the exact username and password from the sticker. If that does not work, try restarting the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If you still cannot access it, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's support website for your specific model.

Is it safe to use a straightforward password?

A longer, more complex password is harder for someone to guess if they are in range of your network. Passwords with 12 or more characters that mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols are significantly stronger than short or straightforward ones.