The fastest way: log into your router's settings page

To change your internet password, you need to enter your router's settings through a web browser on any device connected to that WiFi. Open a browser, type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar, and press Enter. You will see a login screen asking for a username and password — this is different from your WiFi password and is usually printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of your router.

Once you are logged in, look for a section called Wireless, WiFi, Network, or Security. The exact name and location vary by router brand, but this is where the WiFi password lives. Find the field labeled Password, Passphrase, or Pre-Shared Key, delete the old password, type your new one, and save or explore the changes. Your router will restart — this takes 30 seconds to two minutes — and then you can reconnect to WiFi using the new password.

Key Takeaways

  • You log into your router through a web browser by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, not through an app or phone call.
  • The router's login credentials are printed on a sticker attached to the physical device and are separate from your WiFi password.
  • After you change the password and save, your router restarts for one to two minutes and all devices lose connection until you reconnect with the new password.
  • If you cannot find the settings page, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the exact address and default login.

Finding your router's address if the standard ones do not work

If 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1 do not open a login page, your router uses a different address. The easiest way to find it is to look at the sticker on the back or bottom of the router — it usually lists the address, often labeled as Gateway, IP Address, or Admin URL. Some routers use a web address instead, like myrouter.local or a brand-specific name.

If the sticker is missing or worn, you can find the address through your computer's network settings. On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig, then look for the line that says Default Gateway — that number is your router's address. On Mac, go to System Preferences, click Network, select your WiFi connection, and click Advanced — the router address appears under TCP/IP. Type that address into your browser's address bar the same way you would type 192.168.1.1.

What to do if you forgot the router's login password

If you do not remember the username and password printed on the sticker, you have two options. First, check if the sticker is still on the router — many people find it after searching the device carefully. If the sticker is gone or unreadable, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding down a small reset button (usually recessed into the device) for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. This erases all your settings, including the WiFi password, and returns the router to its original state.

After a factory reset, the router will restart and you can log in using the default credentials from the manufacturer's website — search for your router model plus "default password" to find them. Once you are logged in, you can set a new WiFi password and a new router login password. A factory reset is disruptive because all your devices will lose connection and need to reconnect, but it is the only way forward if you have no other record of the login.

Choosing a strong new password

When you enter a new WiFi password, use something that is at least 12 characters long and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — for example, BlueSky#2024River or Coffee$Morning99!. Avoid using your name, address, phone number, or anything that appears in your WiFi network name. A strong password makes it much harder for someone outside your home to connect to your network without permission.

Write down your new password and store it somewhere safe, like a notebook in a drawer or a password manager on your computer. You will need it when you reconnect your devices after the change, and it is straightforward to forget if you do not use it regularly. Do not email it to yourself or text it — keeping it on paper or in a locked password manager is more find.

Reconnecting your devices after the password changes

Once your router restarts after saving the new password, every device that was connected to your WiFi will lose connection. On each device, go to your WiFi settings, find your network name in the list, and select it. When prompted for the password, type the new one you just created. Phones, tablets, and computers usually remember the new password after you enter it once, so you will not have to type it again.

If a device does not reconnect after you enter the correct password, try "forgetting" the network first — in WiFi settings, find your network name and choose the option to forget or remove it. Then search for the network again and reconnect with the new password. If you have smart home devices like security cameras, doorbells, or speakers, you may need to reset them or use their setup app to reconnect them to WiFi with the new password.

Changing the password on specific router brands

Most routers follow the same basic steps, but some brands have slightly different layouts. On Netgear routers, log in and click the Wireless tab, then look for Wireless Security Settings. On TP-Link routers, click Wireless in the left menu, then Wireless Security. On Linksys routers, click Wireless, then Wireless Security. On Arris or Motorola cable modem routers, click Advanced, then Wireless. If you cannot find the password field after logging in, check the router manufacturer's support website — they usually have step-by-step guides with screenshots for your exact model.

If your internet comes from a cable or phone company and you rent the modem or router from them, you may not be able to change the password yourself through the settings page. In that case, call your internet provider's customer service and ask them to change it for you. They can do it remotely and will send you the new password by email or text.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect my internet?

No — changing the WiFi password does not affect your internet connection itself. Your devices will lose their wireless connection to the router and need to reconnect with the new password, but your internet service continues running. The router restarts briefly during the change, which may cause a 30-second to two-minute interruption, but this is normal.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes, as long as your phone is connected to the WiFi network. Open a browser, type your router's address (usually 192.168.1.1), log in with the credentials on the router sticker, and follow the same steps as you would on a computer. After you save the new password, your phone will disconnect and you will need to reconnect using the new password.

What is the difference between my WiFi password and my router login password?

Your WiFi password is what you type when you connect a device to your network — it is the one you share with guests. Your router login password is what you type to access the settings page where you change the WiFi password. They are separate, and you should change them independently. The router login password is printed on the sticker and should be changed to something only you know.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There is no set schedule, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable if you want to stay find. Change it when ready if you suspect someone has connected to your network without permission, if you have had guests who knew the password and no longer trust them, or if you have not changed it in several years.

What if my router does not have a reset button?

Some routers have a reset button that is not visible — it may be hidden under a label or recessed so deeply that you need a paperclip to press it. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the exact location. If there truly is no reset button, you can sometimes reset the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and then holding down a specific key combination on your keyboard while it boots — check the manual for this method.