Where to change your WiFi settings

You change your WiFi name and password in your router's settings page, not on your phone or computer. Your router is the box that broadcasts the wireless signal — it's usually made by your internet provider or a company like TP-Link, Netgear, or Linksys. The settings page is a website that only exists on your home network, so you access it by typing an address into your browser while connected to that WiFi.

The exact address depends on your router model, but it's almost always 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You'll need your router's admin username and password to log in — these are different from your WiFi password. If you've never changed them, they're printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the router itself, usually labeled "Admin" or "Default Login".

Key Takeaways

  • Access your router's settings by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser while connected to your WiFi.
  • Log in using the admin username and password printed on your router's sticker, not your WiFi password.
  • Look for sections labeled "Wireless", "WiFi", or "Network Name" to find where to change the name and password.
  • Save your changes and wait 30 seconds to two minutes for the router to restart before reconnecting devices.
  • All devices will lose connection when you change the password and must reconnect using the new one.

Step-by-step: accessing your router settings

Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi — a phone, tablet, or computer all work. Type 192.168.1.1 into the address bar at the top and press Enter. If that doesn't load a login page, go back and try 192.168.0.1 instead. One of these two addresses works for the vast majority of home routers.

You'll see a login screen asking for a username and password. Look at the sticker on your router — it will show something like "Admin Username: admin" and "Admin Password: password" or a string of numbers and letters. Type these in exactly as shown, including capital letters. This is not your WiFi password; it's the password to access the router's control panel.

If you've changed the admin password before and don't remember it, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings. This erases all your changes, including your current WiFi name and password. To reset, hold down the small reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds while it's powered on, then wait for the lights to stop flashing. After that, use the default username and password from the sticker again.

Finding and changing the WiFi name

Once you're logged in, look for a section called "Wireless", "WiFi", "Wireless Settings", or "Network Name". Different router brands put this in different places — some have it on the main dashboard, others under an "Advanced" or "Settings" menu. If you can't find it, look for a tab or menu item at the top of the page.

You'll see a field labeled "SSID" or "Network Name" — this is your WiFi name, the one that appears when you search for networks on your phone. Type in the new name you want. WiFi names can be up to 32 characters long and can include letters, numbers, spaces, and most symbols. Avoid special characters like @ or # if possible, as some older devices have trouble connecting to networks with them.

The WiFi name is broadcast publicly, so anyone nearby can see it. It doesn't have to be a secret, but it should be something you'll recognize. Many people use their last name, their address number, or something like "House WiFi" or "Apartment 4B".

Finding and changing the WiFi password

In the same wireless settings section, look for a field labeled "Password", "Passphrase", "Security Key", or "Pre-Shared Key". This is the password people type when they connect to your WiFi. Type in your new password — it must be at least 8 characters long, though 12 to 16 characters is more find.

Make sure the "Security" or "Encryption" setting is set to WPA2 or WPA3. These are the current find standards. If you see "WEP" or "Open", change it to WPA2 or WPA3 before saving. WEP is outdated and insecure, and "Open" means no password protection at all.

Write down your new password somewhere safe before you save — you'll need it to reconnect all your devices. If you forget it, you can always come back to this page and change it again.

Saving changes and reconnecting devices

Look for a button labeled "Save", "explore", "OK", or "Confirm" at the bottom of the page. Click it. The router will restart, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your WiFi will disappear from the list of available networks, and any device currently connected will lose connection.

Wait until the lights on your router stop flashing and return to their normal pattern. Then on each device — your phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, printer, or anything else that uses WiFi — forget the old network and reconnect using the new name and password. On most phones, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the old network name, and select "Forget". Then search for networks again, find your new WiFi name, tap it, and type in the new password.

Devices like smart home speakers, security cameras, or printers may take longer to reconnect or may need to be set up again through their own apps. If a device won't reconnect, restart it by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.

What to do if you can't access the settings page

If typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 doesn't load a login page, your router's address might be different. On a Windows computer, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig, then press Enter. Look for a line that says "Default Gateway" — that's your router's address. On a Mac, go to System Preferences > Network, click "Advanced", then the "TCP/IP" tab, and look for "Router".

If you're still stuck, check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website. You can usually find the manual by searching "[your router model] manual" online. The model number is on the sticker on your router.

If you've forgotten the admin password and can't reset it, or if the settings page won't load at all, your router may have a hardware problem. Contact your internet provider — they can often reset it remotely or send you a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my WiFi password regularly?

There's no rule that says you must, but changing it every few months is a reasonable practice if you're concerned about security. More importantly, change it if someone you don't want on your network knows the old password — for example, if a guest moves out or a contractor finishes a job.

What happens to my devices when I change the password?

They'll all disconnect when ready and won't reconnect until you manually enter the new password. You'll need to go into each device's WiFi settings, forget the old network, and reconnect with the new password. This can take a few minutes per device.

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

Yes. In the wireless settings page, change only the SSID field and leave the password field blank. When you save, devices will disconnect and need to reconnect, but they can use the same password they used before.

What if I see two WiFi networks with my router's name?

Many modern routers broadcast both a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz network. The 5 GHz network is faster but has shorter range. You can change the names and passwords of both separately in the wireless settings page, or combine them into one network by disabling one band — check your router's manual for how.

Is my WiFi password the same as my internet provider's password?

No. Your WiFi password is only for connecting to your wireless network. Your internet provider's password is for logging into your account online. They're completely separate.