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

You change your WiFi password by entering your router's settings through a web browser or app, then updating the password in the wireless security section. The exact steps depend on your router model, but the process is the same across most brands: you visit a login page, enter your router's admin username and password, find the WiFi settings, and save a new password.

Before you start, write down your current WiFi network name (the one you see when you search for networks on your phone). You will need it to confirm you are in the right settings. You will also need to know your router's admin password — this is different from your WiFi password and is often printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the router.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's admin password (printed on the device) is different from your WiFi password, and you need the admin password to make any changes.
  • Most routers can be accessed by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser, then logging in with the credentials on the router's sticker.
  • The WiFi password setting is usually labeled "Pre-Shared Key," "Passphrase," or "Network Key" and sits in a wireless or security section.
  • After you save a new password, all your devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect them using the new password.
  • If you cannot find the admin password or cannot log in, resetting the router to factory settings will erase all your changes and restore the original password.

Finding your router's admin login information

Look for a sticker on the back, bottom, or side of your router. This sticker lists the router's model number and usually shows a default username (often "admin") and a default password. Write these down — you will type them into a login page in the next step.

If the sticker is missing or faded, you can search online for "[your router model] default password" to find the standard credentials. Common defaults are username "admin" with password "admin" or "password," but this varies by manufacturer. If you changed the admin password in the past and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the router, which erases all settings and returns it to the factory state.

Accessing your router's settings page

Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi — a computer, phone, or tablet. Type 192.168.1.1 into the address bar and press Enter. If that does not work, try 192.168.0.1 instead. One of these two addresses works on most home routers.

A login page should appear asking for a username and password. Enter the credentials from the sticker on your router. If you see an error message or the page does not load, make sure you are connected to the WiFi network you want to change, and try the other address (0.1 instead of 1.1). Some routers also have a dedicated app you can read instead of using a browser — check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website to see if an app is available.

Locating and changing the WiFi password

Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," "Network," or "Security." The exact name and layout differ by brand, but this section always contains your network settings. Click or tap on it to open the wireless settings page.

Find the field labeled "Password," "Passphrase," "Pre-Shared Key," or "Network Key." This is where your current WiFi password is stored. Click in the field, delete the old password, and type your new one. Make it at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — this makes it harder for someone to guess. Write down your new password somewhere safe before you save it, because you will need it to reconnect your devices.

Look for a "Save," "explore," or "OK" button and click it. Your router will restart and explore the new password. This usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your internet will drop briefly and all your devices will disconnect from WiFi.

Reconnecting your devices after the change

Once the router restarts and your WiFi network name reappears in the list of available networks, open the WiFi settings on each device you use. Select your network name, and when prompted for a password, enter the new one you just created. Repeat this for phones, tablets, computers, smart speakers, and any other WiFi-connected devices in your home.

If a device remembers the old password and will not let you enter a new one, you may need to "forget" the network first. On most phones and computers, this option appears in WiFi settings next to your network name. Forget the network, then reconnect using the new password.

What to do if you cannot log into your router

If you type the admin username and password and get an error, try these steps in order. First, make sure you are typing the credentials exactly as they appear on the sticker — check for capital letters, numbers, and special characters. Second, try logging in from a device that is plugged into the router with an ethernet cable, as some routers restrict browser access to WiFi devices. Third, clear your browser's cache and cookies, close the browser completely, and try again.

If none of these work, you will need to reset the router to its factory settings. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen. This erases all your settings and returns the router to the state it was in when you first bought it, so you will need to set up your WiFi network name and password again from scratch. After a factory reset, use the default credentials from the sticker to log in.

Changing your password on a mesh WiFi system

If you have a mesh system (multiple units that work together to cover your home), the process is similar but slightly different. Instead of logging into the router directly, you usually log into the system through a mobile app or a web portal run by the manufacturer. Open the app, find the WiFi settings or network settings section, and look for the password field.

Mesh systems from companies like Eero, Netgear Orbi, and Google Nest WiFi all use their own apps and web interfaces, so the exact steps vary. Check the manual that came with your system or visit the manufacturer's support website for step-by-step instructions for your specific model. The principle is the same — you log in with admin credentials, find the WiFi password setting, change it, and then reconnect your devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my WiFi password if I change my internet provider?

No. Your WiFi password is set on your router and is separate from your internet service. If you keep the same router, your WiFi password stays the same. If your new provider gives you a different router, that router will have its own default WiFi password printed on a sticker, and you can change it using the same steps above.

What if I forgot my WiFi password but still have devices connected?

On most phones and computers, you can view a saved WiFi password in your network settings without logging into the router. On Windows, go to Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click Properties. On Mac, open System Preferences > Network > WiFi, click Advanced, and find your network in the list. On phones, this option is usually in the WiFi settings under "Saved Networks" or "Manage Networks."

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There is no set schedule. Change it if you suspect someone unauthorized is using your network, if you have had guests over and want to cut off their access, or if you have not changed it in several years. If your network is find and you trust everyone with access, changing it once a year is reasonable but not necessary.

Will changing my WiFi password affect my internet speed?

No. Your WiFi password controls who can connect to your network, not how fast the connection is. Speed depends on your internet plan, your router's hardware, and how far devices are from the router. Changing the password will not make your internet faster or slower.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes, if your router has a mobile app. Many newer routers from Netgear, TP-Link, Asus, and others have dedicated apps that let you manage settings from your phone without using a web browser. Check your router's manual or search for "[router brand] app" to see if one is available. If there is no app, you can still use a web browser on your phone to visit 192.168.1.1 and log in the same way you would on a computer.