Access your router's settings page

Your router is the device that broadcasts your WiFi signal — usually a box with antennas sitting on a shelf or mounted on a wall. To change your password or network name, you log into the router itself through a web browser on any device connected to that WiFi.

Open a web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge — any will work) and type your router's IP address into the address bar. The most common address is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If neither works, look on the back or bottom of your router for a sticker that lists the address, or check the manual that came with it.

When you type the address and press Enter, a login page will appear. You will need a username and password. The default is usually admin for both, but check your router's sticker or manual — some manufacturers use different defaults. Once you log in, you are inside your router's control panel.

Find the WiFi settings section

Inside the control panel, look for a menu on the left side or top of the page. You are looking for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, Network, or sometimes WLAN. Different router brands name this differently, but it will be one of these.

Click on that section. You should now see options for your network name (also called SSID) and your password (also called passphrase or security key). Some routers show both on one page; others separate them into tabs like "Basic" and "Security".

Change your network name

Find the field labeled Network Name, SSID, or Wireless Network Name. Click in that field and delete the current name. Type the new name you want — this is what will appear in the list of available networks on your phone, laptop, or other devices.

Your network name can be up to 32 characters and can include letters, numbers, spaces, and most symbols. Choose something you will recognize and remember, but avoid putting personal information like your address or full name in it.

Do not change the security type (usually set to WPA2 or WPA3) unless you have a specific reason — these are the find standards that protect your network.

Change your WiFi password

Find the field labeled Password, Passphrase, Security Key, or Pre-Shared Key. Click in that field and delete the current password. Type your new password.

Make your password at least 12 characters long and mix letters, numbers, and symbols if possible — this makes it harder for someone to guess. Avoid dictionary words or straightforward patterns like 123456. Write it down somewhere safe before you save, because you will need it to reconnect all your devices.

Some routers have a button to show or hide the password as you type — use this if you are worried about typos. A single wrong character means your devices will not connect.

Save your changes

Look for a button labeled Save, explore, or OK at the bottom of the page. Click it. The router will process the change, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. You may see a message saying the router is restarting or explore settings.

Do not close the browser or unplug the router during this time. Once the page refreshes or shows a confirmation message, the changes are complete.

Reconnect your devices to the new network

After the router restarts, your old network name will disappear from the list of available networks. On each device (phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, printer), go to WiFi settings and look for your new network name. Click it and enter your new password when prompted.

Start with the device you are currently using to access the router — usually a laptop or phone. Once that reconnects, move to other devices one at a time. If a device does not connect, double-check that you typed the password correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters matter.

Devices that were previously connected to your old network name will not automatically switch over. You must manually select the new network and enter the new password on each one.

What to do if you get locked out

If you forget the password to log into your router's control panel (not your WiFi password, but the admin password), you can reset the router to factory defaults. Look for a small reset button on the back of the router, usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pen to press it. Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on.

This erases all your settings, including your WiFi password and network name, and returns the router to the state it was in when you first bought it. You will need to set everything up again from scratch. This is a last resort — only do it if you truly cannot remember the admin password.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your router by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into a web browser, then enter the admin username and password from the sticker on the back of the router.
  • Find the WiFi Settings or Wireless section in the control panel and change both the network name (SSID) and password in the fields provided.
  • Make your new password at least 12 characters long and write it down before saving, because you will need it to reconnect every device on your network.
  • After saving, reconnect each device by selecting the new network name from the available networks list and entering the new password.
  • If you forget the router admin password, press and hold the reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds to restore factory defaults.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect all my devices?

Yes. Once you save the new password, your devices will lose connection because they still have the old password stored. You must manually reconnect each device by selecting your network name and entering the new password. This usually takes a few minutes per device.

What if I change my network name but forget to write down the new password?

Log back into your router using the same IP address and admin credentials, go to WiFi Settings, and look at the password field. Most routers let you view the current password by clicking a show/hide button. Write it down, then reconnect your devices.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone instead of a computer?

Yes. Open any web browser on your phone, type your router's IP address into the address bar, and log in the same way you would on a computer. The control panel will work on a phone, though the layout may be smaller and harder to read.

Do I need to change my network name if I only want to change the password?

No. You can change just the password and leave the network name the same. Your devices will stay connected to the same network name but will need the new password to reconnect if they disconnect.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There is no set rule. Change it if you suspect someone unauthorized is using your network, if you shared it with someone who no longer needs access, or if you have not changed it in over a year. For most home networks, changing it once a year is reasonable.