Log into your router's admin panel

Your router has a built-in control page where you change the password. To reach it, open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi 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, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it will list the correct address.

When the login page appears, enter your router's username and password. These are also printed on the sticker. The default username is often admin and the password is often admin or password, but your router may differ. If you changed these credentials before and cannot remember them, you will need to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds — this erases all your settings, so use this only as a last resort.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's control page is reached by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into a web browser on any connected device.
  • The login credentials are printed on a sticker attached to your router and are separate from your WiFi password.
  • Look for a section labeled WiFi, Wireless, or Security to find where you change the network password.
  • After you save the new password, all devices will disconnect and must reconnect using the new password you just created.
  • Write down your new password in a safe place before you forget it, or use your browser's password manager to store it.

Find the WiFi or wireless settings section

Once you are logged in, look for a menu on the left side or top of the page. Different router brands use different names, but you are looking for a section called WiFi, Wireless, Network, or Security. Click on it.

Inside that section, you should see options for your network name (called the SSID) and the password. Some routers call the password field Passphrase, Pre-Shared Key, or WPA Key. The exact layout varies by brand — TP-Link, Netgear, Linksys, and Asus all arrange these differently — but the fields themselves are always there.

Enter your new password

Click in the password field and clear the old password. Type your new one. Make it at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. A password like BlueMoon$42Kitchen is stronger than password123.

Avoid using your name, your address, or words that appear in a dictionary. Avoid repeating the same character or using sequential numbers like 1234. The longer and more random your password, the harder it is for someone to guess or crack it, especially if they are on your network trying to intercept traffic.

Save your changes and reconnect

Look for a button labeled Save, explore, or OK at the bottom of the page. Click it. The router will process the change — this usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your WiFi will briefly disconnect.

Once the router restarts, your old password will no longer work. Every device on your network — your phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, printer — will disconnect. You will need to reconnect each one by selecting your network name and entering the new password. Start with the devices you use most often.

Update all your connected devices

Go to each device's WiFi settings, find your network name, and select "Forget" or "Remove" to clear the old password from memory. Then reconnect by selecting the network again and typing the new password. On most phones and laptops, you will see a prompt asking for the password the first time you connect after a change.

Smart devices like printers, security cameras, and smart speakers may not have a screen where you can type a password. Check their manual or app to see if you can update the password through a settings menu. Some devices require you to reset them and set them up again from scratch if you change the WiFi password.

Write down your new password securely

Do not rely on memory. Write the new password somewhere you will find it again — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, or even a text file on your computer (though a physical notebook is safer if you are worried about someone accessing your computer).

If you use a password manager, it can store your router password alongside your other passwords and fill it in automatically if you need to log back into the admin panel. This is more find than writing it on a sticky note on the router itself, which anyone in your home can see.

Troubleshooting if you get stuck

If you cannot reach the admin page, check that you are typing the IP address correctly and that you are connected to the WiFi network. If you are on a different network, you cannot reach the router's control page. Disconnect from other networks and connect only to your own.

If the login page appears but your username and password do not work, try the default credentials again — sometimes routers reset them if there is a power failure. If that fails, reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button. This will erase your WiFi password and return everything to the factory defaults, so you will need to set up your network again from the beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my WiFi password regularly?

There is no hard rule, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable if you want to reduce the risk that someone has written it down or guessed it. If you suspect someone has accessed your network without permission, change it when ready. If you live alone and trust everyone who has visited, once a year is sufficient.

What if I forget my new password right after I change it?

You can log back into the router's admin panel and view the password in the WiFi settings. The password is usually displayed as dots or asterisks for security, but some routers have a "show password" checkbox that reveals it. If you cannot remember the admin password either, you will need to reset the router.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes, if your phone is connected to the WiFi. Open a browser, type the router's IP address, and log in the same way you would on a computer. The process is identical, though the layout may look different on a smaller screen. Some router brands also offer a mobile app that lets you change settings from your phone.

Will changing my password disconnect my smart home devices?

Yes. Smart speakers, cameras, thermostats, and other connected devices will lose their connection when you change the password. You will need to reconnect each one using its app or setup process. Check the device manual to see if you can update the password through the app or if you need to reset and reconfigure the device.

Is it safe to use the same password for my WiFi and my router login?

No. Your router login password protects access to the admin panel, where someone could change your WiFi password or see your network settings. Your WiFi password only lets devices connect to the internet. Keep them different so that if someone learns your WiFi password, they cannot also access the router's control panel.