Find your router and log in to its settings

Your router is the device that broadcasts your WiFi signal — usually a box with antennas sitting on a shelf, near your modem, or mounted on a wall. To change your password, you need to open your router's settings page in a web browser on any device connected to that WiFi network.

Open a browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. One of these will take you to your router's login page. If neither works, look at the back or bottom of your router for a sticker that lists the correct address — it may say "Admin URL" or similar.

You will see a login screen asking for a username and password. The default username is usually admin. The default password is often admin, password, or 12345 — check the sticker on your router or the manual that came with it. If you changed these credentials before and cannot remember them, you will need to reset the router to factory settings (see the FAQ section below).

Locate the WiFi password or security settings

Once you are logged in, look for a menu option labeled WiFi, Wireless, Security, or Network. Different router brands organize this differently — Netgear calls it "Wireless Settings", TP-Link calls it "Wireless", and Linksys calls it "WiFi".

Find the field that shows your current WiFi password. It may be labeled Password, Passphrase, Pre-Shared Key, or PSK. You should also see the name of your network (called the SSID) nearby — this is what appears in your list of available networks on your phone or laptop.

Make sure you are in the right section before making changes. Some routers have separate settings for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands — if you see both, you can change one or both. Most people change both to the same password for simplicity.

Create a strong new password

Your new password should be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. A strong password might look like BlueSky#2024Home or Coffee$Morning99!. Avoid using your name, address, or anything that appears in your WiFi network name.

Write down your new password in a safe place before you save it — once you change it, your old password will not work, and you will need the new one to reconnect all your devices. A password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password can store it securely if you use one.

Save the changes and reconnect your devices

Click the Save, explore, or OK button to save your new password. Your router will process the change — this usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes. During this time, you may be disconnected from WiFi briefly.

Once the change is complete, go to each device you use — your phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, printer, or anything else connected to your WiFi — and forget the old network. On most phones, go to Settings > WiFi, tap your network name, and select "Forget". Then reconnect by selecting the network again and entering your new password.

Devices like smart speakers, security cameras, or smart home hubs may take longer to reconnect. If a device will not connect after you enter the correct password, restart it by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your router by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser, using the default username and password on the router's sticker.
  • Find the WiFi or Wireless settings section and locate the password field, which may be labeled Password, Passphrase, or PSK.
  • Create a password at least 12 characters long that includes uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
  • After saving the new password, forget the old network on each of your devices and reconnect using the new password.
  • Smart devices like cameras and speakers may need to be restarted before they will reconnect to the new network.

What to do if you cannot remember your router login password

If you changed your router's admin password in the past and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings. Look for a small reset button (usually recessed) on the back or bottom of the router. Press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen until the lights blink or turn off.

The router will restart and return to its default settings. You will then be able to log in using the default username and password from the sticker. After you log in, change the WiFi password as described above, and consider also changing the admin password to something you can remember.

Why your devices keep disconnecting after you change the password

The most common reason is that a device is still trying to connect using the old password. Go to that device's WiFi settings, forget the network completely, and reconnect by selecting it again and typing the new password carefully — passwords are case-sensitive, so BlueSky#2024 is different from bluesky#2024.

If a device still will not connect after you have forgotten and re-entered the password, restart the device by powering it off and back on. If it is a smart home device like a doorbell or thermostat, you may need to remove it from your app and add it again with the new WiFi password.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There is no set schedule. Change it if you think someone unauthorized has access, if you have guests who no longer visit, or if you want to remove access from a device you no longer use. Many people change it once or twice a year as a precaution, but it is not required.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone without a computer?

Yes. Open a web browser on your phone while connected to the WiFi, type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, and log in the same way you would on a computer. The steps are identical — the router settings page works on any device with a browser.

What happens to devices that are not home when I change the password?

They will disconnect from WiFi and will not be able to reconnect until you enter the new password. When they come back in range, they will show an error or ask for the password. You will need to manually reconnect each one using the new password.

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

No. Your WiFi password is shared with guests and devices, so many people see it. Your router login password should be different and known only to you, since it controls all your network settings. Use a strong, unique password for the router admin account.

What if I change the password and my smart TV will not reconnect?

Unplug the TV for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully restart. Then go to the TV's WiFi settings, forget the old network, and reconnect with the new password. If it still fails, check whether the TV supports your router's WiFi band — older TVs may only work on 2.4 GHz, not 5 GHz.