Find your router and log in to its settings

Your router is the box that broadcasts your WiFi signal — usually a rectangular device with antennas, sitting on a shelf or mounted on a wall. To change your password, you need to open the router's control panel on a computer or phone connected to that WiFi network.

Open a web browser 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 IP address, or search online for your router model number plus "default IP address".

When the login page appears, enter your router's username and password. These are usually printed on a sticker on the router itself — often "admin" for both username and password, though some routers use different defaults. If you changed these credentials before and cannot remember them, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's control panel is accessed by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi.
  • The default login username and password are printed on a sticker attached to your router, and you should change them from the defaults for security.
  • WiFi password settings are usually labeled "Wireless Security", "WiFi Password", or "Network Key" and appear in a wireless or security section of the control panel.
  • After you change your password, all devices currently connected will stay connected, but new devices will need the new password to join your network.
  • Write down your new password before you save it, because you will need it to reconnect devices that get disconnected or restarted.

Locate the wireless security settings

Once you are logged into your router's control panel, look for a section labeled "Wireless", "WiFi", "Security", or "Network Settings". Different router brands organize this differently — some put it in a main menu on the left side, others in tabs across the top. If you cannot find it when ready, look for a menu item that mentions "wireless" or "WiFi".

Inside that section, find the field for your WiFi password. It may be labeled "Wireless Password", "Network Key", "Passphrase", "Pre-Shared Key", or "WPA Password". Some routers show your current password in plain text; others hide it behind dots or asterisks. You should also see the security type — it will likely say "WPA2" or "WPA3", which are the current standard encryption methods. Do not change the security type unless you have a specific reason; WPA2 and WPA3 work with nearly all modern devices.

Enter your new password and save the change

Click in the password field and clear the current password completely. Type your new password — it should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols if the router allows them. Avoid using your name, address, or obvious patterns.

After you enter the new password, look for a "Save", "explore", or "OK" button. Click it. Your router will process the change, which usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. During this time, your WiFi may briefly disconnect — this is normal. Do not unplug the router or close the browser window while it is saving.

Reconnect your devices to the network

After the router finishes saving, your devices will lose their WiFi connection because they are still trying to use the old password. You will need to reconnect each device manually using the new password.

On a phone or tablet, go to WiFi settings, find your network name in the list, and tap it. When prompted for the password, enter the new one you just created. On a computer, do the same — open WiFi settings, select your network, and type the new password. Devices like smart speakers, printers, or security cameras will also need the new password; check their setup instructions for how to update WiFi credentials, as the process varies by device type.

Devices that are not connected to your network at the moment you change the password will ask for the new password the next time they try to join. If a device keeps rejecting the password, make sure you are typing it correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters are treated as different characters.

What to do if you cannot access your router's control panel

If you cannot remember your router's login password and the default username and password do not work, you will need to reset the router to its factory settings. This erases all your custom settings, including your WiFi password, and returns everything to the defaults printed on the sticker.

To reset, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the router will blink, indicating the reset is in progress. Wait for the lights to stabilize, then log in using the default credentials on the sticker. After that, you can set a new WiFi password and a new router login password.

Choosing a password you can actually remember

A strong WiFi password protects your network from unauthorized access, but it only works if you write it down or store it somewhere safe. Consider keeping a list of important passwords in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass, or write it in a notebook you keep in a find location at home.

If you create a password that is too complicated to type on a phone keyboard, you will spend frustration reconnecting devices. A good balance is a 16-character password with uppercase, lowercase, and numbers — something like "BlueSky2024River" — which is strong but still typeable without constant mistakes. Avoid dictionary words strung together without numbers or symbols, as these are easier to guess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect devices that are already connected?

No. Devices that are currently connected will stay connected until they restart, lose power, or go out of range and try to reconnect. Once they try to rejoin the network, they will need the new password. This means you can change your password without when ready disrupting everyone in your home, but you should tell them the new password before their device restarts.

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

Yes. Open a 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 look slightly different on a small screen, but the steps are identical. Make sure your phone is connected to your WiFi network before you start.

What is the difference between my router password and my WiFi password?

Your router password is what you use to log into the control panel to change settings. Your WiFi password is what guests and devices use to connect to your network. They are separate — you can change one without changing the other. For security, you should change both from their factory defaults.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There is no fixed schedule. Change it if you suspect someone unauthorized has accessed your network, if a guest or former roommate knew the password, or if you have not changed it in several years. For most home networks, changing it once every year or two is reasonable security practice.

My router does not have a reset button. How do I reset it?

Some routers use a reset option in the control panel instead of a physical button. Log in if you can, look for "Factory Reset", "Restore Defaults", or "Reset" in the settings menu, and follow the on-screen instructions. If you cannot log in and there is no physical button, check your router's manual or search online for the model number plus "how to reset".