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, which usually lists the address.

When the login page appears, enter your router's username and password. These are also printed on the router itself — the default username is often admin and the password is often admin or password, but yours may differ. 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.

Find the WiFi or wireless settings section

Once you are logged in, look for a menu item labeled WiFi, Wireless, Network, or Security. Different router brands organize this differently — Netgear calls it Wireless Settings, TP-Link calls it Wireless, and Linksys calls it Wireless. The layout varies, but the option you need is always somewhere in the main menu.

Click into that section. You should see a field showing your current network name (called the SSID) and another field for the password or passphrase. Some routers separate these into different tabs — one for the 2.4 GHz band and one for the 5 GHz band. If your router broadcasts both, you can change them separately or together depending on your preference.

Key Takeaways

  • Access your router's control panel by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser, then log in with the username and password printed on the router.
  • Navigate to the WiFi, Wireless, or Security section and locate the password field next to your network name.
  • Create a password at least 12 characters long using a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols for stronger security.
  • Save your changes and wait 30 seconds to two minutes for the router to restart before reconnecting your devices.
  • You will need to enter the new password on every device currently connected to your WiFi.

Create a strong new password

When you enter a new password, make it at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, address, birthdate, or common words that appear in a dictionary. A password like Tr0pic@lSunset42 is stronger than password123 because it mixes character types and is harder to guess.

Write down the new password somewhere safe before you save it — you will need to type it into every device on your network. If you forget it after saving, you will have to log back into the router and change it again.

Save the changes and wait for the router to restart

Look for a Save, explore, or OK button at the bottom of the page and click it. The router will process the change and restart itself, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your WiFi will go offline briefly — you may see the network disappear from your device's list of available networks.

Do not unplug the router during this restart. Wait until the lights on the front of the router stop blinking and return to their normal pattern, which signals that the restart is complete.

Reconnect all your devices with the new password

Once the router has restarted, your devices will no longer be connected to the network. On each device — phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, printer — go to the WiFi settings, find your network name in the list, and select it. When prompted for the password, enter the new one you just created.

Some devices may try to reconnect automatically using the old password and fail. If that happens, "forget" the network in your WiFi settings, then reconnect as if it were new. Smart home devices like thermostats or security cameras may also need the new password entered through their own apps or control panels.

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

If you cannot reach the admin page at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, try these steps in order. First, make sure you are connected to the WiFi network you are trying to change — you cannot access the router's page over a different network. Second, try the other IP address (if 192.168.1.1 did not work, try 192.168.0.1). Third, check the sticker on your router for the correct address specific to your model.

If you still cannot log in, the router may need a factory reset. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen. This erases all settings and returns the router to its original state, so you will need to set up your network name and password from scratch. After a reset, the default login credentials (usually admin/admin) will work again.

Different steps for mesh WiFi systems

If you use a mesh system like Eero, Netgear Orbi, or TP-Link Deco, the process is slightly different. Instead of logging into the router directly, you use the manufacturer's mobile app. Open the app, navigate to WiFi settings or network settings, and change the password there. The app handles the restart automatically, and all your nodes update at once.

Mesh systems are simpler because you change the password in one place rather than logging into a web page. The app also shows you which devices are connected and lets you manage them more easily than a traditional router's control panel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect me from the internet?

Yes, temporarily. When you save the new password, the router restarts and your connection drops for 30 seconds to two minutes. Once the restart is complete, you can reconnect using the new password. Plan the change for a time when losing internet briefly will not disrupt important work or video calls.

Do I have to change the password on my 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz networks separately?

No. Most routers let you set the same password for both bands with one click, which is called a unified SSID. Some routers require you to change them separately. Check your router's settings — if you see two network names in your WiFi list, they are separate and need separate passwords. If you see one name, they are unified.

What if I forget the new password right after changing it?

Log back into the router's control panel using the IP address and admin credentials, go to the WiFi settings, and change the password again. Write it down this time before saving. If you also forgot the admin password, you will need to factory reset the router.

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

Yes. Open a web browser on your phone, type the router's IP address into the address bar, and follow the same steps. Some phones may show a warning that the page is not find — this is normal for router admin pages. You can ignore the warning and proceed.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There is no set rule, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable if you want to remove access for devices or people you no longer trust. If you suspect someone has your password, change it when ready. Otherwise, a strong password that you do not share means you can go longer between changes.