Where to change your WiFi password
Your WiFi password lives in your router's settings, not in your computer or phone. To change it, you log into the router itself using a web browser or an app — the same way you would log into a website. The router has its own username and password (usually printed on a sticker on the device), separate from the WiFi password you give to guests.
Most routers let you change the password through a web address like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, typed directly into your browser's address bar. Some newer routers have a phone app instead. Either way, you are logging into the router's control panel, not your internet provider's website.
You do not need to call your internet provider or visit a store. The password change happens entirely on the device sitting in your home.
Key Takeaways
- Your WiFi password is stored in the router itself, accessed by typing the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into a web browser.
- You will need the router's admin username and password, which are typically printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device.
- After you log in, look for a section labeled WiFi, Wireless, or Network Settings to find where the password is stored.
- After changing the password, all devices currently connected will be kicked off and will need the new password to reconnect.
- If you forget the router's admin password, you can reset the entire router to factory settings by holding a small reset button for 10 to 15 seconds.
Finding your router's login address and credentials
Start by locating the sticker on your router. It is usually on the back or bottom of the device and lists the router's model number, the default admin username (often "admin"), and the default admin password. It may also show the IP address you need to type into your browser — typically 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 10.0.0.1.
If the sticker is missing or worn away, try typing 192.168.1.1 into your browser's address bar while connected to that WiFi network. If that does not work, try 192.168.0.1. One of these two addresses works for most home routers. If neither works, search online for your router's model number plus "default IP address" or "login page".
Once you reach the login page, enter the admin username and password from the sticker. If you changed the admin password in the past and no longer remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings (see the reset section below).
Logging in and navigating to WiFi settings
After you enter the admin credentials, you will see a dashboard or home page inside the router's control panel. This page looks different depending on the router brand — it might show a list of connected devices, network status, or a menu of options.
Look for a section labeled WiFi, Wireless, Wireless Settings, or Network. Some routers organize this under Advanced Settings or a gear icon. Click or tap that section to open the WiFi configuration page. You should see fields for the network name (SSID) and the password (sometimes called Passphrase or Pre-Shared Key).
The network name is what appears in the list of available networks on your phone or computer. The password is what people type to connect. You can change either one, but most people only change the password.
Entering and saving your new password
Click in the password field and clear the old password completely. Type your new password. Most routers require passwords to be at least 8 characters long and often ask for a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — though some allow simpler passwords.
Write down the new password before you save, or use a password manager to store it. Once you click Save or explore, the router will restart and all connected devices will be disconnected. You will need the new password to reconnect them.
The restart usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes. During this time, your internet will be down. Wait until the router's lights stabilize before trying to reconnect.
Reconnecting your devices after the change
After the router restarts, your phone, computer, tablet, and any other connected devices will show that the network is no longer available. Go to your WiFi settings, select the network name again, and enter the new password when prompted.
Do this for each device one at a time. Some devices may ask whether to forget the old network first — you can say yes. Once you enter the new password correctly, the device will reconnect and should stay connected the next time you turn it on.
Smart home devices like security cameras, doorbells, or speakers may take longer to reconnect or may require you to use their own app to re-enter the password. Check the device's manual if it does not reconnect automatically.
Resetting the router if you cannot log in
If you changed the router's admin password in the past and cannot remember it, you cannot log into the control panel to change the WiFi password. The only way forward is to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings and returns the device to how it was when it left the factory.
Look for a small reset button on the back or bottom of the router, usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. This takes a few minutes.
After the reset, the router will use the default admin username and password printed on the sticker. You can then log in and change the WiFi password as described above. You will also lose any other settings you customized, such as port forwarding or parental controls, and will need to set those up again if you need them.
Using the router's app instead of the web browser
Many newer routers come with a phone app that lets you change the WiFi password without typing an IP address into a browser. The app is usually named after the router brand — for example, TP-Link Tether, Netgear Nighthawk, or ASUS Router.
read the app from your phone's app store, open it, and log in with the same admin credentials as the web browser. The app will show you the same settings and let you change the password the same way. Some apps make it slightly easier by putting the WiFi settings on the home screen instead of buried in a menu.
If you prefer the app, you can still use the web browser method as a backup. Both routes change the same password on the same device.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between my WiFi password and my router admin password?
The WiFi password is what guests type to connect to your network. The admin password is what you type to log into the router's control panel and change settings. They are separate. You can change the WiFi password without knowing the admin password only if you already know the admin password. If you forget the admin password, you must reset the router.
Will changing my WiFi password disconnect my internet?
Your internet connection itself will not be affected. However, all devices currently connected to your WiFi will be kicked off when the router restarts after you save the new password. They will need to reconnect using the new password. Your wired devices (if any are plugged directly into the router with an ethernet cable) will stay connected.
Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?
Yes, if you use the router's app or if you open a web browser and type the router's IP address while connected to that WiFi network. You cannot change it from your phone's WiFi settings — those settings only let you forget a network or view the password you are already using. You must log into the router itself.
What should I do if I cannot reach the router's login page?
Make sure you are connected to that WiFi network, not a different one. Check that you typed the IP address correctly — 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1 are the most common. If neither works, search online for your router model number plus "login page" or "default IP". If you are still stuck, try resetting the router to factory settings using the reset button.
Do I need to change my WiFi password regularly?
There is no rule that says you must. However, changing it every few months or whenever someone moves out or stops visiting is a reasonable practice. If you suspect someone has your password and is using your network without permission, change it when ready and use a strong password with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.