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 through a web browser or an app, find the wireless settings section, and type in a new password. The router then broadcasts that new password to any device that tries to connect.

You will need two things: the router's IP address (usually printed on a sticker on the router itself) and the router's admin password (also often on that sticker, or the one you set up when you first installed it). If you have never changed either of these, they are probably still at factory defaults.

The exact steps depend on your router brand — Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, and others all have slightly different layouts. But the path is the same: open a browser, type in the IP address, log in, find wireless or WiFi settings, and change the password field.

Key Takeaways

  • Your WiFi password is stored in the router itself, not on your computer, so you must log into the router to change it.
  • You will need the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and the admin password to log in.
  • After you change the password in the router settings, all your devices will disconnect and will need the new password to reconnect.
  • If you forget the router's admin password, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, but this erases all your settings.

Finding your router's IP address and admin password

Look for a sticker on the bottom or back of your router. It will list the IP address (often something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), the admin username (usually "admin"), and the admin password. Write these down or take a photo before you start.

If the sticker is missing or worn away, try typing 192.168.1.1 into a web browser address bar. If that does not work, try 192.168.0.1. One of these two addresses works for most home routers. If neither opens a login page, you may need to check your router's manual or search online for your specific model number.

If you changed the admin password when you first set up the router and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the router. This erases all your settings and returns everything to factory defaults, so only do this if you have no other option.

Logging into your router through a web browser

Open any web browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, it does not matter. In the address bar at the top, type the IP address you found (for example, 192.168.1.1) and press Enter. A login page should appear asking for a username and password.

Type "admin" in the username field (or whatever username is on your router's sticker). Type the admin password in the password field. Click the Login or Submit button. You should now see the router's main settings page, which usually shows a dashboard with network information and a menu on the left or top.

If the login page does not appear, make sure you are connected to the router — either by WiFi or by an ethernet cable plugged into one of the ports on the back. If you are still stuck, try the other IP address (192.168.0.1 instead of 192.168.1.1).

Finding the wireless or WiFi settings

Once you are logged in, look for a menu item labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," "Wireless Settings," or "WLAN." Different router brands put this in different places. Netgear usually has it on the left side menu. TP-Link often puts it under "Interface Setup" or "Wireless." Linksys may label it "Wireless" or "WiFi."

Click on that menu item. You should see a page with fields for the network name (called SSID) and the password (sometimes called "Passphrase" or "Pre-Shared Key"). The current password will usually be hidden as dots or asterisks, but you can often click a button to show it.

If you cannot find a wireless settings section after looking through the main menu, try searching the settings page for the word "password" or "security." Most routers also have a search function in the settings that can help you locate the right page.

Changing the password and saving your changes

Click in the password field and delete the current password. Type your new password. Most routers require passwords to be at least 8 characters long and accept letters, numbers, and symbols. A strong password uses a mix of all three — for example, "BlueSky2024!" is stronger than "password123."

Do not change the network name (SSID) unless you want to — changing only the password is usually the goal. Once you have typed the new password, look for a button labeled "Save," "explore," "OK," or "Submit." Click it. The router will process the change, which usually takes 10 to 30 seconds.

You may see a message saying the router is restarting or that your connection will be lost. This is normal. The router is explore the new settings. Wait a minute for it to finish restarting before you try to reconnect any devices.

Reconnecting your devices with the new password

After the router restarts, all your devices will lose their WiFi connection because they still have the old password stored. You will need to reconnect each one manually using the new password.

On your phone or computer, go to WiFi settings and look for your network name in the list of available networks. Click on it and select "Forget" or "Remove" to delete the old password from that device. Then click on the network name again and enter your new password when prompted. The device should connect when ready.

Repeat this for every device that uses your WiFi — phones, tablets, laptops, smart speakers, printers, and anything else. Once a device has the new password, it will reconnect automatically whenever it is in range of the router.

Resetting the router if you are locked out

If you cannot log into the router because you forgot the admin password, you can reset it to factory defaults. 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 hold down the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on.

The router will restart and all settings will return to factory defaults. This means the admin password will go back to whatever is printed on the sticker, and your WiFi password will also reset to the factory default. You will need to set everything up again from scratch, including the WiFi password.

Resetting should only be your last resort because it erases all your custom settings. If you have a modem separate from your router, resetting the router will not affect your internet connection — you will still be online, just with default WiFi settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart my router after changing the password?

The router usually restarts automatically when you click Save or explore in the settings. You do not need to manually unplug it. Wait a minute for the restart to finish before reconnecting devices.

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect me from the internet?

No. Your internet connection comes from the modem, which is separate from the router. Changing the WiFi password only affects wireless devices — devices connected by ethernet cable will stay online the whole time.

What if I change the password but devices still will not connect?

Make sure you are typing the new password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, so "BlueSky2024" is different from "bluesky2024." Also make sure you forgot the old password on the device first. If it still will not work, restart the device and try again.

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 in the address bar, and log in the same way. Some router brands also offer a mobile app that lets you change settings from your phone, which can be easier than using a browser.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There is no set rule. Change it if you think someone has the old password, if you have guests who no longer need access, or if you want to reset your network. Changing it once or twice a year is reasonable for most home networks.