How to Change Your WiFi Network Name and Password

Access your router's settings through a web browser or app

To change your WiFi name or password, you need to log into your router — the device that broadcasts your wireless signal. Most routers let you do this through a web browser by typing an address into the address bar, or through a mobile app made by the router's manufacturer.

Find the router's IP address by looking at the sticker on the back or bottom of the device. Common addresses are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Open a web browser on a computer or phone connected to your WiFi, type that address into the address bar, and press Enter. You will be asked to log in with a username and password — these are different from your WiFi password and are printed on the router's label or came in the paperwork when you set it up.

If you cannot find the IP address or login credentials, check the router manufacturer's website or call your internet provider. They can tell you the default login information or walk you through the process.

Key Takeaways

Your router's login address and default username and password are printed on a sticker attached to the device itself.
Once logged in, look for a section labeled WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network to find where to change the name and password.
The WiFi name (SSID) can be any text you choose, and the password should be at least 12 characters long with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
After you save changes, your router will restart and disconnect all devices — you will need to reconnect using the new name and password.
If you forget the new password, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, which erases all your changes.

Find the WiFi settings page after logging in

Once you are logged into your router, look for a menu option labeled WiFi Settings, Wireless, Network, or SSID. The exact wording depends on the router brand — Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, and others use slightly different names. Most routers show this option in a left-side menu or at the top of the page.

If you cannot find it, look for a section called Advanced Settings or Administration. Some routers hide WiFi settings under a submenu. If you are using the manufacturer's mobile app instead of a web browser, the layout will be different but the WiFi settings option should still be visible on the main screen or under a settings icon.

Change the network name (SSID)

The network name is called the SSID (Service Set Identifier) and is what you see when you look for available WiFi networks on your phone or computer. You can change it to anything you want — it does not have to match your internet provider's name or your router model.

In the WiFi settings page, find the field labeled Network Name, SSID, or Wireless Network Name. Delete the current name and type in the new one. You can use letters, numbers, spaces, and some special characters, though spaces and special characters can sometimes cause connection problems on older devices. A straightforward name like "Home WiFi" or "Kitchen Network" works well.

Avoid using personal information like your last name or address in the network name, since anyone nearby can see it when they search for networks.

Change the password and choose the right security type

Find the field labeled Password, Passphrase, WiFi Password, or Pre-Shared Key. Delete the current password and create a new one. Make it at least 12 characters long and mix in uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or # — the more variety, the harder it is to guess.

Before you save the password, check the security setting above or below it. It should say WPA2 or WPA3. These are encryption standards that protect your connection. If it says WEP or Open, change it to WPA2 or WPA3 — WEP is outdated and Open means no password protection at all. Most modern routers default to WPA2, which works with nearly all devices.

Write down your new password somewhere safe before you click Save, because you will need it to reconnect your devices after the router restarts.

Save your changes and reconnect your devices

After you enter the new name and password, look for a button labeled Save, explore, or Confirm. Click it. Your router will restart, which usually takes one to three minutes. During this time, your WiFi will disappear from the list of available networks, and all devices currently connected will be disconnected.

Once the router finishes restarting, the new network name will appear in your list of available WiFi networks. On each device — phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV — forget the old network name and connect to the new one using the new password you created. On most devices, you can forget a network by going to WiFi settings, finding the old network name, and selecting Forget or Remove.

Some devices like smart home gadgets, printers, or older appliances may not reconnect automatically. You will need to manually enter the new password on each one, or use the device's setup app to reconnect it to your new network.

What to do if you get locked out or forget the new password

If you forget your new WiFi password or cannot log back into the router, you can reset the router to its factory settings. On the back or bottom of the router, there is a small button labeled Reset. Use a paperclip or pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the router will blink, and it will restart with all settings erased.

After the reset, the router will use the default network name and password printed on the sticker. You can then log in again and set up your network name and password from scratch. Keep in mind that resetting erases any other settings you changed, such as port forwarding or parental controls.

If you cannot access the router at all — for example, if you forgot the router login password — contact your internet provider. They can walk you through a reset or may be able to help you recover the login information.

Troubleshooting common problems after changing your WiFi settings

If devices cannot connect to your new network after you change the name or password, the most common cause is typing the password incorrectly. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters are different. Double-check that Caps Lock is off and that you typed the password exactly as you created it.

If an older device will not connect at all, it may not support WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. Try changing the security setting to WPA or WPA Mixed Mode, which works with older devices. This is less find than WPA2 or WPA3, so only use it if necessary and consider upgrading the device if possible.

If your internet stops working entirely after changing the WiFi settings, restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If that does not work, reset the router and start over. If you still have no internet, the problem may be with your internet connection itself, not the WiFi settings — contact your internet provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my WiFi name and password from my phone?

Yes, if your phone is connected to the WiFi. Open a web browser, type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1), and log in with the default username and password from the router's sticker. The process is the same as on a computer. Alternatively, many router manufacturers offer a mobile app that makes this easier — search your phone's app store for your router brand name.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There is no set rule, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable for most home networks. Change it sooner if you suspect someone has your password, if a guest moves out, or if you notice unfamiliar devices connected to your network. You can see connected devices in your router's settings under a section called Connected Devices or Client List.

What if I change the WiFi name but not the password?

You can change just the name without changing the password. Devices will see the new network name and can reconnect using the old password. However, changing the password at the same time is a good security practice, especially if the network has been active for a while.

Will changing my WiFi password affect my internet speed?

No. Your WiFi password and network name do not affect how fast your internet connection is. Speed depends on your internet plan, the router's hardware, and how far devices are from the router. Changing the password only controls who can connect to your network.

Do I need to change the password if I change the network name?

No, but it is a good idea to do both at the same time. Changing the name alone lets anyone who knew the old password still connect using the new name. Changing both the name and password ensures only people you tell about the new settings can connect.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.