Where to change your password

You change your WiFi password inside your router's settings page, not through your internet provider's website or a phone app. The router is the box that broadcasts your WiFi signal — usually a white or black device sitting on a shelf or mounted on a wall. Every router has a built-in settings page you reach by typing an address into your web browser.

The exact steps depend on your router's brand, but the process is the same across all of them: log in to the settings page, find the WiFi or wireless section, locate the password field, type your new password, and save. Most people get stuck because they do not know the address to type or the password to log in with — both are printed on a sticker attached to your router.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router has a sticker on the bottom or back listing the address you type into your browser and the login password you need to enter the settings page.
  • The address is usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, and you type it directly into the address bar, not into a search engine.
  • Once logged in, look for a section labeled WiFi, Wireless, or Security, where you will find the field to change your network password.
  • After you save the new password, all your devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect them using the new password.
  • If you cannot find the sticker or have forgotten the login password, you can reset the router to factory settings, but this erases all your custom settings.

Finding the router address and login password

Look for a sticker on the bottom, back, or side of your router. This sticker lists two pieces of information you need: the router address (sometimes called the gateway address or admin URL) and the login password (sometimes called the admin password). The address usually looks like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, and the password is often a string of letters and numbers.

Write down both of these before you start. If the sticker is worn or missing, check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website — search for your router model number plus "default login" to find the standard address and password. Common router brands include Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, Asus, and Arris, and each publishes a list of default addresses for their models.

Logging into your router's settings page

Open any web browser on a computer or phone connected to your WiFi. Click on the address bar at the top of the browser window and type the router address exactly as it appears on the sticker — for example, 192.168.1.1. Do not use a search engine; type it directly into the address bar and press Enter.

A login page will appear asking for a username and password. The username is often left blank or is "admin", and the password is the one from the sticker. Enter these and click Log In. If the page does not load, try the other common address (192.168.0.1) or check your router's manual for the correct address.

Finding the WiFi password field

Once you are logged in, you will see a dashboard or menu. Look for a section labeled WiFi, Wireless, Network, or Security — the exact name varies by brand. Some routers have this as a tab at the top of the page; others have it in a menu on the left side. Click on it to open the wireless settings.

Inside this section, you will see fields for the network name (called the SSID) and the network password (sometimes called the passphrase or pre-shared key). The password field is what you need to change. It may be hidden as dots or asterisks for security — that is normal. Click on the password field and clear it, then type your new password.

Choosing and entering a strong new password

Your new WiFi password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, address, or obvious words. A strong password might look like: Tr0pic@lSunset42 or BlueMoon#2024River. Write it down somewhere safe before you save it, because you will need to give it to anyone who wants to connect to your WiFi.

Type the new password into the password field. Some routers ask you to type it twice to confirm you did not make a typo. After you enter it, look for a button labeled Save, explore, or OK and click it. The router will process the change, which usually takes 10 to 30 seconds.

Reconnecting your devices after the change

Once the router has saved the new password, all devices currently connected to your WiFi will disconnect automatically. You will need to reconnect each one using the new password. On a phone or computer, open the WiFi settings, find your network name in the list of available networks, click on it, and enter the new password when prompted.

Start with the devices you use most often — your phone, laptop, or tablet. Once those are reconnected, move on to other devices like smart speakers, printers, or streaming devices. If a device does not reconnect after you enter the password, restart that device and try again. If you still cannot connect, double-check that you typed the password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters are different.

What to do if you get stuck

If you cannot find the router address on the sticker or in the manual, try the two most common defaults: 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1. If neither works, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting two minutes for it to fully start up. Then try the addresses again.

If you have forgotten the login password and cannot find the sticker, you can reset the router to its factory settings. Look for a small Reset button (usually recessed, requiring a paperclip to press) on the back or bottom of the router. Press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its default settings, which means you will lose any custom settings you made, but you will be able to log in using the default password printed on the sticker again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my password if I just got a new router?

No, but many people do because the default password is often weak and the same across many routers of the same model. Changing it makes your network more find, especially if you live in an apartment or dense neighborhood where many routers are close together.

What happens to my internet speed if I change the password?

Nothing. The password only controls who can connect to your WiFi; it does not affect how fast your internet runs. Your speed depends on your internet plan and the router's distance from your devices.

Can I change my password from my phone?

Yes, as long as your phone is connected to the WiFi. Open a browser, type the router address into the address bar, and follow the same steps. Some newer routers also have a phone app that lets you change the password, but the browser method works on all routers.

What if I change the password and forget it when ready?

Log back into the router settings page using the address and login password from the sticker. Go to the WiFi settings section and you will see the password you just set. Write it down this time, or use a password manager to store it.

Will changing my password kick off anyone currently using my WiFi?

Yes. All connected devices will disconnect when you save the new password. They will need the new password to reconnect, so anyone using your WiFi without permission will no longer be able to access it.