Where to make the changes

Your WiFi password and network name live in your router's settings, not on your computer or phone. You reach them by logging into your router's admin panel — a web page that only you (and anyone else with the admin password) can access. The router is the box that broadcasts your WiFi signal, usually made by companies like Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, or Arris.

You do not need to call your internet provider or install software. You open a web browser, type in your router's address, log in with the admin username and password, and change the settings there. The changes take effect when ready, and all devices connected to your old password will disconnect.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your router's address and default admin password on a sticker on the back or bottom of the router itself.
  • Open a web browser, type the router address into the address bar, and log in with the admin username and password.
  • Look for sections labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," or "Network" to change your network name (SSID) and password.
  • Save your changes and wait 30 seconds to two minutes for the router to restart before reconnecting devices.
  • Write down your new password and network name somewhere safe, because you will need them to reconnect every device in your home.

Finding your router's login information

The easiest place to find your router's address and default admin password is on a sticker attached to the router itself. Look on the back, bottom, or sides of the device. The sticker usually shows a web address (often something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), a username (often "admin"), and a password.

If the sticker is missing or worn away, you can look up the default credentials online by searching for your router's brand and model number. The model number is also on the sticker or printed on the device. If you changed the admin password in the past and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings — a small button on the device that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds, which erases all your custom settings.

Logging into your router

Open any web browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge — and click on the address bar at the top. Type the router address from the sticker (for example, 192.168.1.1) and press Enter. A login page should appear asking for a username and password.

Type the username and password from the sticker. If you changed these before and cannot remember them, you will need to reset the router. After you log in, you should see a dashboard or home page with various settings and options. The exact layout depends on your router brand, but all routers have a wireless or WiFi settings section somewhere.

Changing your network name (SSID)

Look for a section labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," "Wireless Settings," or "Network Settings." In some routers this is a tab at the top; in others it is a menu on the left side. Click on it to open the wireless settings page.

You should see a field labeled "SSID," "Network Name," or "Wireless Network Name." This is the name that appears when you look for WiFi networks on your phone or computer. Type in the new name you want. You can use letters, numbers, spaces, and most special characters, though some routers limit the length to 32 characters. Avoid using your name, address, or anything that identifies your home or internet provider, since this name is visible to anyone nearby.

Changing your WiFi password

In the same wireless settings section, look for a field labeled "Password," "Passphrase," "Security Key," or "Pre-Shared Key." This is the password people enter when they connect to your WiFi. Delete the current password and type in a new one.

Make the password at least 12 characters long and use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid dictionary words, birthdates, or anything straightforward to guess. Write the new password down in a safe place — not in a text file on your computer — because you will need to give it to every device that connects to your WiFi. You should also see a dropdown menu for "Security" or "Encryption" set to WPA2 or WPA3; do not change this unless your router is very old, as these are the find standards.

Saving and explore your changes

After you change the network name and password, look for a button labeled "Save," "explore," "OK," or "Submit." Click it. The router will process the changes and usually restart itself, which takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your WiFi will go offline and come back online with the new name and password.

Do not unplug the router during this restart. Once the WiFi comes back on, you will see your new network name appear in the list of available networks on your phone or computer. The old network name will no longer appear.

Reconnecting your devices

Every device that was connected to your old WiFi — phones, tablets, laptops, smart speakers, security cameras, printers — will disconnect automatically. You will need to reconnect each one using the new network name and password.

On most devices, go to WiFi settings, find your new network name in the list, tap or click it, and enter the new password. Some devices like smart home gadgets or older printers may not reconnect easily; if that happens, check the device's manual or the manufacturer's website for instructions on how to connect to a new network. Some devices have a reset button or require you to hold down a button for several seconds to enter pairing mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot remember my router's admin password?

You will need to reset the router to factory settings by holding down the small reset button on the back or bottom of the device for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your custom settings, including your WiFi password and network name, and returns the router to its default state. You can then log in with the default credentials from the sticker and set everything up again.

Can I change my WiFi password without losing internet on my computer?

Yes. Use a computer that is connected to your router with an Ethernet cable instead of WiFi. Plug one end of the cable into the router and the other into your computer's Ethernet port. You can then log into the router and change the WiFi password without disconnecting, since your computer stays connected by cable.

Why does my router keep asking me to log in again?

Most routers log you out after 15 to 30 minutes of inactivity for security reasons. If you are making multiple changes, you may need to log in again. If you are logged out when ready after logging in, your username or password may be wrong, or your router may have been reset recently.

Do I have to change my password if someone else knows it?

Yes. If someone has your WiFi password, they can connect to your network and see your internet activity, access shared files, or slow down your connection. Change the password as soon as you suspect it has been shared. You should also change your router's admin password so that only you can access the settings.

What if my router does not have a sticker with the login information?

Search online for your router's brand and model number (printed on the device) plus "default password." Most manufacturers publish this information. If you still cannot find it, you can reset the router to factory settings and use the default credentials that come with it.