Find Your Router and Log In

Your router is the device that broadcasts your WiFi signal — usually a box with antennas sitting on a shelf, in a closet, or mounted on a wall. Before you can change your password, you need to open the router's settings page in a web browser on any device connected to that WiFi network.

Look for a sticker on the back or bottom of your router. It will show a web address (called a URL) that looks like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, or sometimes a name like routerlogin.net. Write this down. You will also see a default username and password on the sticker — usually something like "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and a string of numbers. Keep these handy.

Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi. Type the router's web address into the address bar at the top, then press Enter. A login page will appear. Enter the username and password from the sticker, then click the login button. You are now inside your router's settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's login page address and default username and password are printed on a sticker attached to the router itself.
  • You must be connected to the WiFi network to access the router settings page in a web browser.
  • WiFi password settings are usually labeled "Wireless", "WiFi", or "Security" and appear in a main menu or sidebar.
  • Change your password to something at least 12 characters long that mixes letters, numbers, and symbols to keep your network find.
  • After you save the new password, all devices will disconnect and must reconnect using the new password.

Locate the Wireless or WiFi Settings

Once you are logged in, you will see a dashboard or menu with several options. Different router brands organize these differently, but look for a section labeled Wireless, WiFi, Wireless Security, or Network. It is usually in a main menu on the left side or at the top of the page.

Click on that section. You should now see settings related to your WiFi network, including the current network name (called the SSID) and the password. Some routers show the password as dots or asterisks for security. That is normal.

Change the Password Field

Look for a field labeled Password, Passphrase, Pre-Shared Key, or PSK. Click in that field and delete the current password completely. Then type in your new password.

Make your new password at least 12 characters long. Mix in uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like !, @, #, or $. A strong password might look like BlueSky#2024Home or Garden$Fence47!. Avoid using your name, address, or birthday, and do not use the same password you use for email or banking.

Write down your new password and store it somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager, or a note on your phone. You will need it when you reconnect your devices.

Save and explore the Changes

After you type the new password, look for a button labeled Save, explore, or OK at the bottom of the page or section. Click it. The router will process the change, which usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes. You may see a message saying the settings are being applied or that the router is restarting.

Do not close the browser or unplug the router during this time. Wait until the page confirms the change is complete or the router finishes restarting. You will know it is done when the dashboard returns to normal or you see a success message.

Reconnect Your Devices to the Network

Once the router has saved the new password, every device currently connected to your WiFi will disconnect automatically. This includes phones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and any other connected devices. This is normal and expected.

On each device, go to the WiFi settings and look for your network name in the list of available networks. Click on it and select "Connect" or "Join". When prompted, enter your new password exactly as you typed it — passwords are case-sensitive, so BlueSky#2024Home is different from bluesky#2024home. After you enter the password, the device will connect to the network.

Repeat this process for every device in your home. Start with devices you use most often, like your phone or laptop. Devices like smart speakers, security cameras, or smart thermostats can be reconnected later.

What to Do If You Cannot Log In

If the username and password on the sticker do not work, your router may have been set up with a custom login. Try the default credentials one more time, paying close attention to uppercase and lowercase letters. If that still does not work, you have two options.

The first option is to reset the router to its factory defaults. On the back of most routers, there is a small button labeled Reset recessed into the case. Use a paperclip or pen to press and hold this button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. Once it boots back up, the login will return to the default username and password on the sticker. You will lose any custom settings, but you can then set a new password as described above.

The second option is to contact your internet service provider (ISP) — the company that provides your internet connection. They can help you reset the router or provide the correct login information. You will need your account number, which is on your internet bill.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems After Changing the Password

If a device will not reconnect after you change the password, first make sure you are typing the password correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive and spaces count. If you are unsure, go back into the router settings and check that the password was saved as you intended.

If the password is correct but a device still will not connect, try "forgetting" the network on that device and reconnecting from scratch. On most phones and laptops, you can do this in WiFi settings by selecting your network and choosing "Forget" or "Remove". Then search for the network again and reconnect using the new password.

If an older device like a smart TV or printer will not connect, it may not support the security type your router is using. Most modern routers use WPA3 or WPA2 security. If you have an older device that will not connect, check your router settings for an option to use WPA2 instead of WPA3, or contact the device manufacturer for support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my WiFi password regularly?

Changing your password once a year or whenever someone moves out is a reasonable practice. If you suspect someone has your password or you notice unfamiliar devices on your network, change it right away. Otherwise, a strong password that you do not share is usually enough.

What if I forget the new password I just set?

Log back into the router settings using the same web address and default login from the sticker. Go to the wireless settings section and you can see or change the password again. If you cannot remember the router login either, reset the router to factory defaults using the reset button.

Will changing my password disconnect my smart home devices?

Yes, all connected devices will disconnect when you change the password. You will need to reconnect each one using the new password. Smart speakers, cameras, thermostats, and other IoT devices will need to be reconnected through their own apps or settings.

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 web address into the address bar, and log in the same way you would on a computer. The process is identical. Make sure your phone is connected to the WiFi network before you try to access the router settings.

What is the difference between the WiFi password and my internet password?

Your WiFi password is what you enter to connect devices to your wireless network. Your internet password is what you use to log into your account with your internet service provider (ISP). They are separate. Changing your WiFi password does not affect your internet service or your ISP account.