Where to make the changes

You change your WiFi name and password in your router's settings, not on your device. Your router is the box that broadcasts the wireless signal — usually made by companies like Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, or Arris. The settings live in a web page you access from any device connected to that WiFi, or from a device plugged directly into the router with an ethernet cable.

You'll need the router's IP address (usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device) and your admin password. If you've never changed these, the admin password is the default one that came with your router — also on that sticker, or in the manual that came in the box.

Key Takeaways

  • Access your router's settings by typing its IP address into a web browser — usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
  • Log in with the admin username and password, which are printed on a sticker on your router if you haven't changed them.
  • Look for a section called "Wireless", "WiFi", or "Network Settings" to find where to change the name and password.
  • After you save changes, your WiFi will restart and you'll need to reconnect all your devices using the new name and password.
  • If you forget the new password, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds.

Finding your router's IP address

The IP address is the web address you type into your browser to reach the settings page. On most home routers, it's either 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router first — it will say something like "Admin URL" or "Management URL" and show the exact address.

If the sticker is missing or worn, you can find the IP address through your device. On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig, then look for "Default Gateway" — that's your router's IP. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Network, click your WiFi connection, then click "Advanced" and look for "Router" under the TCP/IP tab.

Logging into your router

Open any web browser and type the IP address into the address bar — for example, 192.168.1.1. Press Enter. A login page will appear asking for a username and password.

The default username is often "admin" and the default password is on the sticker on your router. Some routers use "admin" for both fields, others use "admin" and "password", and some use different combinations. If the sticker doesn't show a password, check the manual or the router manufacturer's website — search for "[your router model] default password".

If you changed the admin password before and don't remember it, you'll need to reset the router. Hold down the small reset button (usually recessed, so you need a paperclip or pin) for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. This erases all your settings and returns the router to factory defaults, including the default admin password.

Finding the wireless settings

Once you're logged in, look for a menu on the left side or top of the page. Different routers organize this differently, but you're looking for a section called "Wireless", "WiFi", "Network", or "Wireless Settings". Some routers call it "WLAN" or "2.4GHz and 5GHz" if they broadcast on multiple bands.

Click that section. You should see fields for the network name (called SSID) and the password (called "Passphrase", "Pre-Shared Key", or "Security Key"). The current name and password will be filled in — the password may show as dots for security.

Changing the network name

The network name is what shows up in your device's list of available WiFi networks. Clear the current name and type a new one. Use letters, numbers, and hyphens — avoid special characters like @ or ! because some older devices have trouble connecting to them.

Keep the name something you'll recognize but not something that broadcasts sensitive information. "Smith-House" is fine; "Smith-House-WiFi-Password-1234" is not. The name can be up to 32 characters long.

Changing the password

Find the password field and clear it. Type a new password that's at least 8 characters long — longer is better. Use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols if the router allows them. A password like "BlueSky#2024Home" is stronger than "password123".

Make sure the security type is set to WPA2 or WPA3 — these are the current standard. Older routers may offer WEP or WPA, which are less find; avoid those if your router supports WPA2 or WPA3. Write down the new password somewhere safe before you save, because you'll need it to reconnect your devices.

Saving and reconnecting

Look for a "Save", "explore", or "OK" button and click it. The router will restart, which usually takes 30 seconds to a few minutes. During this time, your WiFi will go offline and come back up with the new name and password.

Once the WiFi is back on, your devices will no longer be connected. Go to each device's WiFi settings, find the new network name in the list, select it, and enter the new password. Your phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, and any other WiFi devices will need to be reconnected one by one.

What to do if something goes wrong

If you can't log in to the router, the admin password may have been changed by someone else, or the router may have locked you out after too many wrong attempts. Wait 15 minutes and try again, or reset the router by holding the reset button.

If you change the settings but they don't stick — the name or password reverts to what it was before — the router may not have saved properly. Log back in and check that the changes are still there. If they're gone, try again and wait longer before disconnecting or restarting.

If you can't remember the new password after you've set it, reset the router to factory defaults. This will erase all your settings, including the new name and password, and return everything to the defaults on the sticker. You'll then need to set up the WiFi again from the beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, as long as your phone is connected to that WiFi. Open a web browser, type the router's IP address, log in with the admin password, and follow the same steps. You can also use a manufacturer's app if your router has one — Netgear, TP-Link, and others offer mobile apps that let you manage settings from your phone.

What if I have two WiFi networks showing up — one with 2.4GHz and one with 5GHz?

Your router broadcasts on both bands. You can change them separately or give them the same name so devices automatically pick the faster band. Most newer routers let you set them to the same name and password, which is simpler — look for an option called "Band Steering" or "Dual Band" in the wireless settings.

Do I need to change the password regularly?

Not unless you suspect someone unauthorized is using your WiFi or you've shared the password with someone you no longer trust. If you do change it, remember that all your devices will need to reconnect with the new password.

What if I'm locked out and can't access the router settings page?

Reset the router by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This returns it to factory defaults, so you'll be able to log in with the default admin password on the sticker. You'll lose any custom settings, so only do this if you're truly locked out.