Find Your Router and Log In

Your router is the box that broadcasts your WiFi signal — usually a rectangular device with antennas, sitting on a shelf or mounted on a wall. Most routers have a sticker on the bottom or back listing the router's web address (often something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and the default username and password you'll need to log in.

Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi and type that web address into the address bar. You'll see a login screen. Enter the username and password from the sticker. If you've already changed these credentials and don't remember them, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button (usually recessed) for 10 to 15 seconds — this erases all your settings, so do this only if you're prepared to set everything up again.

Once you're logged in, you'll see your router's control panel. The layout varies by manufacturer, but you're looking for a section labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," "Network," or "Security Settings." This is where your current password lives.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's login information is printed on a sticker on the device itself, and you enter it through a web browser, not an app.
  • The WiFi password section is usually labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," or "Security Settings" and looks different depending on your router brand.
  • A strong password is at least 12 characters and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • After you save a new password, all your devices will disconnect and you'll need to reconnect them one by one using the new password.
  • If you forget the new password, you can always reset the router to factory settings and start over, though this erases all custom settings.

Choose a Strong New Password

Before you enter a new password, decide what it will be. A strong WiFi password is at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, address, phone number, or anything else someone could guess from your social media or public records.

Write down your new password somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager, or a note in your phone — before you enter it into the router. Once you change it, you won't see it displayed again in the control panel, and you'll need it to reconnect your devices.

Enter and Save Your New Password

In your router's control panel, find the field labeled "Password," "Passphrase," "Pre-Shared Key," or "PSK." Delete the old password and type in your new one. Some routers also show a "Confirm Password" field — type it again there to make sure you didn't make a typo.

Look for a button labeled "Save," "explore," or "OK" and click it. The router will process the change, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, you may see a loading screen or a message saying the router is restarting. Do not unplug the router or close the browser tab — let it finish.

Once the page refreshes or returns to the main control panel, your new password is active. All devices currently connected to your WiFi will disconnect automatically.

Reconnect Your Devices One at a Time

On each device you use — phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, printer — you'll need to "forget" the old WiFi network and reconnect using the new password. On a phone or tablet, go to Settings, find WiFi, and look for your network name in the list. Tap it and select "Forget" or "Remove." Then tap your network name again, enter your new password, and tap "Connect."

On a Windows laptop, click the WiFi icon in the system tray, find your network, right-click it, and select "Forget." Then click the WiFi icon again, select your network, and enter the new password. On a Mac, go to System Preferences, click Network, select WiFi, click "Advanced," find your network in the list, click the minus button to remove it, click OK, and then reconnect with the new password.

Smart devices like printers, security cameras, or smart speakers may require you to open their companion app and re-enter the WiFi password there. Check the device's manual or the manufacturer's website if you're unsure how to reconnect it.

Verify the Change Worked

Once all your devices are reconnected and working normally, test your new password by disconnecting from WiFi on one device and reconnecting using the network name and new password. If it connects without error, the change is complete.

If a device won't reconnect, double-check that you're typing the password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters are different. If you're still stuck, try forgetting the network again and re-entering the password more slowly to avoid typos.

What to Do If You Forget the New Password

If you change your password and then forget it, you can reset the router to factory settings. Locate the small reset button (usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it) on the back or bottom of the router. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights on the router blink or turn off. Release the button and wait for the router to restart, which takes two to five minutes.

Once it's back on, the router will be back to its default state — the password will be whatever is printed on the sticker. You can then log in again and set a new password. Keep in mind that resetting also erases any other custom settings you've made, like port forwarding or a custom network name.

Why Change Your WiFi Password Regularly

Changing your password occasionally makes it harder for someone outside your home to use your WiFi without permission. If you notice your internet is slower than usual or you see unfamiliar device names in your router's connected devices list, someone may have connected without your knowledge. Changing the password will disconnect them.

You should also change your password if someone who had access to it no longer lives with you or if you've shared it with a guest who is no longer visiting. There's no magic number for how often to change it — once or twice a year is reasonable for most homes — but changing it whenever someone moves out or a guest leaves is a good rule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes, as long as your phone is connected to the WiFi. Open a web browser, type your router's web address (usually 192.168.1.1), log in with the username and password from the sticker, and follow the same steps as you would on a computer. The process is identical.

What if I don't know my router's web address?

Check the sticker on the back or bottom of the router — it's printed there. If the sticker is missing or unreadable, try typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into your browser. If neither works, look up your router's brand and model number (also on the sticker) and search for "[brand] default gateway" to find the correct address.

Do I need to change the username too?

The username is separate from the WiFi password. You can change it if you want, but it's not necessary — most people leave it as the default. The WiFi password is what matters for security, since that's what guests and devices use to connect.

Will changing my password disconnect my smart home devices?

Yes. Smart speakers, cameras, thermostats, and other connected devices will all disconnect when you change the password. You'll need to reconnect each one using their app or settings menu. Some devices make this easier than others — check the manufacturer's instructions if you're unsure.

What if my router doesn't have a reset button?

Some older or simpler routers don't have a physical reset button. In that case, look in the control panel for a "Restore Factory Settings" or "Reset" option in the administration or system settings menu. If you can't find one, contact your internet provider — they may be able to reset it remotely or send you a replacement.