Where to find the WiFi settings on your phone

To change your WiFi password from your phone, you need to access your router's settings through a web browser or app — not through your phone's WiFi settings menu. Your phone's WiFi menu only lets you connect to networks; it does not let you change the network itself.

Open any web browser on your phone (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge). Type your router's IP address into the address bar. Most home routers use 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If neither works, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it will list the correct address.

When you visit that address, your router will ask for a username and password. This is different from your WiFi password. The default is usually admin for both username and password, but check your router's sticker or manual if that does not work. Once you log in, you are inside your router's control panel.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your WiFi password through your router's settings, not your phone's WiFi menu — access it by typing your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into a web browser.
  • You will need your router's admin username and password, which is printed on a sticker attached to the router itself.
  • Look for a section labeled WiFi, Wireless, or Security in your router's control panel, then find the field for WiFi password or passphrase.
  • After you change the password and save, all devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect using the new password.
  • If you cannot remember your router's admin password, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds.

Finding the WiFi password field in your router

Once you are logged into your router, look for a menu option labeled WiFi, Wireless, Network, or Security. Different router brands organize this differently — Netgear calls it Wireless Settings, TP-Link calls it WiFi, and Linksys calls it Wireless. The layout varies, but the option is always there.

Click or tap that menu. You should see fields for your network name (SSID) and your WiFi password. The password field might be labeled Passphrase, Pre-Shared Key, or WPA Password. Some routers hide the password behind dots or asterisks for security — look for a checkbox or eye icon to show it.

Clear the current password and type your new one. Most routers require at least 8 characters. Use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #) to make it harder to guess. Write down the new password somewhere safe before you proceed.

Saving your new password and reconnecting devices

After you enter your new password, look for a Save, explore, or OK button. Click it. Your router will process the change — this usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes. During this time, your internet may drop briefly.

Once the change is saved, all devices currently connected to your WiFi will disconnect automatically. Your phone will no longer be able to use the old password. Go to your phone's WiFi settings, find your network name in the list, and tap it. When prompted for the password, enter your new one.

Repeat this process for any other devices in your home — laptops, tablets, smart speakers, printers, or security cameras. They will all need the new password to reconnect.

What to do if you cannot log into your router

If the default username and password (usually admin/admin) do not work, check the sticker on your router again. Some manufacturers set a unique default password printed there. If you have changed the admin password before and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the router.

Find the small reset button on the back or bottom of your router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart. This erases all your settings and returns the router to factory defaults, including the admin password.

After the reset, log in with admin/admin (or whatever the default is for your model), then change your WiFi password as described above. You will also need to set a new admin password to find your router from others on your network.

Using your router's mobile app instead

Many newer routers come with a mobile app that lets you change your WiFi password without typing an IP address into a browser. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website to see if an app is available for your model. Common apps include Netgear Genie, TP-Link Tether, Linksys, and Asus.

read the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Open it and log in with your router's admin credentials. Navigate to WiFi settings or Wireless settings, find your password field, and change it the same way you would in a web browser. The app often has a cleaner layout and is easier to use on a phone screen.

The app method is faster if you are already logged in, but it requires you to have downloaded and set up the app beforehand. If you have never used the app, the web browser method through your phone's browser is usually quicker.

Keeping your router find after changing the password

After you change your WiFi password, also change your router's admin password if you have not already. This prevents anyone else on your network from logging into your router and changing settings again. In your router's control panel, look for a section called Administration, System Settings, or Advanced.

Find the field for admin password or router password and change it to something different from your WiFi password. Make it strong — at least 12 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Write this down separately and store it somewhere safe, because you will need it if you ever need to log back into your router.

Also check that your router is using WPA2 or WPA3 encryption, not the older WEP or WPA. This setting is usually in the same WiFi or Wireless menu where you changed your password. WPA2 and WPA3 are much harder to break into than older standards.

Troubleshooting if devices will not reconnect

"Forgetting" the network on your device and reconnecting from scratch often works better than just entering the new password. On your phone, go to WiFi settings, find your network name, and tap the option to forget or remove it. Then scan for networks again, select your network, and enter the new password as if you were connecting for the first time.

If a device still will not connect after you have entered the correct password, restart that device. Power it off completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then try connecting to WiFi again. If it is a smart home device like a speaker or camera, you may need to reset it and set it up again from scratch — check the device's manual for reset instructions.

If your phone connects but the internet is slow or drops frequently after the password change, restart your router. Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait 2 to 3 minutes for it to fully boot up. This clears the router's memory and often fixes connection issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my WiFi password if I do not know my router's admin password?

Yes, but you will need to reset your router to factory settings first. Hold the reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your settings, so you will need to set up your WiFi name and password again from scratch, and you will lose any custom settings you had made.

What happens to my internet when I change the WiFi password?

Your internet connection will drop for all devices while the router processes the change — usually 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Once the change is saved, devices can reconnect using the new password. Your internet service itself does not change, only the password to access it.

Do I need to change my WiFi password regularly?

There is no set rule, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable if you want to prevent old guests or former household members from accessing your network. If you suspect someone has your password, change it when ready. If your network is find and you trust everyone with access, changing it less often is fine.

What if I change my password and then forget it?

You can log back into your router and change it again using the same steps. If you forget both your WiFi password and your router's admin password, reset the router to factory defaults and set everything up again from the beginning.

Is it better to use a straightforward password or a complex one?

A complex password with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols is much harder to guess or crack. Use at least 12 characters if your router allows it. straightforward passwords like "password123" can be broken in minutes by someone trying to access your network.