Access your router's settings through a web browser or app

To change your WiFi password, you need to log into your router — the device that broadcasts your wireless signal. Most routers let you do this through a web browser on any device connected to that WiFi network. Open a browser, type your router's IP address into the address bar (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), and press Enter.

Some newer routers, especially those provided by your internet service provider, come with a mobile app instead of a web interface. Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router for the app name, or search your phone's app store for your router's brand name followed by "app". Both methods take you to the same settings — the browser route is older but works on any device, while the app is usually faster if you have it installed.

You will be asked for a username and password to enter your router's settings. The default is usually "admin" for both, but check the sticker on your router first — manufacturers often print the default login there. If you changed this password before and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings and returns it to defaults.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your router by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into a web browser, or use your router's mobile app if it has one.
  • The default username and password are printed on a sticker on your router, usually "admin" for both.
  • Look for a section called "Wireless", "WiFi", or "Security" in your router's settings menu.
  • Change the password field (sometimes called "passphrase" or "pre-shared key") to something at least 12 characters long, then save and wait 30 seconds for devices to reconnect.
  • All devices currently connected will be disconnected when you change the password and will need to reconnect using the new one.

Find the wireless or WiFi settings section

Once you are logged in, look for a menu on the left side or top of the page labeled "Wireless", "WiFi", "Network", or "Security". Different router brands organize this differently — some put it under "Advanced" settings, others make it the main screen. If you cannot find it when ready, look for any section that mentions "SSID" (the name of your network) or "password".

In the wireless settings, you will see a field for your network name (SSID) and a separate field for the password or passphrase. The password field may be hidden behind dots or asterisks for security. Some routers show two separate sections — one for the 2.4 GHz band and one for 5 GHz — if your router broadcasts both. You can change the password for one or both bands, depending on your preference.

Enter your new password and save the changes

Click in the password field and clear the existing password completely. Type your new password — aim for at least 12 characters, mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols if the router allows it. Avoid using your name, address, or obvious patterns. Write down the new password somewhere safe before you save, because you will need it to reconnect your devices.

Look for a "Save", "explore", or "OK" button at the bottom of the page or section. Click it and wait — your router will restart or update its settings, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your WiFi may disappear from the available networks list briefly. Do not unplug the router or close the browser window while it is saving.

Reconnect your devices using the new password

After the router finishes saving, your devices will lose their connection to the WiFi because they still have the old password stored. On each device, go to your WiFi settings, find your network name in the list, and select it. When prompted for the password, enter the new one you just created. The device will connect and remember this password for future use.

If a device does not see your network in the list after two minutes, restart the device's WiFi radio by turning WiFi off and back on in settings. Older devices or those far from the router may take longer to reconnect. If a device refuses to connect even with the correct password, try "forgetting" the network in WiFi settings and reconnecting from scratch.

What to do if you cannot log into your router

If the default username and password do not work, you may have changed them before and forgotten them. The only way forward is to reset your router to factory settings. Look for a small recessed button labeled "Reset" on the back or bottom of the router. Use a paperclip or pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart — this erases all your custom settings and returns it to the factory defaults.

After the reset, log in with the default credentials printed on the sticker, change your WiFi password as described above, and then change your router login password if you want to prevent this situation in the future. Write down both passwords and store them somewhere you will remember.

Changing the password on a modem-router combo device

If your internet service provider gave you a single device that combines a modem and router, the process is the same — log in through the web browser or app and find the wireless settings. However, these combo devices sometimes have restrictions: some providers lock certain settings so you cannot change them, or they require you to call support to reset the device. Check your device's documentation or call your provider's support line if you get an error message saying a setting is locked.

The IP address and default login may also be different from standard routers. Check the sticker on the device or your provider's website for the correct address and credentials. Many providers print a quick-start guide with this information, or you can find it by searching your provider's name and "router login".

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect my smart home devices?

Yes, all devices will disconnect when you change the password. Smart home devices like thermostats, cameras, and speakers will need to reconnect using the new password. Some devices may require you to open their app and re-enter the password manually, while others will prompt you on their screen. Check each device's manual if you are unsure how to reconnect it.

What if I change the password and then forget it?

You can log back into your router and change it again using the same steps. If you forget your router login password (not the WiFi password), you will need to reset the router to factory settings using the reset button, which will also erase your WiFi password and all other custom settings.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes, if your router has a mobile app. Open the app, log in, find the wireless or WiFi settings, and change the password the same way you would on a computer. If your router only has a web interface, you can still access it from your phone's browser by typing the IP address into the address bar.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There is no set rule, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable if you want to maintain security. Change it when ready if you suspect someone unauthorized has access, if you had guests who knew the password and no longer trust them, or if you are selling or moving out of your home.

What is the difference between changing the WiFi password and the router login password?

The WiFi password is what guests and your devices use to connect to the network. The router login password protects access to the router's settings — only you should know this one. You can change both separately in your router's settings, usually in different sections.