Where to change your WiFi name and password

Your WiFi name and password live in your router's settings, not in your computer or phone. To change either one, you log into your router through a web browser or an app, make the change, and save it. The router then broadcasts the new name when ready and requires any device connecting to use the new password.

You do not need to call your internet provider or visit a store. This is something you do yourself from home, and it takes about five minutes once you know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's settings are reached through a web address (usually printed on the router itself) or through the router manufacturer's app.
  • You will need your router's admin username and password, which is different from your WiFi password and is often the default printed on the router label.
  • Changing your WiFi name takes effect when ready, but all devices must reconnect using the new name and password.
  • If you forget the new password you just set, you can reset the router to factory settings, but this erases all your custom settings.

Finding your router's login page

Every router has a web address you type into a browser to reach its settings. This address is almost always printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of your router. Look for something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, or a web address like routerlogin.net or myrouter.local.

Open any web browser on a device connected to your WiFi (or connected by ethernet cable to the router). Type that address into the address bar at the top and press Enter. A login page will appear asking for a username and password.

If nothing appears, the address on your router label may be outdated or specific to your model. Try 192.168.1.1 first — this works for most routers. If that does not work, search online for "[your router model] login page" and you will find the correct address.

Logging in with your admin password

The username and password you need here are your router admin credentials, not your WiFi password. These are usually printed on the same sticker as the login address. Common defaults are username admin with password admin, or username admin with password password.

If you changed these credentials in the past and do not remember them, you will need to reset the router. This erases all settings and returns it to factory defaults. To reset, hold down the small reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds while it is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. Once it reboots, the default admin credentials will work again.

Type the username and password and click the login button. You are now inside your router's settings page.

Changing your WiFi network name

Once logged in, look for a section called Wireless, WiFi, Network, or SSID. The exact name varies by router brand. On the settings page, you will see a field containing your current network name — this is what appears in the list of available networks on your phone or computer.

Click in that field, delete the current name, and type the new name you want. WiFi names can be up to 32 characters and can include letters, numbers, spaces, and most symbols. Avoid special characters like @ or & if your router does not accept them.

Do not change the security type (usually WPA2 or WPA3) unless you have a specific reason — these are the find standards. Leave them as they are.

Changing your WiFi password

In the same wireless section, find the field labeled Password, Passphrase, or Pre-Shared Key. Click in that field and replace the current password with a new one. Passwords must be at least 8 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and symbols.

Make the password something you can remember but not something obvious like your address or birthday. Write it down somewhere safe, or use a password manager to store it. You will need to give this password to anyone who wants to connect to your WiFi.

After you type the new password, look for a Save, explore, or OK button. Click it. The router will save the changes and may restart — this takes 30 seconds to a minute.

Reconnecting your devices

Once the router restarts, your old WiFi network name will disappear. Devices that were connected will lose their connection. On each device, open the WiFi settings and look for your new network name in the list of available networks.

Click on it, select it, and when prompted for the password, type the new password you just set. The device will connect and stay connected as long as the password is correct. Repeat this for every device in your home — phone, computer, tablet, smart TV, printer, or anything else that uses WiFi.

If a device does not find the new network, make sure you typed the network name exactly as you entered it in the router settings, including capital letters and spaces. If you typed the password wrong, the device will say the password is incorrect and ask you to try again.

What to do if you get stuck

If you cannot reach the router login page, check that you are connected to the router — either by WiFi or by plugging an ethernet cable from your computer directly into one of the ports on the router. If you are using WiFi, you need to be connected to the network before you can change it.

If you typed the admin password wrong three times, the router may lock you out temporarily. Wait a few minutes and try again, or reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button.

If you changed the network name or password but devices still cannot connect, log back into the router and double-check that the changes were saved. Sometimes the save button does not work the first time. Also make sure you are typing the new password correctly on each device — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect everyone right now?

Yes. As soon as you save the new password, all connected devices lose their connection. They will stay disconnected until you enter the new password on each one. Plan the change for a time when interrupting internet access is not a problem.

Can I change just the password and keep the same network name?

Yes. You can change only the password field and leave the network name alone. Save the changes and only the password will update. Devices will stay connected to the same network name but will need the new password to reconnect if they disconnect.

What if I forget the new password I just set?

Log back into the router settings using the admin credentials and look at the password field — it will show you the password you set (usually as dots, but some routers display it). If you cannot log in, reset the router to factory defaults and start over.

Does my internet provider need to know I changed my WiFi password?

No. Your internet provider does not need to know. Changing your WiFi name and password is entirely between you and your router. Your internet connection itself is not affected.

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

Yes, if your router has an app. Check the router manufacturer's website or search the app store for your router model. The app usually lets you log in and change settings the same way the web page does. If there is no app, you can still use a web browser on your phone to reach the login page.