Log into your router's admin panel

Your router has a web address you type into a browser to change settings. Open any browser on a device connected to your WiFi, then type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. If neither works, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it will show the correct address.

A login screen will appear. The default username is usually admin and the password is usually admin or password, but check that same sticker for what yours actually is. If you changed the login password before and forgot it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings by holding a small reset button for 10 to 15 seconds — this erases all your custom settings.

Find the WiFi or wireless settings page

Once you are logged in, look for a menu item labeled Wireless, WiFi, Network, or Security. Different router brands organize this differently. Some routers have a straightforward dashboard with a WiFi icon you click; others have a sidebar menu you navigate through.

If you have two networks showing (one labeled 2.4GHz and one labeled 5GHz), you can change the password on one or both. Most people change both to the same password for simplicity, though you can use different passwords if you want.

Key Takeaways

  • You reach your router settings by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a browser, then logging in with the username and password on the router's sticker.
  • The WiFi password field is usually labeled "Passphrase" or "Pre-Shared Key" and is found under Wireless, WiFi, or Security settings.
  • Make your new password at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols to prevent unauthorized access.
  • After you save the new password, all your devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect using the new password.
  • If you forget the login password for the router itself, you can reset it by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, which erases all custom settings.

Change the password field

Look for a field labeled Passphrase, Pre-Shared Key, WiFi Password, or Network Key. Clear the existing password and type your new one. Make it at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols — something like BlueSky#2024Home is stronger than password123.

Some routers show the password as dots while you type. If you want to see what you are typing, look for a checkbox labeled "Show password" or an eye icon next to the field.

Save your changes

Look for a button labeled Save, explore, or OK at the bottom of the page. Click it. The router will process the change, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. You may see a message saying the router is restarting — this is normal.

Do not close the browser or unplug the router during this time. Once the page refreshes or shows a success message, the new password is active.

Reconnect your devices

Your phone, laptop, tablet, and any other device connected to that WiFi will now be disconnected. Go to your WiFi settings on each device, find your network name in the list, and select it. When prompted for the password, type the new one you just created.

Devices will remember the new password after the first connection, so you will not have to type it again unless you change it once more.

What to do if you cannot access the router settings

If 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1 do not work, try typing the router's model number plus "default IP address" into a search engine — it will show you the correct address. If you are not connected to the WiFi, connect to it first, or use a device that is already connected.

If the default login username and password do not work and you have never changed them, the router may have shipped with different credentials. Check the manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific model. If you changed the login password and forgot it, resetting the router is your only option — this will erase your WiFi password too, so you will need to set everything up again from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 someone who once had access from using your network. If you suspect someone is using your WiFi without permission, change it when ready.

What happens to devices that are currently connected when I change the password?

They will disconnect automatically. You will need to reconnect each one by selecting the network and entering the new password. Devices will not automatically reconnect with the old password.

Can I have different passwords for the 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks?

Yes, you can set different passwords for each band in the router settings. However, most people use the same password for both to avoid confusion when connecting devices.

What if I forget the new password I just set?

Log back into the router settings using the admin panel and view the password field — it will show your current password (usually as dots, but some routers display it). If you forgot the router login password, reset the router and start over.

Is it safe to use a straightforward password like "123456"?

No. straightforward passwords are straightforward to guess. Use at least 12 characters with a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. This makes it much harder for someone to break into your network.