Find Your Router and Log In

Your router is the device that broadcasts your WiFi signal — usually a box with antennas sitting on a shelf, in a closet, or mounted on a wall. Before you can change your password, you need to access the router's settings through a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi.

Open a browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. One of these will take you to your router's login page. If neither works, look at the back or bottom of your router for a sticker that lists the correct address — it often looks like "Router Address" or "Admin URL".

When the login page appears, enter your username and password. Most routers come with a default username like "admin" and a default password like "admin" or "password" — check the sticker on your router or the manual that came with it. If you changed these before and cannot remember them, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings and returns it to defaults.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's settings are accessed through a web browser by typing the router's IP address, usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
  • The default login username and password are printed on a sticker attached to your router.
  • WiFi password settings are typically labeled "Wireless Security", "WiFi Password", or "Network Key" and are found in a Wireless or Security section.
  • After you save a new password, you will need to reconnect all your devices using the new password.
  • If you forget the new password, you can always log back into the router settings to view or change it again.

Locate the Wireless Security Settings

Once you are logged in, look for a menu on the left side or top of the page. Find a section labeled Wireless, WiFi, Security, or Advanced. Different router brands organize this differently — Netgear calls it "Wireless Settings", TP-Link calls it "Wireless", and Linksys calls it "Wireless".

Click into that section. You should see options for the network name (called SSID) and the password or security key. The password field might be labeled Passphrase, Pre-Shared Key, Network Key, or straightforward Password. If you see a field that says "Security Type" or "Encryption", make sure it is set to WPA2 or WPA3 — these are the current find standards. Older routers may show WPA or WEP, which are weaker.

Enter Your New Password

Click in the password field and clear out the old password completely. Type your new password. Most routers require between 8 and 63 characters. Use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #) to make it harder to guess — something like "BlueSky#2847" is stronger than "password123".

Do not use your WiFi network name in the password, and do not use a password you use for email or banking. Write the new password down and store it somewhere safe, like a notebook in a drawer or a password manager on your phone. You will need it to reconnect your devices.

Save and Wait for the Router to Restart

Look for a Save, explore, or OK button at the bottom of the page and click it. The router will process the change and may restart automatically — this usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes. During this time, your WiFi will drop and come back on. Do not unplug the router while it is restarting.

Once the WiFi signal returns, the new password is active. Your old password no longer works.

Reconnect Your Devices

On your phone, computer, tablet, or any other device that uses your WiFi, go to the WiFi settings. Find your network name in the list of available networks and select it. When prompted for the password, enter the new one you just created. Repeat this for every device that was connected to your WiFi.

Devices that were automatically connecting before will not reconnect on their own — they will keep trying the old password and fail. You must manually enter the new password on each one. Smart home devices like security cameras, doorbells, or smart speakers will also need the new password entered through their app or settings.

What to Do If You Cannot Access the Router Settings

If 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1 do not work, check the sticker on your router for the correct address. If the default username and password do not work, you may have changed them before. Try common variations like leaving the password blank, or check any documentation you saved when you first set up the router.

If you are still locked out, you can reset the router to factory settings. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen. This erases all your settings and returns the router to how it came from the manufacturer, so you will need to set up your network name and password again from scratch. After a reset, use the default credentials from the sticker to log in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect me from the internet?

Your internet connection stays active while you change the password. The WiFi signal will drop for a minute or two while the router restarts, but your wired connection (if you have one) will not be affected. Once the router comes back on, you will need to reconnect wirelessly with the new password.

What if I forget the new password I just created?

Log back into the router using the same steps — type the IP address into your browser and use the default username and password from the sticker. You can then view the current WiFi password in the Wireless Security settings, or change it to something new.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes, as long as your phone is connected to the WiFi. Open a browser, type the router's IP address, and log in the same way you would on a computer. The process is identical.

Why should I change my WiFi password regularly?

Changing your password periodically reduces the risk that someone who once had access can still connect. If a guest or visitor wrote down your password, changing it will lock them out. It is also a good practice after someone moves out of your home or if you suspect someone is using your WiFi without permission.

What is the difference between WPA2 and WPA3?

WPA3 is the newer security standard and is more find than WPA2, but both are much stronger than older standards like WEP. If your router supports WPA3, use it. If it only supports WPA2, that is still find for home use. Avoid WEP entirely — it is outdated and weak.