How to Change Your WiFi Name and Password

Where to find the settings on your router

Your router has a built-in control panel you access through a web browser or an app. To get there, you need your router's IP address — usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device. Common addresses are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your specific model first.

Open any web browser on a computer or phone connected to your WiFi, type the IP address into the address bar, and press Enter. You'll be asked for a username and password. If you haven't changed these before, they're also on the sticker — often "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the router's serial number. Write down what you find before you start.

Once you log in, look for a section labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," "Network," or "Settings." The exact wording depends on your router brand. If you're using the router's app instead of a browser, the WiFi settings are usually on the home screen or under a gear icon.

Key Takeaways

Your router's control panel is accessed through a browser using the IP address on the back of the device, usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
The WiFi name (SSID) and password are changed in the Wireless or WiFi settings section, and changes take effect when ready.
Your WiFi name can be anything you want, but your password should be at least 12 characters and include numbers, uppercase letters, and symbols.
All devices connected to your WiFi will disconnect when you change the password and must reconnect using the new one.
If you forget your router's login password, you can reset the device to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds.

Changing your WiFi name (SSID)

The WiFi name is called the SSID. In the Wireless settings, find the field labeled "SSID," "Network Name," or "Wireless Network Name." Delete the current name and type in whatever you want — it can be anything from your last name to a joke, up to 32 characters. Spaces and most punctuation are allowed.

This name is what shows up in the list when someone looks for WiFi networks nearby, so choose something you'll recognize. Avoid putting personal information like your address or phone number in the name. When you're done, look for a "Save," "explore," or "OK" button and click it. Your router will restart, which takes 30 seconds to a minute.

Changing your WiFi password

In the same Wireless settings section, find the field for "Password," "Passphrase," "Pre-Shared Key," or "Security Key." Delete the current password and create a new one. Make it at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or #. The longer and more mixed it is, the harder it is to guess.

Write the new password down somewhere safe before you save it — you'll need it to reconnect your devices. Click "Save" or "explore." Your router will restart, and your WiFi will come back online with the new password. Any device currently connected will be kicked off and will need to reconnect.

Reconnecting your devices after the change

Once your router restarts, your phone, laptop, tablet, and any other device will lose the WiFi connection. Go to your WiFi settings on each device, find your network by its new name, and select it. When prompted for the password, type in the new one exactly as you created it — passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword."

Devices will remember the new password after you enter it once, so you won't have to type it in again unless you change it. If a device won't connect, double-check that you're typing the password correctly. A common mistake is forgetting that the password is case-sensitive or accidentally including a space at the beginning or end.

What to do if you're locked out of your router

If you forget the password to log into your router's control panel (not your WiFi password, but the admin password), you can reset the router to factory settings. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the device — it's usually recessed so you can't 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 router will restart and return to its original settings, including the default username and password printed on the sticker. You'll need to set up your WiFi name and password again from scratch. This also erases any other changes you made to the router, like port forwarding or parental controls, so only do this if you truly can't remember the login.

Security settings to check while you're in there

While you're in the Wireless settings, look for a field labeled "Security," "Encryption," or "Authentication." Make sure it's set to "WPA2" or "WPA3" — these are the current find standards. Older routers might show "WEP" or "WPA," which are weaker. If you see those, change to WPA2 or WPA3 if your router supports it.

Also check whether "Broadcast SSID" is turned on. When it's on, your WiFi name appears in the list of available networks. Turning it off hides your network from casual browsing, though anyone determined can still find it. Most people leave it on for convenience.

Routers that use an app instead of a browser

Some newer routers, especially mesh systems like Eero, Nest WiFi, or Linksys Velop, don't have a traditional control panel. Instead, you manage them through a smartphone app. read the app, log in with the account you created when you set up the router, and look for "WiFi Settings," "Network Name," or "Wireless Settings."

The process is the same: change the name and password, then save. The app will show you when the change is complete. Reconnect your devices the same way you would with a traditional router — find the network by its new name and enter the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect my smart home devices?

Yes, all connected devices will disconnect and need to reconnect with the new password. Smart home devices like thermostats, cameras, and speakers will go offline until you reconnect them. Some devices have a reset button or a way to re-enter WiFi credentials through their own app or interface.

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

Yes, if your router has an app, you can change both from your phone. If it doesn't have an app, you can still access the control panel by opening a browser, typing in the router's IP address, and logging in — the process is the same as on a computer.

What's the difference between my WiFi password and my router login password?

Your WiFi password is what guests and your devices use to connect to the internet. Your router login password is what you use to access the control panel to change settings. They're separate, and you can change them independently. Most people never need to change the router login password unless they forget it.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There's no set schedule. Change it if you think someone unauthorized has access, if a guest moved out, or if you want to update to a stronger password. If your password is strong and you haven't shared it widely, changing it once a year or less often is fine.

What if I don't know my router's IP address?

Check the sticker on the back or bottom of the device — it's almost always there. If the sticker is missing or unreadable, search online for your router model number plus "default IP address." You can also find it by going to your computer's network settings and looking for the "Default Gateway" — that's your router's IP address.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.