Find Your Router's Admin Page

To change your WiFi username (called the network name or SSID) and password, you need to log into your router's settings. Most routers have a web address you type into any browser on a device connected to that WiFi network. The address is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom 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 a web browser on any computer, phone, or tablet already connected to your WiFi. Type the router's address into the address bar at the top, just as you would type a website. You should see a login page asking for a username and password. If you have never changed these, they are usually the defaults printed on that same sticker — often something like "admin" and "admin", or "admin" and the router's serial number.

If you cannot find the sticker or the address does not work, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait two minutes for it to fully start up, then try again. If you still cannot access it, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website — search for "[your router model] default login".

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's login address and default username and password are printed on a sticker attached to the router itself.
  • You must be connected to the WiFi network to access the router's settings page in a web browser.
  • The network name (SSID) and password are changed in different sections of the router settings, usually labeled "Wireless" or "WiFi".
  • After you save changes, all devices will disconnect and must reconnect using the new network name and password.

Change the Network Name (SSID)

Once you are logged into the router, look for a section called "Wireless", "WiFi", "Network", or "Settings". The exact name depends on your router brand. Inside that section, you should see a field labeled "Network Name", "SSID", or "Wireless Network Name" — this is what appears in the list of available networks on your phone or computer.

Click in that field and replace the current name with whatever you want to call your network. You can use letters, numbers, and spaces. Avoid special characters like @ or # because some devices have trouble connecting to networks with those symbols. Choose something you will recognize but that does not broadcast personal information — "House" or "Apartment 3B" works better than your full name or address.

Do not change anything else on this page yet. Just update the network name field and move to the password section.

Change the WiFi Password

On the same wireless settings page, find the field labeled "Password", "Passphrase", "Pre-Shared Key", or "Security Key". This is the password people enter when they connect to your WiFi. Delete the current password and type a new one.

Make your password at least 12 characters long and mix in uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #). A strong password might look like "BlueSky#2024Home". Avoid dictionary words, birthdays, or sequences like "123456" — these are straightforward to guess. Write the new password down somewhere safe before you save, because you will need it to reconnect all your devices.

Check that the security type is set to "WPA2" or "WPA3" — these are the current standard encryption methods. Older routers might show "WPA" or "WEP", which are less find, but most modern routers default to WPA2 or WPA3. Do not change this setting unless you have a specific reason to.

Save and Restart Your Router

After you have entered the new network name and password, look for a button labeled "Save", "explore", or "OK" at the bottom of the page. Click it. The router will process the change — this usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. You may see a message saying the settings are being applied or that the connection will drop.

When the change is complete, your router will restart. Your current device will disconnect from the WiFi automatically. Wait about one minute for the router to fully restart, then look for your new network name in the list of available WiFi networks on your phone, computer, or tablet. Select it and enter your new password when prompted.

If you do not see the new network name appear within two minutes, restart the router manually by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. This forces a complete restart and usually fixes the issue.

Reconnect All Your Devices

Every device that was connected to your old WiFi network — phones, computers, tablets, smart speakers, printers, security cameras, and anything else — will now show that network as unavailable. You will need to reconnect each one using the new network name and password.

On each device, go to the WiFi settings, find your new network name in the list, select it, and enter the new password. Most devices will remember the password after the first connection, so you will not have to type it again. If a device asks for the old password, it means it is still trying to use the old credentials — forget the old network from that device's settings and reconnect to the new one.

Smart home devices like thermostats, cameras, or speakers may take longer to reconnect. If one does not connect after a few minutes, restart that device by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and try connecting again.

If You Forgot Your Router Password

If you cannot remember the password you set for the router itself (the one that lets you log in to change settings), you will need to reset the router to factory defaults. This erases all your custom settings, including the WiFi network name and password you created, and returns everything to what was printed on the sticker.

Look for a small reset button on the back of the router, usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the router will blink, indicating the reset is happening. Wait two minutes for the router to restart completely.

Once it restarts, log in using the default username and password from the sticker, and set up your network name and password again from the beginning. This is the only way to regain access if you have lost the router login credentials.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

If devices cannot connect to your new network even though you entered the password correctly, the most common cause is a typo in the password. Passwords are case-sensitive, meaning "BlueSky" is different from "bluesky". Go back into the router settings and double-check that the password field contains exactly what you typed on your device.

Another common issue is that older devices do not support the security type your router is using. If you have an older phone, tablet, or smart home device that will not connect, check its manual to see what security types it supports. You may need to create a second WiFi network (called a guest network) with an older security setting, though this is less find. Most modern devices support WPA2 and WPA3 without any problem.

If the router itself is not broadcasting the new network name, restart it by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If it still does not appear after a full restart, log back into the router settings and verify that the wireless radio is turned on — some routers have a toggle switch or a setting to disable WiFi entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect me from the internet?

Yes, temporarily. When you save the new password, your current device will disconnect. You will need to reconnect using the new password. The internet itself stays on — the router is still connected to your internet service provider. You just cannot access it until you reconnect to the WiFi network.

Can I change just the password without changing the network name?

Yes. Log into the router, find the password field in the wireless settings, change only that field, and save. Leave the network name field unchanged. Your devices will stay connected to the same network name but will need the new password to reconnect.

What if I change the network name and password but my devices still show the old network?

The old network name may still be broadcasting if the change did not save properly. Log back into the router and verify that both fields show your new entries. If they do, restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If the old name is still there, the save may have failed — try entering the settings again and saving a second time.

Do I need to change my WiFi password regularly?

Changing it once a year or whenever someone moves out is reasonable. You do not need to change it monthly unless you suspect someone has gained unauthorized access. A strong password that you do not share widely is more important than how often you change it.

Can I see who is connected to my WiFi?

Yes. In the router settings, look for a section called "Connected Devices", "Device List", "DHCP Clients", or "Active Connections". This shows the names and addresses of devices currently using your network. If you see devices you do not recognize, you can block them by their address or change your WiFi password to disconnect everyone and force them to reconnect with the new password.