Change your WiFi name and password through the Cox modem dashboard

You can change both your network name (SSID) and password by logging into your Cox modem's settings page directly from any device connected to your WiFi. Open a web browser, type 192.168.0.1 into the address bar, and press Enter. When prompted, log in with your modem's username and password — these are printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your modem unless you changed them before.

Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled WiFi, Wireless, or Advanced. The exact location varies depending on your modem model, but the option is always there. Find the field showing your current network name and click to edit it. Type your new name — keep it to letters, numbers, and hyphens for the smoothest connection across all devices. Save the change.

Next, locate the password field, usually labeled WiFi Password, Passphrase, or Pre-Shared Key. Delete the old password and enter a new one. Use at least 12 characters mixing uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols for security. Write down your new password before you save — you will need it to reconnect your devices.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your modem at 192.168.0.1 using the username and password printed on the modem itself.
  • The WiFi settings are usually under a section called WiFi, Wireless, or Advanced, depending on your modem model.
  • Change your network name and password separately, and save each change before moving to the next one.
  • Write down your new password before saving because you will need it to reconnect phones, laptops, and other devices.
  • After saving, your modem may restart for a few seconds — this is normal and expected.

What happens after you save the new settings

Your modem will restart automatically after you save the new WiFi name and password. This usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your internet connection will drop briefly, and all devices currently connected will disconnect.

Once the modem restarts, your old network name will disappear from the available networks list on your devices. You will see your new network name appear instead. To reconnect, select the new network name from your device's WiFi list and enter your new password when prompted. Repeat this for every device — phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, printer, or anything else that was using your WiFi.

Reconnect your devices to the new network

On a phone or tablet, go to Settings, then WiFi, and look for your new network name in the list. Tap it and enter your new password exactly as you typed it — passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. If a device does not connect on the first try, forget the network and try again.

On a Windows laptop, click the WiFi icon in the bottom right corner of the taskbar, find your new network name, click it, and select Connect. Enter your password when prompted. On a Mac, click the WiFi icon in the top right corner, select your new network name, and type in your password.

Smart devices like printers, security cameras, or smart speakers may need to be reconnected through their own apps or setup screens rather than through your phone's WiFi settings. Check the device's manual or app for instructions specific to that product.

If you cannot log into the modem dashboard

If 192.168.0.1 does not load, try 192.168.100.1 instead — some Cox modems use this address. If neither works, make sure you are connected to your Cox WiFi network, not a different one. You can also try typing coxmodem.local into the address bar.

If you changed the modem's login password before and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the modem to factory settings. Press and hold the reset button on the back of the modem for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen. The modem will restart and return to its original settings, including the default username and password printed on the sticker. You will then need to set up your WiFi name and password again from scratch.

Choosing a strong WiFi password

A strong password prevents neighbors or passersby from connecting to your network and using your internet. Avoid using your name, address, phone number, or anything else someone could guess from looking at your house or social media. Do not use common words or straightforward patterns like 12345 or qwerty.

Instead, combine unrelated words with numbers and symbols — for example, BluePenguin$42Lamp or Coffee#Rocket7Moon. The longer and more random, the better. Write it down and store it somewhere safe, like a notebook in a drawer or a password manager on your computer. You will not need to type it often, but you will need it if you add new devices or help a guest connect.

Changing your network name for privacy or clarity

Your network name (SSID) is visible to anyone nearby, so choose something that does not reveal personal information. Avoid using your last name, address, or anything that identifies your household. A straightforward, neutral name like HomeNetwork or GuestWiFi works well.

If you have multiple networks in your home — for example, a 2.4 GHz band for older devices and a 5 GHz band for newer ones — you can name them differently to keep track of which is which. Some people use NetworkName-2.4 and NetworkName-5 to make the choice clear when connecting devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect my devices permanently?

No. Your devices will disconnect when the modem restarts, but you can reconnect them when ready by selecting the new network name and entering the new password. Once reconnected, they will work normally. Some devices may reconnect automatically if you use the same network name as before.

Can I change my WiFi name without changing the password?

Yes. In the modem dashboard, you can edit the network name field and save it without touching the password field. Your password will stay the same, and devices will need to forget the old network name and reconnect to the new one using the same password.

What if I forget my new WiFi password after I save it?

Log back into the modem dashboard at 192.168.0.1, go to the WiFi settings, and look at the password field. Most modems display the password in plain text or with an option to show it. Write it down before you close the page.

Do I need to call Cox to change my WiFi settings?

No. Changing your network name and password is something you do yourself through the modem dashboard. Cox support can help if you cannot access the dashboard or if your modem is not working, but the WiFi settings are entirely in your control.

Will my internet speed change if I change my WiFi name and password?

No. Your internet speed is determined by your Cox service plan and connection to the modem, not by the WiFi name or password. Changing these settings will not affect how fast your internet runs.