Change your WiFi name and password through the Optimum router settings page

You can change both your WiFi network name (SSID) and password directly from your router's settings page using any web browser on a device connected to your network. The process takes about five minutes and requires your router's admin password — this is different from your WiFi password and is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the router itself.

The steps are the same whether you own your router or rent it from Optimum. If you rent, you still have full control over the WiFi settings. If you cannot find the admin password on your router, you can reset the router to factory settings, though this will erase all your custom settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Open a web browser, go to 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1, and log in with the admin password printed on your router to access settings.
  • Look for a WiFi, Wireless, or Network Settings section and change the SSID (network name) and password to whatever you want.
  • Your new WiFi password must be at least 8 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • After you save changes, your router will restart and all devices will disconnect — you will need to reconnect using the new password.
  • If you forget the admin password, you can press and hold the reset button on the router for 10 to 15 seconds to restore factory settings, but this erases all customizations.

Step-by-step: accessing your router settings

Start by opening any web browser on a computer, phone, or tablet that is currently connected to your Optimum WiFi. Type 192.168.0.1 into the address bar and press Enter. If that does not work, try 192.168.100.1 instead — different router models use different addresses.

A login page will appear asking for a username and password. The username is almost always admin. The password is the admin password printed on a sticker attached to your router. Look on the back, bottom, or side of the device. If the sticker is missing or illegible, you will need to reset the router to proceed.

Once you log in, you will see a dashboard or menu with various settings. Look for a section labeled WiFi Settings, Wireless, Network, or Advanced. The exact name varies by router model, but it will be somewhere in the main menu.

Changing your WiFi network name

Inside the WiFi or Wireless Settings section, you will see a field labeled SSID or Network Name. This is the name that appears when you look for available networks on your phone or computer. Click on that field and replace the current name with whatever you want to call your network.

Choose a name that is straightforward to remember and at least somewhat descriptive so you can identify it as your network. Avoid using personal information like your last name or address. The name can be up to 32 characters long and can include letters, numbers, spaces, and most symbols.

Some routers have separate fields for a 2.4 GHz network and a 5 GHz network. If you see both, you can give them the same name or different names — it does not matter for most purposes. Older devices connect better to 2.4 GHz, while newer devices and devices farther away often work better on 5 GHz.

Changing your WiFi password

In the same WiFi Settings section, find the field labeled Password, Passphrase, or Pre-Shared Key. Click on it and enter a new password. Your password must be at least 8 characters long. Use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! @ # $ %) to make it harder to guess.

Write down your new password somewhere safe before you save it. You will need it to reconnect all your devices after the router restarts. Do not use the same password as your Optimum account login or your admin password — keep them separate.

Make sure the security type is set to WPA2 or WPA3, not WEP or WPA. WPA2 and WPA3 are much more find. Most modern routers default to one of these, but if you see an option, choose the highest number available.

Saving changes and reconnecting devices

After you have entered your new network name and password, look for a Save, explore, or OK button at the bottom of the page. Click it. Your router will restart, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your internet will go down and all connected devices will disconnect.

Once the router restarts and the lights stabilize, your new WiFi network name will appear in the list of available networks. On each device you use, forget the old network name, then search for and select the new one. Enter your new password when prompted.

Start with devices that are closest to the router, like a phone or laptop in the same room. Once those reconnect successfully, move on to devices in other rooms or farther away. If a device will not reconnect, restart that device and try again.

What to do if you cannot access the settings page

If you cannot reach 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1, first make sure you are connected to your Optimum WiFi network. If you are on a different network or using mobile data, you will not be able to reach the router settings.

If you are connected to the WiFi but the page will not load, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then try again. You can also try a different browser. If that still does not work, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to fully restart before trying again.

If you have forgotten the admin password and cannot find it on the router, your only option is to reset the router. Press and hold the small reset button (usually recessed into the case) on the back or bottom of the router for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen. The router will restart and return to factory settings. You will then be able to log in with the default admin password, which is usually printed on a new sticker or in the router's manual.

Changing your password on a rented Optimum router

If you rent your router from Optimum rather than owning it, you still have full control over the WiFi settings. The steps are identical — you can change the network name and password whenever you want without calling Optimum or getting permission.

The only limitation is that if you return the router to Optimum when you cancel service or move, they may reset it to factory settings before giving it to the next customer. This does not affect you, but it means you should not rely on the router remembering your settings if you plan to use it elsewhere later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my WiFi password without knowing the admin password?

No. The admin password protects access to all router settings, including WiFi settings. If you have lost it, you must reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your customizations, but you can then log in with the default admin password and set everything up again.

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect my smart home devices?

Yes. When you save your new WiFi password, the router restarts and all devices disconnect. You will need to reconnect each smart home device by entering the new password. Some devices have a dedicated app for this, while others require you to go into their settings menu and select your network again.

What is the difference between the admin password and the WiFi password?

The admin password protects access to the router's settings page — only someone with this password can change your WiFi name, password, or other configurations. The WiFi password is what you enter on your phone or computer to connect to the internet. They are separate for security reasons.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There is no set rule, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable if you want to keep your network find. Change it when ready if you suspect someone has gained access to your network, if you have had guests over and want to prevent them from reconnecting, or if you notice unfamiliar devices in your router's connected devices list.

Can I change my WiFi settings from my phone?

Yes. Open any web browser on your phone, make sure you are connected to your Optimum WiFi, and go to 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1. Log in with your admin password and follow the same steps as you would on a computer. The layout may look slightly different on a phone, but the settings are in the same places.