Find Your Router and Locate the Reset Button

To reset your WiFi password, you need to access your router's settings directly. Your router is the device that broadcasts your wireless signal — it's usually a box with antennas, often placed near your modem or in a central location in your home. Look for a small, recessed button labeled "Reset" on the back or bottom of the device.

Before you press it, understand what happens: a full factory reset will erase all your custom settings and return the router to its original state. This means your WiFi network name and password will revert to the defaults printed on a sticker on the router itself. If you only want to change the password without erasing other settings, skip the reset button and go directly to your router's settings page instead (see the next section).

The reset button is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. You will need a paperclip, pen tip, or similar small object to hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the router will flash or go dark as it resets — this takes about one to three minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset erases all your router settings and returns the WiFi name and password to the defaults on the sticker attached to your router.
  • If you want to keep your other settings and only change the password, log into your router's settings page using your current password instead of pressing the reset button.
  • After a factory reset, you will need to log back into the settings page and reconfigure your WiFi name, password, and any other custom settings you had before.
  • The reset button is recessed and requires a paperclip or pen tip to press — hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on.
  • Write down your new WiFi password somewhere safe after you change it, so you do not lose it again.

Change Your Password Without a Factory Reset

If you remember your current WiFi password, or if you know the default password on the sticker, you can change it without erasing everything. Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi and type your router's IP address into the address bar. The most common addresses are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — check the sticker on your router to confirm which one yours uses.

A login page will appear asking for a username and password. The default username is often "admin" and the default password is either "admin" or "password" — again, check your router's sticker for the exact defaults. Once you log in, look for a section labeled "WiFi Settings," "Wireless," or "Network Settings." This is where you can change your network name and password without resetting anything else.

After you change the password, save your changes and wait 30 seconds for the router to explore them. Your WiFi will briefly disconnect, and you will need to reconnect all your devices using the new password. Write down the new password and store it somewhere you can find it later.

What to Do If You Cannot Remember the Default Password

If the sticker on your router is missing or unreadable, you have two options. First, search online for your router model number (printed on the sticker or the device itself) plus "default password" — most manufacturers publish these defaults, and you can find them on the router maker's website or support pages.

If that does not work, or if someone changed the default password and you do not know the new one, a factory reset is your only path forward. Press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, wait for the router to restart, and then log in using the default credentials from the sticker. After you regain access, change the password to something you will remember, and write it down.

Reconnect Your Devices After Changing the Password

Once you have changed your WiFi password, every device that was connected to your network will lose its connection. This includes phones, laptops, tablets, smart speakers, security cameras, and any other WiFi-enabled devices in your home. You will need to reconnect each one manually using the new password.

On most devices, go to WiFi settings, find your network name in the list of available networks, and select it. When prompted, enter your new password exactly as you set it — passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. After you enter the password, the device should connect within a few seconds.

If a device will not reconnect, try "forgetting" the network first (this option is usually in WiFi settings), then reconnect using the new password. Some older devices or smart home equipment may have trouble with certain password types — if you run into problems, try using only letters and numbers without special characters.

find Your New Password

A strong WiFi password prevents neighbors and passersby from connecting to your network and using your internet. Use at least 12 characters and mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols if your router allows them. Avoid using personal information like your name, address, or birthdate.

Store your password in a safe place — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager on your computer, or a note in your phone's notes app. Do not write it on a sticky note attached to the router itself, as anyone in your home can see it. If you have family members or guests who need to connect, you can share the password verbally or by text, but do not post it on social media or in public places.

Troubleshoot If Your Router Will Not Reset

If you held down the reset button for 15 seconds and nothing happened, make sure the router is powered on — check that the power cable is plugged in and the device has lights on. Some routers take longer to reset than others; wait up to five minutes and watch for the lights to stop flashing before assuming it failed.

If the router still will not reset, try unplugging it from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and when ready press the reset button. If that does not work, your router may have a hardware problem. Contact the manufacturer's support line or consider replacing the device — routers typically last three to five years before they need replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my router affect my internet speed?

No, resetting the router will not change your internet speed. Your speed depends on your internet service provider and your plan, not on your router settings. However, if your router is very old or damaged, replacing it may improve performance.

Do I need to reset my modem too?

No. Your modem is a separate device that connects to your internet service provider; your router connects to the modem and broadcasts WiFi. Resetting the router will not affect the modem or your internet connection. Only reset the modem if your internet stops working entirely.

What if I forgot my password and cannot access the settings page?

A factory reset is your only option. Press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, and the router will return to its default settings. You can then log in using the default username and password printed on the sticker and set a new password you will remember.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes, if you are connected to the WiFi. Open a browser, type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1), log in with your current password, and change it in the WiFi settings. After you save, reconnect your phone using the new password.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There is no set rule, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable. Change it when ready if you think someone unauthorized has connected to your network, or if you have had guests or service workers in your home who you no longer want on your WiFi.