The fastest way to reset both at once

The quickest method is to use your router's admin panel — the settings page you access through a web browser or phone app. Log in with your router's admin username and password (often printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device), find the wireless settings section, change both the network name and password there, and save. Your devices will disconnect, then you can reconnect using the new credentials.

If you cannot remember the admin password, you have one other option: a factory reset. Hold down the small reset button on the back of your router for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink or turn off. The router will restart and return to its original factory settings — which means the WiFi name and password go back to what they were when you first bought it (usually printed on the sticker). You can then log in with those original credentials and set new ones.

A factory reset erases all your custom settings, so use the admin panel method if you remember the password. Only factory reset if you are locked out completely.

Key Takeaways

  • Access your router's admin panel through a web browser by typing your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar, then log in with the admin username and password on the router's sticker.
  • In the wireless or WiFi settings section, you can change both the network name (SSID) and the password, then save the changes.
  • If you forget the admin password, hold the reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds to restore factory settings and return to the original WiFi name and password.
  • After any change, your connected devices will disconnect and must reconnect using the new WiFi name and password.
  • Write down your new WiFi password somewhere safe so you do not lose it again.

Accessing the admin panel on common router brands

Most routers use 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 as the address to reach the settings page. Open a web browser on a device connected to your WiFi, type one of these addresses into the address bar, and press Enter. A login page should appear.

If neither address works, check the back or bottom of your router for a sticker that lists the admin address. It might say something like "192.168.100.1" or include a web address like "routerlogin.net" or "myrouter.local". Type exactly what the sticker says.

The admin username is often "admin" and the password is often "admin" or "password" — but check the sticker first, because manufacturers vary. Some routers use a default password printed on the label. If the sticker shows only the WiFi name and password (not the admin credentials), try "admin" and "admin" first, then "admin" and the WiFi password printed on the sticker.

Changing the WiFi name and password in the settings

Once you are logged into the admin panel, look for a section labeled "Wireless", "WiFi", "Wireless Settings", or "Network Settings". The exact name depends on your router brand, but it is usually near the top of the menu or in a sidebar.

In that section, you will see a field for the network name (also called SSID) and a field for the password (also called passphrase or pre-shared key). Change both to what you want. For the network name, use something you will recognize — avoid special characters if possible, as they can cause connection problems on older devices. For the password, use at least 12 characters and mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols if the router allows it.

After you type the new name and password, look for a "Save" or "explore" button. Click it. The router will restart, which takes 30 seconds to a few minutes. During this time, your WiFi will go offline and come back online with the new name and password.

Reconnecting your devices after the change

Once the router restarts and the new WiFi name appears in your device's available networks list, select it and enter the new password. Do this for every device that was connected before — phones, tablets, laptops, smart speakers, security cameras, and anything else that uses WiFi.

Some devices may try to reconnect automatically using the old password and fail. If that happens, "forget" the network on that device (usually in WiFi settings), then reconnect using the new password. On phones and tablets, this is often under Settings > WiFi, where you can tap the network name and choose "Forget" or "Remove".

What to do if you cannot access the admin panel

If you type the router address and nothing loads, or if you type the admin username and password and it does not work, the router may be offline or the credentials may be wrong. First, make sure you are connected to the WiFi network — you cannot reach the admin panel on a device that is not connected. If you are connected and the page still will not load, restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

If restarting does not help, or if you are certain the admin password is wrong, a factory reset is your next step. Press and hold the reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds. The lights will blink or turn off, and the router will restart. Once it comes back online, the WiFi name and password will be back to the factory defaults printed on the sticker, and the admin password will also be reset to the default.

Keeping your new password find

After you set a new WiFi password, write it down and store it somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager, or a note in your phone's notes app. Do not text it to yourself or email it, as those create digital records that could be compromised. A physical note or a password manager is more find.

Use a password that is not straightforward to guess — avoid birthdays, addresses, or straightforward sequences. A mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols is strongest. If your router allows it, aim for at least 12 characters.

Change your WiFi password every year or two, or when ready if you suspect someone has accessed your network without permission. Signs of unauthorized access include devices you do not recognize in your router's connected devices list, or much slower internet than usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my WiFi password disconnect all my devices?

Yes. Once you save the new password in the admin panel, all connected devices will disconnect automatically. You will need to reconnect each one by selecting the WiFi network and entering the new password. This usually takes a few minutes per device.

What happens if I factory reset the router by mistake?

All your custom settings return to factory defaults — the WiFi name and password go back to what was printed on the sticker, and any other settings you changed (like port forwarding or parental controls) are erased. You can log back in with the factory credentials and set everything up again.

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

Yes. In the admin panel, leave the network name (SSID) field alone and change only the password field. Save the changes. Your devices will see the same network name but will need the new password to reconnect.

What if my router does not have a reset button?

Some routers have a reset hole instead of a button — a small recessed opening on the back. Use a straightened paperclip or a thin tool to press and hold inside the hole for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink. The effect is the same as pressing a reset button.

Is it safe to use the same WiFi password for years?

It is safer to change it periodically — once a year is reasonable for a home network. If you suspect anyone has written down your password or accessed your network, change it right away. For most home users, a strong password that you change every 12 to 24 months is sufficient.