Change your router password through its admin panel, which you reach by typing your router's IP address into a web browser

Your router has two passwords: the WiFi password (what guests use to connect) and the admin password (what controls the router itself). Most people need to change the WiFi password. To do this, you log into your router's admin panel — usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into your browser's address bar — then find the wireless settings and enter a new password. The admin password is separate and protects access to those settings. Change it if you think someone else knows it, or if you inherited a router from a previous owner.

The exact steps vary slightly by router brand, but the process is the same: find the login page, enter your current credentials, locate the wireless or security settings, and save your new password. This takes about five minutes and requires no technical knowledge.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) is printed on a sticker on the back of the device and takes you to the login page in any web browser.
  • The default username is often "admin" and the default password is printed on the same sticker; if you changed it before and forgot it, you will need to factory reset the router.
  • WiFi password changes take effect immediately for new connections, but devices already connected stay online until you manually disconnect them.
  • A strong WiFi password is at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols — avoid dictionary words and personal information.
  • Change your admin password from the default as soon as you set up the router, because the default is public information that anyone with your router model can find online.

Find your router's login page

Look for a sticker on the back or bottom of your router. It will show an IP address (most commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), a username (usually "admin"), and a password. Open any web browser on a device connected to your WiFi, type the IP address into the address bar, and press Enter. You should see a login screen.

If you do not see a login screen, try the other common IP address. If neither works, your router may use a different address. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website — search for "[your router model] default IP address" to find it. Some newer routers use a web address like "myrouter.local" instead of an IP address.

Log in with your current credentials

Enter the username and password from the sticker. If you changed these before and cannot remember the password, you will need to factory reset your router. This erases all your settings and returns it to defaults, so you should only do this if you have no other option. To factory reset, hold down the small reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds while it is powered on, then wait for it to restart.

After you log in, you should see a dashboard or menu. Look for a section called "Wireless," "WiFi," "Wireless Settings," or "Security." The exact name depends on your router brand.

Locate the wireless password setting

Once you find the wireless settings section, look for a field labeled "Password," "Passphrase," "Pre-Shared Key," or "PSK." This is where your current WiFi password is stored. Some routers show it in plain text; others hide it behind dots or asterisks. You may also see a field for the network name (SSID) — you can change this too if you want, but it is not required.

Do not confuse this with the admin password. The admin password controls access to this settings page itself. The wireless password is what people enter when they connect to your WiFi network. They are separate, and changing one does not affect the other.

Enter your new password and save

Clear the current password field and type your new password. A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using dictionary words, your name, your address, or your birthday — these are easy to guess. A phrase like "BlueSky$Sunset42!" is stronger than "password123."

After you enter the new password, look for a "Save," "Apply," or "OK" button. Click it. Your router will process the change, which usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. You may see a message saying the settings have been saved or that the router is restarting.

Reconnect your devices to WiFi

Devices that are already connected to your WiFi will stay connected for a while, but they will eventually disconnect. When they do, they will not be able to reconnect with the old password. Go to each device's WiFi settings, forget the network, and reconnect using your new password.

You do not have to do this immediately — you can wait until a device disconnects on its own. But if you want all devices to use the new password right away, you can manually disconnect them. On a phone or computer, go to WiFi settings, select your network, and choose "Forget" or "Remove." Then reconnect and enter the new password.

Change your admin password separately

While you are in the router settings, change the admin password too. Look for a section called "Administration," "Admin Settings," or "System Settings." Find the field for the admin password (not the WiFi password) and change it from the default. This prevents anyone who knows your router model from logging into your settings page.

Write down or save your new admin password somewhere secure — a password manager is ideal. If you forget it, you will have to factory reset the router again, which erases all your settings. The admin password is different from your WiFi password, so losing one does not mean losing the other.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I forgot my WiFi password and need to reconnect a device?

Log into your router's admin panel using the IP address and default credentials from the sticker. Go to the wireless settings and look at the current password field — it should show your WiFi password, either in plain text or hidden. If you also forgot the admin password, factory reset the router by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds.

Do I need to restart my router after changing the password?

No. Most routers apply the change automatically within seconds. You may see a brief message saying the settings are being saved, but you do not need to manually restart. If a device cannot reconnect after a few minutes, restart that device instead, not the router.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone instead of a computer?

Yes. Open any web browser on your phone, type your router's IP address into the address bar, and log in the same way. The settings page may look different on a small screen, but the steps are identical. Make sure your phone is connected to your WiFi before you start.

What if my router does not have a sticker with the default password?

Search online for "[your router model] default password" — most manufacturers publish this information. If you still cannot find it, check the manual that came with the router or visit the manufacturer's support website. If you have already changed the password and forgot it, factory reset is your only option.

Should I change my WiFi password regularly?

You do not need to change it on a schedule. Change it if you think someone has gained access to your network, if you have guests who no longer need access, or if you inherited a router from someone else. A strong password that you do not share widely is usually enough.