Where to change your WiFi password

You change your WiFi password in your router's settings, not on your device. Every router has a web address or app where you log in as the admin — this is separate from connecting to the network itself. The exact steps depend on your router model and who provides it (your internet company, or a router you bought separately).

The fastest way to find your router's login page is to look at the sticker on the back or bottom of the device. It usually shows the web address (something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and the default admin username and password. If the sticker is missing or worn, you can also find this information in your router's manual or on the manufacturer's website.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your router's admin panel using the web address printed on the device itself, not through your WiFi connection settings.
  • The default admin username and password are on the sticker attached to your router — change these first if you have not already.
  • Once logged in, look for "WiFi Settings," "Wireless," or "Security" to find where the network password is stored.
  • After you change the password, all devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect using the new password.
  • If you forget the new password, you can reset the router to factory defaults, but this erases all your custom settings.

Steps to change the password on a standard router

Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi. Type the router's web address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar and press Enter. You will see a login screen asking for a username and password — use the default credentials from the sticker on your router.

Once you are logged in, look for a section called "WiFi Settings," "Wireless," "Network," or "Security." The exact name varies by brand. Click into that section and find the field labeled "Password," "WiFi Password," "Pre-Shared Key," or "Passphrase." Delete the old password and type in a new one. Most routers require passwords to be at least 8 characters long and accept letters, numbers, and symbols.

Click "Save," "Apply," or "OK" to confirm the change. Your router will restart, which takes 30 seconds to a few minutes. During this time, your WiFi will go offline and all connected devices will disconnect. Once the router comes back online, you will need to reconnect each device using the new password.

How to change the password if your internet company provides the router

If your internet company (like Comcast, Verizon, or AT&T) provided your router, you may be able to change the password through their website or app instead of logging into the router directly. Check your company's website for a customer portal or search for "[company name] WiFi password change."

Some provider routers also have a dedicated app — for example, Comcast's Xfinity app lets you change the WiFi password from your phone. If you cannot find an app or portal, you can still log into the router itself using the default credentials on the sticker, but contact your provider first to ask whether they recommend this approach. Some providers lock certain settings to prevent accidental changes.

What to do if you do not know the current admin password

If you changed the admin password in the past and no longer remember it, you will need to reset the router to its factory defaults. On most routers, there is a small reset button (often recessed) on the back or bottom. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart.

After the reset, the router will return to its original settings, including the default admin username and password printed on the sticker. You will lose any custom settings you made (like port forwarding or parental controls), so only do this if you truly cannot recover the password. If your internet company provided the router, call them before resetting — they may be able to help you recover the password without a full reset.

Choosing a strong WiFi password

A strong WiFi password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using words from the dictionary, your name, your address, or your birth date — these are easy to guess. A random mix like "Kx7$mP2nQw9!" is much harder to crack than "MyDogSpot2024."

Write down your new password and store it somewhere safe (like a password manager or a locked drawer). You will need it every time you add a new device to your network, and it is easy to forget if you do not write it down. Do not share your password over email or text — if someone needs to connect, tell them the password in person or change it temporarily and change it back afterward.

Reconnecting devices after you change the password

After the router restarts, go to the WiFi settings on each device (phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, etc.) and "forget" the old network. Then search for your network name again, select it, and enter the new password. Most devices will remember the new password after you enter it once, so you will not need to re-enter it every time you connect.

Some older devices or smart home gadgets may not reconnect automatically. If a device keeps asking for the password or says "incorrect password," try restarting the device or checking whether it supports the type of security your router uses (usually WPA2 or WPA3). Very old devices may only support older security types and may not work with newer routers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my admin password too?

Yes, you should change the default admin password as soon as you set up the router. The default password is printed on thousands of identical routers, so anyone with the same model can log in and change your settings. After you change the admin password, write it down and keep it separate from your WiFi password.

What if I change the password but devices still will not connect?

Make sure you are entering the new password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword." If the device still will not connect, restart both the device and the router. If the problem continues, check whether the device supports your router's security type (WPA2 or WPA3) by looking at the device manual or the router's settings.

Can I change the WiFi password from my phone?

You can if your internet company provides an app (like Xfinity or T-Mobile Home Internet). Otherwise, you need to use a computer or tablet to log into the router's web address. You cannot change it through your phone's WiFi settings — those settings only let you connect to a network, not manage it.

Will changing the password affect my internet speed?

No. The password only controls who can connect to your network. Changing it does not change your internet speed or the router's performance. If you notice slower speeds after changing the password, it is likely a coincidence — restart the router and check whether other devices are using the network.

What happens if I reset the router by accident?

The router returns to its factory settings, which means you lose any custom changes you made (like port forwarding, guest networks, or parental controls). Your WiFi password resets to the default on the sticker. You will need to log back in and reconfigure everything. If you have not made custom changes, a reset is harmless.