Where to change your password depends on your router model

You change your WiFi password through your router's settings page, not through your computer or phone's WiFi menu. Every router has a web address you type into a browser — usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — that opens a login screen. Once you log in with your router's admin username and password, you'll find the wireless settings where the actual password lives.

The exact steps vary by router brand. A Netgear router's settings page looks different from a Linksys or TP-Link router. The location of the wireless password field is not always in the same place, and some routers call it "passphrase" instead of "password". This guide covers the general process that works for most home routers, but you may need to adjust based on what you see on your screen.

If you've never logged into your router before, you'll need the default admin username and password. These are usually printed on a sticker on the router itself, or in the manual that came with it. Common defaults are "admin" for both username and password, but this varies.

Key Takeaways

  • Your WiFi password is changed in your router's settings page, accessed by typing your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into a web browser.
  • You must log in with your router's admin username and password, which is often printed on a sticker on the router or in its manual.
  • The wireless password field is typically labeled "Wireless Password," "Passphrase," or "Pre-Shared Key" and is found in the wireless or security settings section.
  • After you change the password, all devices currently connected will disconnect and will need the new password to reconnect.
  • If you forget the new password you just set, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, which will erase all your settings.

Finding your router's settings page

Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi — a computer, tablet, or phone. Type your router's IP address into the address bar. The most common addresses are 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1. If neither of those works, check the sticker on your router or the manual for the correct address.

When you type the address and press Enter, a login screen should appear. This screen is asking for your router's admin username and password, not your WiFi password. These are two different things. The admin password protects access to your router's settings; the WiFi password is what guests and devices use to connect to your network.

If you don't know the admin password, look for a sticker on the router. Most routers ship with a default username and password printed there. If the sticker is missing or worn away, check the manual or the router manufacturer's website. As a last resort, you can reset the router to factory settings, but this will erase any other changes you've made.

Locating the wireless password setting

After you log in, you'll see a dashboard or menu. Look for a section labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," "Wireless Settings," or "Security." Different manufacturers use different names. Some routers have a simple interface with just a few options; others have multiple tabs or a sidebar menu.

Once you find the wireless section, look for a field labeled "Wireless Password," "Passphrase," "Pre-Shared Key," or sometimes just "Password." This is the field you'll change. Some routers also show the current password in plain text; others hide it with dots or asterisks for security.

If you're having trouble finding it, try searching the page for the word "password" using Ctrl+F (Windows) or Command+F (Mac). This will highlight any matching text on the page and help you locate the field faster.

Changing the password and saving your changes

Click in the password field and clear the current password. Type your new password. Most routers require passwords to be between 8 and 63 characters long, though some allow shorter ones. You can use letters, numbers, and special characters like exclamation marks or underscores. Avoid spaces, as they can cause connection problems on some older devices.

Make the new password something you can remember, or write it down and store it somewhere safe. If you lose it, you'll have to reset the router to factory settings to change it again, which will erase all your other settings.

After you've entered the new password, look for a "Save," "Apply," or "OK" button. Click it. The router will process the change, which usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. During this time, the router may restart, and your internet connection may drop briefly.

What happens to your connected devices

Once the new password takes effect, every device currently connected to your WiFi will disconnect automatically. Your phone, laptop, smart TV, and any other connected devices will lose their connection. This is normal and expected.

To reconnect, open your WiFi settings on each device, select your network name, and enter the new password. Devices will then reconnect one by one. This process usually takes a few minutes for all devices to come back online.

If a device doesn't reconnect after you've entered the correct password, try "forgetting" the network in your WiFi settings and then reconnecting as if it were a new network. This clears out any cached connection information and often solves the problem.

Changing the password on specific router brands

Netgear routers: Log in at 192.168.1.1, click "Advanced," then "Wireless." Look for "Wireless Password" and enter your new password. Click "Apply."

TP-Link routers: Log in at 192.168.0.1, click "Wireless" on the left menu, then "Wireless Security." Change the "WPA/WPA2 Password" field and click "Save."

Linksys routers: Log in at 192.168.1.1, click "Wireless" at the top, then look for "Passphrase." Enter your new password and click "Save Settings."

ASUS routers: Log in at 192.168.1.1, click "Wireless" on the left, then "General." Find "WPA Pre-Shared Key" and enter your new password. Click "Apply."

If your router brand isn't listed here, the process is similar: find the wireless or security settings section, locate the password field, enter your new password, and save. The button names and menu layouts differ, but the basic steps are the same.

What to do if you get locked out

If you forget the admin password to your router's settings page, you can reset the router to factory defaults. This erases all your settings, including the WiFi password, and returns the router to the state it was in when you first bought it.

To reset, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the router will blink, indicating the reset is happening. Once the lights stop blinking and return to normal, the reset is complete.

After a reset, you'll need to log in with the default admin username and password (usually printed on the router), and you'll need to set up your WiFi password again from scratch. You'll also lose any other custom settings you had configured, such as port forwarding or parental controls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone or computer instead of going into the router?

No. The WiFi settings on your phone or computer only let you connect to a network or forget it — they don't let you change the network's password. You must access the router's settings page through a web browser to make changes to the password itself.

What's the difference between my WiFi password and my router admin password?

Your WiFi password is what guests and devices use to connect to your network. Your router admin password protects access to the router's settings page. They are separate. You can change one without changing the other, though it's a good idea to change both if you think someone has gained unauthorized access.

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect my smart home devices?

Yes. All connected devices, including smart speakers, security cameras, and smart lights, will disconnect when you change the password. You'll need to reconnect each one by entering the new password in its settings or app. Some devices may require you to remove and re-add them to your network.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There's no set rule, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable for most home networks. Change it immediately if you suspect someone unauthorized has access, if you've shared it with someone who no longer needs it, or if you've had the same password for several years.

What should I do if I can't access my router's settings page at all?

First, make sure you're connected to the router's WiFi network. Then try both 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1 in your browser. If neither works, restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If you still can't access it, check the manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific router model's IP address.