Where to find the password change option

Your internet password lives in your router's settings, not in your internet bill or account portal. To change it, you log into the router itself — a small box that sits in your home and broadcasts your Wi-Fi signal. Most routers have a web address you type into any browser, or a mobile app you download.

The exact steps depend on your router model and who made it. Common router brands include Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, Asus, and Arris. Your internet service provider (like Comcast, Verizon, or AT&T) may have given you a router they own, which sometimes has a different setup process. Check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router — it usually lists the brand and model number.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Wi-Fi password is stored in your router, not your internet bill or account page, so you change it by logging into the router itself.
  • Most routers use a web address like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 typed into your browser, or a mobile app, to reach the settings page.
  • You will need the router's admin username and password, which is often printed on a sticker on the router or in the manual that came with it.
  • After you change the password, all devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect them using the new password.
  • If you forget the new password or cannot log in, you can reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your changes.

Logging into your router on a computer or phone

Open any web browser — Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, whatever you normally use. In the address bar at the top, type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 and press Enter. One of these addresses works for most home routers. If neither works, check the sticker on your router or look up your specific model online.

A login page will appear asking for a username and password. This is the router's admin password, not your Wi-Fi password — they are different things. The default username is often admin and the default password is often admin, password, or 12345. Check the sticker on your router or the manual that came with it. If your router is from your internet provider, they may have set a custom password, which is usually on a sticker or in an email they sent you when you first got it.

If you have a newer router, there may be a mobile app instead. Download the app from your phone's app store, search for your router brand (like "Netgear Nighthawk" or "TP-Link Tether"), and log in with the same admin credentials.

Finding the Wi-Fi password settings

Once you are logged into the router, look for a section called Wi-Fi Settings, Wireless, Network, or Security. The exact name varies by brand. You should see a field that shows your current Wi-Fi network name (called the SSID) and your current Wi-Fi password.

The password field may be hidden behind dots or asterisks for security. Look for a button or checkbox that says "Show Password" or an eye icon to reveal it. Some routers let you see the current password; others do not.

Type your new password into the password field. Most routers require at least 8 characters and accept letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using special characters like @ or # unless you are sure your devices support them — stick to letters, numbers, and hyphens if you want the easiest experience. Write down the new password somewhere safe before you save it.

Saving your changes and reconnecting devices

Look for a button labeled Save, Apply, or OK at the bottom of the page. Click it. The router will restart, which usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes. During this time, your internet will go down briefly and all devices will disconnect from Wi-Fi.

Once the router restarts and the lights stop blinking, your devices will try to reconnect automatically. Most will fail because they still have the old password stored. You will need to manually reconnect each device using the new password. On a phone or computer, go to your Wi-Fi settings, find your network name, and select "Forget Network" or "Remove". Then reconnect and enter the new password when prompted.

Devices like smart speakers, security cameras, or smart home gadgets may need to be reconnected through their own apps rather than through Wi-Fi settings. Check the device's manual or app for instructions.

What to do if you cannot log into the router

If you do not know the router's admin password and cannot find it on a sticker or in your paperwork, you have one option: reset the router to factory settings. This erases all your changes, including your Wi-Fi password, and returns the router to how it came from the factory.

Most routers have a small reset button on the back or bottom. 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 will blink and the router will restart. Once it restarts, the admin password will be back to the default (usually admin or password), and your Wi-Fi password will be whatever was printed on the sticker when it was new.

After a factory reset, you will need to set up the router again from scratch — choose a new Wi-Fi name and password, and reconnect all your devices. If your router is from your internet provider, you may need to call them to help you set it up again, because some provider routers have extra setup steps.

Changing the password on your internet provider's account page

Some internet providers let you change your Wi-Fi password through their website or app without logging into the router directly. This is different from logging into the router itself. If your provider is Comcast Xfinity, Verizon Fios, or AT&T, check their website or app — there may be a Wi-Fi settings section in your account.

This method is easier because you do not need to know the router's admin password. However, it only works if your provider supports it and if you have an account login. If you rent the router from your provider rather than owning it, this may be the only way to change the password without calling them.

Keeping your new password secure

Once you change your Wi-Fi password, write it down and store it somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager, or a note on your phone. Do not email it to yourself or post it online. If guests ask for the password, you can tell them verbally rather than writing it down everywhere.

Change your Wi-Fi password if you think someone unauthorized has been using your network, if you have had guests move out, or if you have not changed it in over a year. You do not need to change it frequently if you live alone and trust everyone in your home.

Your Wi-Fi password is separate from your internet provider's account password. Changing one does not affect the other. If you want to change your account password (the one you use to log into your bill or account page), that is a different process done on your provider's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between my Wi-Fi password and my internet password?

Your Wi-Fi password is what guests type to connect to your network. Your internet password is what you use to log into your provider's account page to pay your bill. They are completely separate. Changing one does not change the other.

Will changing my Wi-Fi password affect my internet speed?

No. Your internet speed is determined by your provider's service plan, not by your password. Changing the password only affects who can connect to your network, not how fast the connection is.

Can I change my Wi-Fi password from my phone?

Yes, if your router has a mobile app. Download the app, log in with your admin credentials, and look for Wi-Fi settings. If your router does not have an app, you can use your phone's web browser to visit 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 instead.

What happens if I forget my new Wi-Fi password?

Log back into the router using the same address or app, and look at the Wi-Fi settings again — you can see the password there. If you forget the router's admin password, you will need to reset the router to factory settings.

Do I need to change my password if I change internet providers?

If you keep the same router, no — your Wi-Fi password stays the same. If your new provider gives you a different router, that router will have its own Wi-Fi password, usually printed on a sticker on the device.