Where to change your password depends on what you're changing

Your internet setup has multiple passwords, and each one changes in a different place. You might need to change your Wi-Fi password (the one you give guests), your router admin password (which controls your modem settings), your internet service provider account password (for paying bills and managing service), or your email password (if you use it to sign into accounts). Most people need to change their Wi-Fi password, so that's where we'll start. The other three follow different steps.

Changing the wrong password won't hurt anything — you just won't accomplish what you intended. But it's worth knowing which one you actually need before you start, because the steps are different for each.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Wi-Fi password lives in your router settings, which you reach by typing your router's IP address into a web browser on a connected device.
  • You will need your router's admin username and password to get into settings — check the sticker on the back of your router or your internet bill if you don't know them.
  • Your internet service provider account password (for billing and service changes) is changed on your provider's website, not on your router.
  • Write down your new Wi-Fi password somewhere safe before you change it, because you'll need to re-enter it on every device once the change takes effect.
  • After you change your Wi-Fi password, all your devices will disconnect and you'll have to reconnect them one at a time using the new password.

How to change your Wi-Fi password through your router

Your Wi-Fi password is stored in your router — the box that broadcasts your wireless signal. To change it, you log into the router's settings page using a web browser. First, find your router's IP address. On most home routers, this is printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device. It usually looks like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Write it down.

Open any web browser on a device that's connected to your Wi-Fi. Type the IP address into the address bar at the top (the same place you'd type a website name) and press Enter. A login page should appear. You'll need your router's admin username and password. If you've never changed these, they're usually printed on the same sticker as the IP address — often something like "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the router's serial number. If you changed them before and don't remember, you may need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings.

Once you're logged in, look for a section called "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Network," or "Security." The exact name varies by router brand. Find the field labeled "Wireless Password," "Wi-Fi Password," "Passphrase," or "Pre-Shared Key." Delete the old password and type in your new one. Make sure you write down the new password before you save — you'll need it in a moment. Click Save or Apply. Your router will restart, which takes about a minute.

What happens after you change your Wi-Fi password

Once the change takes effect, every device connected to your Wi-Fi will disconnect. Your phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, printer, and anything else will lose the connection. This is normal and expected. You'll need to reconnect each device by hand, one at a time.

On your phone or laptop, go to your Wi-Fi settings and look for your network name in the list of available networks. Select it and enter your new password when prompted. Repeat this for every device in your home. Devices that are far from the router or in different rooms may take a minute or two to reconnect. If a device won't reconnect after you've entered the password correctly, restart that device and try again.

How to change your internet service provider account password

Your internet bill and service account have a separate password from your Wi-Fi. This is the password you use to log into your provider's website to pay bills, change your plan, or contact support. To change it, visit your provider's website directly — not through your router. Common providers include Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, Charter, Cox, and Spectrum, but yours may be a local or regional company.

Log into your account on your provider's website using your current password. Look for a section called "Account Settings," "My Account," "Profile," or "Security." There should be an option to change your password. Click it, enter your current password to confirm your identity, then type your new password twice (once to enter it, once to confirm you didn't make a typo). Click Save or Update. Your new password takes effect immediately, and you'll use it the next time you log in.

How to change your router admin password

The admin password is what you use to log into your router's settings page — it's different from your Wi-Fi password. You should change this if you've never set a custom one, or if someone else knows it. Log into your router settings using the steps above. Look for a section called "Administration," "System," "Advanced," or "Security."

Find the option to change the admin password or username. Enter your current admin password, then type your new password twice. Click Save or Apply. Your router will restart. After it comes back online, you'll use your new admin password the next time you log into the settings page. Write this password down and store it somewhere safe — you'll need it if you ever need to adjust your router settings again.

What to do if you forget your password

If you forget your Wi-Fi password, you can see it in your router settings if you still remember your admin password. Log in using the steps above and look for your wireless password in the Wi-Fi or Wireless section. If you forget your admin password, you'll need to reset your router to factory settings. This erases all your custom settings, including your Wi-Fi password, and returns everything to the defaults printed on the sticker.

To reset your router, look for a small reset button (usually recessed, so you need a paperclip or pin to press it). Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. Once it's back online, log in using the default admin username and password from the sticker, then set up your Wi-Fi password again from scratch. Resetting also disconnects all your devices, so you'll need to reconnect them.

If you forget your internet service provider account password, go to your provider's website and look for a "Forgot Password" or "Reset Password" link on the login page. Click it and follow the steps — usually you'll enter your account number or email address, and the provider will send you a link to reset your password. Check your email (including spam folder) for the reset link.

Common mistakes to avoid when changing passwords

The most common mistake is changing your Wi-Fi password and then forgetting to write it down before saving. You'll be locked out of your own network and have to reset your router. Always write down your new password on paper or in a password manager before you click Save.

Another mistake is confusing which password you're changing. If you're trying to change your Wi-Fi password but you log into your internet provider's website instead, you'll change your billing password and your Wi-Fi will still work the same way. Make sure you're in your router settings, not your provider's website.

A third mistake is not waiting for the router to fully restart after you save a new password. If you try to reconnect devices before the router is done restarting, they may fail to connect. Wait until all the lights on the router have stopped blinking and settled into their normal pattern before you try to reconnect anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my Wi-Fi password regularly?

You don't need to change it on a schedule, but you should change it if you think someone unauthorized has access to your network, if you've had guests and want to cut off their access, or if you've forgotten what it is. Changing it every few months is reasonable if you're concerned about security, but it's not required.

What's a strong Wi-Fi password?

Use at least 12 characters and mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid words from the dictionary or personal information like birthdays. Something like "BlueSky#42Oak$Pine" is stronger than "password123." Your router will accept passwords up to 63 characters.

Will changing my password affect my internet speed?

No. Your internet speed is determined by your service plan and your provider's network, not by your password. Changing your Wi-Fi password won't make your connection faster or slower.

Can I change my password on my phone instead of a computer?

Yes, you can log into your router settings on a phone using a web browser, just like on a computer. Type the router's IP address into the browser's address bar. The settings page may look different on a small screen, but the steps are the same.

What if I can't find my router's IP address?

Try typing 192.168.1.1 into your browser — this is the default for many routers. If that doesn't work, try 192.168.0.1. If neither works, restart your router and try again. You can also check your internet bill, which sometimes lists the router's IP address, or contact your internet provider for help.