Where to find your internet password settings

Your internet password lives in your router's settings, not in your computer or phone. The router is the box that broadcasts your Wi-Fi signal — usually a rectangular device with antennas, sitting near your modem or combined with it. To change the password, you log into the router's control panel using a web browser on any device connected to that Wi-Fi.

The control panel address is almost always 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Type one of these into your browser's address bar (the same place you type website names) and press Enter. If neither works, check the back or bottom of your router for a sticker that lists the correct address — it may say "Admin URL" or "Management URL".

When you reach the login page, you will see fields for a username and password. Most routers use admin as the username. The password is often admin as well, or sometimes password. If you changed this password before and do not remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings (see the section below on what to do if you are locked out).

Key Takeaways

  • Your internet password is stored in your router's settings, accessed by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser.
  • You will log in with a username and password — usually both "admin" — to reach the control panel where you can change your Wi-Fi password.
  • Look for a section labeled Wi-Fi, Wireless, or Network Settings, then find the field that says "Password", "Passphrase", or "Pre-Shared Key".
  • After you change the password, all your devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect them using the new password.
  • If you cannot remember your router's admin password, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds.

Step-by-step: changing your Wi-Fi password

Step 1: Open a web browser on any device connected to your Wi-Fi. It does not matter which device — computer, phone, or tablet. Open Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.

Step 2: Type the router address into the address bar. Try 192.168.1.1 first. If the page does not load after a few seconds, go back and try 192.168.0.1. You should see a login screen with two fields.

Step 3: Enter the admin username and password. Type admin in the username field. Type admin (or password) in the password field. Click the Login or Sign In button. If this does not work, check the router's label for the correct credentials.

Step 4: Find the Wi-Fi settings. Once you are logged in, look for a menu on the left side or top of the page. Find a section called Wi-Fi, Wireless, Network, or Settings. Click on it. You may see options for "Wi-Fi Name" and "Wi-Fi Password" or similar labels.

Step 5: Change the password field. Look for a field labeled Password, Passphrase, or Pre-Shared Key. Click in that field and delete the current password. Type your new password. Make it at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #) to make it harder to guess.

Step 6: Save the changes. Look for a button that says Save, Apply, or OK. Click it. The router will restart — this takes 30 seconds to a few minutes. Your Wi-Fi will go offline briefly and then come back on.

Step 7: Reconnect your devices. On your phone, computer, or tablet, go to your Wi-Fi settings. Find your network name in the list. Click it and enter your new password. Repeat this for every device that uses your Wi-Fi.

What to do if you cannot log into the router

If you changed the admin password before and do not remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings. This erases all your settings, including the Wi-Fi password, and returns the router to how it came from the manufacturer.

Look for a small button on the back or bottom of the router labeled Reset or Restart. Use a paperclip or pen to press and hold this button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the front will blink. Release the button and wait two to three minutes for the router to restart. The admin username and password will return to their defaults (usually both admin).

After the reset, you can log back in using the default credentials and change the Wi-Fi password following the steps above. You will also need to set up any other settings you had customized, such as port forwarding or parental controls.

Choosing a strong password you can actually remember

A strong password is long and uses a mix of character types. Aim for at least 12 characters. Include uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and symbols (!@#$%^&*). Avoid dictionary words, names, birthdates, or sequences like 123456.

One way to create a password you can remember is to take a phrase you know well and use the first letter of each word, then add numbers and symbols. For example, "My dog ate three socks yesterday" becomes MdAt3sy! — long, mixed, and tied to something you will not forget.

Write your new password down and store it somewhere safe, like a locked drawer or a password manager app. Do not email it to yourself or text it to anyone. If you use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or Dashlane, you can store it there and the app will fill it in automatically when you need it.

Why your devices disconnect when you change the password

When you change the Wi-Fi password in the router settings, every device currently connected loses access immediately. This is because the password they have stored no longer matches the one the router is broadcasting. Your phone, laptop, and any other device will show the network as available but will not connect until you enter the new password.

This is normal and expected. You will need to go into each device's Wi-Fi settings, select your network name, and type in the new password. On most phones and computers, you only have to do this once — the device will remember the new password and reconnect automatically the next time it is in range.

Changing your password on a mesh Wi-Fi system

If you have a mesh Wi-Fi system like Eero, Netgear Orbi, or Google Nest Wi-Fi, the process is slightly different. These systems use an app instead of a web browser. Open the app on your phone, look for Settings or Wi-Fi Settings, find the password field, and change it there. The app will handle the rest.

If you do not have the app installed, you can usually still access the web control panel by typing the router address into a browser, but the app is the easier route. Download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, log in with your account, and follow the on-screen steps to change the password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my password if I think someone is using my Wi-Fi without permission?

Yes. Changing your password will disconnect anyone currently using your network. After you change it, only devices you reconnect will be able to use your Wi-Fi. If you suspect someone has your password, change it to something completely different from the old one.

What happens to my internet speed if I change the password?

Changing the password does not affect your internet speed. Your speed depends on your internet service provider and plan, not on the Wi-Fi password. The password only controls who can connect to your network.

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

Yes. Open any web browser on your phone, type 192.168.1.1 into the address bar, and log in with your admin username and password. The steps are the same as on a computer. Some routers also have a mobile app you can use instead.

Will changing my password delete my files or emails?

No. Changing your Wi-Fi password only affects the network connection. Your files, emails, and everything stored on your devices remain untouched. You will just need to reconnect to Wi-Fi after the change.

How often should I change my internet password?

There is no set rule, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable. Change it sooner if you think someone has your password, if you had guests who used your Wi-Fi, or if you have not changed it in several years.