Where to find your router's password settings

Your internet password lives in your router's admin panel, not in your computer's settings or your internet provider's website. To change it, you log into the router itself using a web browser on any device connected to your network.

Open a browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. One of these will load your router's login page. If neither works, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it will list the correct address, usually labeled "Admin URL" or "Gateway".

You'll be asked for a username and password. The default is often admin for both, but check that same sticker. If you changed these credentials before and can't remember them, you'll need to factory reset your router, which erases all settings — see the section below on that process.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's admin panel is accessed by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a browser, not through your internet provider's website.
  • The password you change in the router settings is your Wi-Fi password, which is different from your internet service provider account password.
  • After you change the password, all devices will disconnect and need the new password to reconnect.
  • If you forget the admin password to access the router itself, you must factory reset the router, which wipes all custom settings.
  • Change your Wi-Fi password every few months and use a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols to make it harder to guess.

The steps to change your Wi-Fi password

Once you're logged into the admin panel, look for a section called Wireless, Wi-Fi, or Network. The exact name varies by router brand. Click into that section.

Find the field labeled Passphrase, Password, or Pre-Shared Key. Clear the current password and type in a new one. Use at least 12 characters and mix in uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or #. Avoid dictionary words or patterns like 123456.

Look for a Save or Apply button and click it. The router will restart, which takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your internet will drop briefly.

What happens after you change the password

Every device currently connected to your Wi-Fi — phones, laptops, tablets, smart speakers — will disconnect. You'll see them drop off your network.

To reconnect each device, open its Wi-Fi settings, find your network name, and enter the new password. Do this for every device that uses your network. If you have a device that doesn't show a keyboard, like a smart TV or printer, check its manual for how to enter Wi-Fi credentials — some use a PIN code or a companion app instead.

The difference between your Wi-Fi password and your internet provider password

These are two separate passwords and they do different things. Your Wi-Fi password (also called your network password) is what you just changed — it's what guests and your devices use to connect to your home network. Your internet service provider password is what you use to log into your account on your provider's website to pay bills or manage your service.

Changing your Wi-Fi password does not change your internet provider password, and vice versa. If you need to change your provider password, log into your provider's website directly — Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, and others all have their own account portals.

What to do if you're locked out of your router

If you changed the admin password (the one that lets you into the router settings) and can't remember it, you cannot recover it. You must perform a factory reset, which erases all your custom settings, including your Wi-Fi password.

Locate the small reset button on your router — it's usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it. With the router powered on, hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink or change color. Release it and wait two minutes for the router to restart.

After the reset, the router returns to its default settings. Log back in using the default admin username and password from the sticker on your router, then change your Wi-Fi password again using the steps above.

Why you should change your password regularly

Your Wi-Fi password protects your network from unauthorized access. If someone knows your password, they can connect to your network, see your traffic, and potentially access files on your devices.

Change your Wi-Fi password every two to three months, or immediately if you suspect someone has it. Also change it if you had guests or service workers in your home who connected to your network. A strong password — 12 characters or longer with mixed case, numbers, and symbols — makes it much harder for someone to guess or crack.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The password only controls who can connect to your network. Speed depends on your internet plan and router hardware. If you notice slower speeds after changing the password, it's coincidence — something else changed, like network congestion or a device using bandwidth.

Can I change my password from my phone?

Yes. Open a browser on your phone, type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, and follow the same steps. You'll stay connected during the change because you're already logged in. After you save the new password, your phone will disconnect and you'll need to reconnect using the new password.

What if I don't see a Wireless or Wi-Fi section in my router settings?

Some routers hide advanced settings behind a "Basic" or "Easy" view. Look for a button or link that says "Advanced" or "Expert Mode" and click it. If you still can't find it, check your router's manual or search the model number plus "how to change Wi-Fi password" online.

Do I need to change my password if I never had guests on my network?

Changing it every few months is still a good practice. If your router is near a window or in a shared building, someone outside could theoretically try to connect. Regular changes limit the window of time a guessed or leaked password would work.

What's the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi passwords?

Some routers broadcast two networks at once — one on 2.4 GHz (longer range, slower) and one on 5 GHz (shorter range, faster). You can set different passwords for each, or use the same password for both. Most routers let you choose in the Wi-Fi settings. Using the same password is simpler; using different ones gives you more control over which devices use which band.