Change your router password through its admin panel, usually by typing your router's IP address into a web browser

Your router has two passwords: one for Wi-Fi (what guests use to connect) and one for the admin panel (what you use to change settings). Most people need to change the Wi-Fi password. To do this, you log into your router's control page, find the wireless or Wi-Fi settings section, and replace the old password with a new one. The whole process takes about five minutes.

You will need to know your router's IP address — usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device — and your admin username and password. If you have never changed the admin password, it is likely the factory default, which is also printed on that sticker or in your router's manual.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your router's IP address on the sticker attached to the device, then type it into your web browser's address bar to reach the login page.
  • Log in with the admin username and password from the router's sticker; if you changed these before and forgot them, you will need to factory reset the router.
  • Look for "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," or "Network" settings in the admin panel and change the password field to something at least 12 characters long.
  • Save or apply the changes, then reconnect your devices using the new password.
  • Consider changing the admin password separately from the Wi-Fi password so you can update Wi-Fi security without resetting everything.

Finding your router's IP address and logging in

The IP address you need is printed on a label stuck to your router. Look on the back or bottom of the device for a line that says "Default Gateway," "Router Address," or simply an address that looks like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Write this down or take a photo.

Open a web browser on any device connected to your Wi-Fi — a phone, tablet, or computer. In the address bar at the top, type the IP address exactly as it appears on the sticker, then press Enter. You should see a login page asking for a username and password. These are also on the sticker, usually labeled "Default Username" and "Default Password." Type them in and click the login button.

If the login page does not appear, make sure you typed the IP address correctly and that you are using the right browser. If you still cannot reach it, try unplugging the router for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting two minutes for it to fully restart.

Locating the Wi-Fi password settings

Once you are logged in, you will see a dashboard or menu. Different router brands arrange this differently, but look for a section called "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Network," or "Security." Some routers put this under "Advanced" settings. Click on whichever option sounds closest.

You should see a field labeled "Passphrase," "Pre-Shared Key," "Password," or "Network Key." This is the password people type when they connect to your Wi-Fi. Do not confuse it with the "Network Name" or "SSID" field, which is just the name of your Wi-Fi network.

If your router shows two separate Wi-Fi networks — one labeled 2.4GHz and one labeled 5GHz — you can set different passwords for each, or the same password for both. Most routers let you set them together under a "Wireless" section, then apply to both bands at once.

Creating a strong new password

Delete the old password and type a new one. A strong Wi-Fi password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. For example: BlueSky#2024Home or Sunset$Maple99. Avoid using your name, address, or anything printed on the router itself.

Write down the new password somewhere safe — a password manager, a notebook in a drawer, or a note on your phone. You will need it to reconnect devices after you save the change, and you may need it later if you forget.

Some routers have a "Show Password" checkbox that lets you see what you typed. Use it to make sure there are no typos before you save.

Saving the change and reconnecting devices

Look for a button labeled "Save," "Apply," "OK," or "Confirm" at the bottom of the page. Click it. The router will process the change, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. You may see a message saying the router is restarting or applying settings — this is normal.

Once the page returns to normal, close the browser and disconnect from Wi-Fi on your devices. Then reconnect by selecting your network name from the Wi-Fi list and typing the new password. Start with one device — a phone or laptop — to make sure the new password works before you reconnect everything else.

If a device refuses to connect, try "forgetting" the network first. On most phones and computers, you can find this in Wi-Fi settings by holding down or right-clicking the network name. Then reconnect and type the new password.

What to do if you forgot the admin password

If you changed the admin password in the past and cannot remember it, you will need to factory reset the router. This erases all your settings and returns the router to its original state, so you will have to set up your Wi-Fi name and password again from scratch.

To factory reset, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. 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 flash and the router will restart. Once it is back up, log in using the default username and password from the sticker.

Changing the admin password separately

Your admin password — the one you use to log into the router's control panel — is separate from your Wi-Fi password. Many people use the factory default, which is a security risk if someone knows your router model. Consider changing it to something only you know.

While you are logged into the admin panel, look for a section called "Administration," "System," "Account," or "User Settings." Find the field for the admin password and change it to something strong and different from your Wi-Fi password. Save the change. From now on, you will use this new password to log back into the router.

Write this password down in a very safe place — if you lose it, you will have to factory reset the router again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my Wi-Fi password if I change my admin password?

No. The admin password and Wi-Fi password are separate. You can change one without touching the other. Many people change the admin password for security but leave the Wi-Fi password alone so devices do not have to reconnect.

What if my router does not have a sticker with the IP address?

Try typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into your browser — these are the most common defaults. If neither works, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website. You can also look in your computer's network settings to find the router's IP address listed there.

Will changing my Wi-Fi password disconnect everyone currently on the network?

Yes. Once you save the new password, all connected devices will be kicked off. They will have to reconnect using the new password. This is why it is a good idea to tell household members or guests about the change beforehand.

Can I use the same password for both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks?

Yes, and most routers let you do this automatically. Look for an option that says "Unified SSID" or "One Network Name" — this makes both bands use the same name and password, so devices can switch between them without you managing two separate networks.

What if I cannot remember the new password I just set?

You will need to log back into the admin panel and change it again. If you also forgot the admin password, you will have to factory reset the router and start over with the defaults from the sticker.