Where to change your WiFi settings

You change your WiFi network name and password by logging into your router's admin panel, not through your computer or phone's WiFi settings. Your router is the device that broadcasts the WiFi signal — usually a box with antennas sitting near your modem. The admin panel is a web page you access from any device connected to that router.

To reach it, open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar. The most common address is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If neither works, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it will list the correct address, often labeled "Default Gateway" or "Admin URL".

When you navigate to that address, you will see a login screen. The default username is often admin and the default password is often admin, password, or blank. If you changed these credentials before and cannot remember them, you will need to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds — this erases all your custom settings and returns everything to default.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your router's admin panel by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into a web browser, not through your WiFi settings.
  • The network name (SSID) and password are changed in the WiFi or Wireless settings section of the admin panel, not in the same place as other router settings.
  • Your network name can be any text you choose, but your password should be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols for security.
  • After you save changes, your router will restart and disconnect all devices — you will need to reconnect using the new network name and password.
  • If you cannot remember your router's admin password, hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds to restore factory defaults, then log in with the default credentials.

Finding the WiFi settings in your router's admin panel

Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled WiFi, Wireless, WLAN, or Network. Different router brands organize this differently — some put it in a main menu on the left side, others under an "Advanced" tab. If you see a search box in the admin panel, typing "WiFi" or "wireless" will take you directly there.

You will see two separate fields: one for the network name (also called SSID) and one for the password (also called passphrase or security key). Some routers show these on one page; others split them across WiFi 2.4GHz and WiFi 5GHz or 6GHz bands if your router broadcasts multiple networks. If you want the same name and password for all bands, change them all to match.

The network name is what appears in your list of available WiFi networks on your phone or computer. It can be any text — spaces and most special characters are allowed, though some routers reject certain symbols. Keep it something you will recognize but not something that reveals personal information.

Setting a strong password

Your WiFi password should be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. A password like BlueSky#2024Home is stronger than password123 because it mixes character types. Avoid dictionary words, birthdates, addresses, or names — these are easy to guess.

Write down your new password somewhere safe before you save it. Once you change it, every device currently connected will be kicked off your network and will need the new password to reconnect. If you forget it, you will have to log back into the admin panel to see it again, or reset the router entirely.

Some routers offer a "show password" checkbox while you type — use it to make sure you did not make a typo. A single wrong character will prevent devices from connecting.

Saving changes and reconnecting devices

After you enter your new network name and password, look for a Save, Apply, or OK button. Click it and wait — your router will restart, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your WiFi will disappear from available networks and then reappear with the new name.

Once the router finishes restarting, go to your phone, computer, or other device and look for your new network name in the list of available WiFi networks. Select it, enter your new password, and you will be connected. Repeat this for every device that was previously connected to your WiFi.

If a device does not connect after you enter the password, double-check that you typed it correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning BlueSky is different from bluesky. If the password is correct and the device still will not connect, restart the device and try again.

Changing the name without changing the password

If you only want to change your network name and keep the same password, you can do that. In the WiFi settings section, change only the SSID field and leave the password field untouched. Save the changes and your router will restart.

Devices will see the new network name appear, but they will still be disconnected because the network name changed. You will need to "forget" the old network on each device, then reconnect using the new name with the same password you already know. On most phones and computers, you can forget a network by going to WiFi settings, finding the old network name in your saved networks list, and selecting "forget" or "remove".

What to do if you cannot log into the admin panel

If you cannot remember the admin password for your router (different from your WiFi password), you will need to reset the router. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the device — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on.

The router will restart and all settings will return to factory defaults, including the admin password. You can then log in using the default credentials printed on the sticker on your router. After you log in, change your WiFi name and password, and also change the admin password to something only you know so this does not happen again.

Resetting the router will disconnect all your devices from WiFi. You will need to reconnect them using whatever network name and password you set during the setup process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my WiFi name and password from my phone or computer?

No — you must log into your router's admin panel using a web browser. Your phone and computer's WiFi settings only let you connect to networks, not manage them. The admin panel is a separate login that controls the router itself.

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect my devices?

Yes. When you save the new password, your router restarts and all connected devices are disconnected. They will see your network name in the available networks list, but they will not automatically reconnect — you must manually select the network and enter the new password on each device.

What is the difference between my WiFi password and my router admin password?

Your WiFi password is what you give to guests or use on your phone to connect to the internet. Your router admin password is what you use to log into the admin panel to change settings. They are completely separate. You can change one without changing the other.

Why does my router have two network names (2.4GHz and 5GHz)?

Some routers broadcast two separate networks on different frequencies. The 2.4GHz band reaches farther but is slower; the 5GHz band is faster but does not reach as far. You can give them the same name and password so devices automatically pick the best one, or give them different names so you can choose which one to use.

What should I do if I forget my new WiFi password?

Log back into your router's admin panel using the IP address and admin password. Go to the WiFi settings section and you will see your current password displayed there. Write it down, or change it to something you will remember better.