Quick Answer: Change Wi-Fi password: Log in to your router settings or router app; Navigate to Wi-Fi or Wireless; Enter a new password; Save the new password; Reconnect your devices with the new password. Your cell phone, laptop, television and other devices may go offline for a brief period. That’s normal.
Resetting the password of your Wi-Fi network seems like a fairly technical task at first, but it’s typically not. It’s for anyone looking to change the password from their home Wi-Fi, delete unknown users, enhance basic network security, or change the password after they’ve received a new router. You need not be an expert in the networking field. You only have to become familiar with the router settings and the changes you need to make.
This tutorial will explain how to change the wireless password from the router application or browser, what information you need to get ready, how to create a stronger password and what to do if the router login page does not function. When you’re finished, you’ll also be able to find out why your devices are disconnected and how to reconnect them using the new password.
Before You Change Your Wi-Fi Password
Be sure you log in to your own Wi-Fi network before you begin. It is usually necessary to be on that network to access the router settings. If Wi-Fi is unstable, you will have to connect with an Ethernet cable with a laptop or Desktop computer, if you can.
You might need to have your router login as well. This may not be the same as the password you use to connect to the Wi-Fi. There is an admin login that will open the router settings page. Your devices use the Wi-Fi password to connect to the wireless network.
Review these items before making any changes:
- Your router’s Wi-Fi name, also called the network name or SSID
- The router admin username and password
- The router app, if your internet provider or router brand uses one
- The router IP address, such as 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1
- A new password you’ll remember but others can’t easily guess
Another word of caution: After saving the new password for the Wi-Fi, your devices should disconnect. That includes smart TVs, smart home devices, game consoles, laptop and phone. All of them need to be reconnected with the new password.
How to Change Your Wi-Fi Password
To change the password of your Wi-Fi network, proceed as follows:
Firstly, open the settings of your router. This typically can be accomplished in two ways. The first is via your router or internet provider’s application. Many home Internet connections do this. Tap the app, tap Wi-Fi Settings and search for the Edit password entry point.
The second option is via a web browser. Open any browser, such as Chrome, Safari, Edge, or whatever you’re using. Enter the IP address of your router in the address bar. Common ones are 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1, but yours may be different. If they are not, look on your router sticker or on the help page of your internet provider.
Next, log in using details for the router admin. This is where the confusion lies: Your router administrator password is used to make changes to the router. Your Wi-Fi password is the password you used for the devices to connect to the network. If you don’t know the admin login, check the label on the router. Some providers also display it in their app or account dashboard.
After entering, search for Wi-Fi, Wireless, Network, WLAN or Security. Not all routers have the same menus, so don’t be concerned if the words are somewhat different. You need to find the location where you can see your Wi-Fi name and password.
Now type in your new password for Wi-Fi. When required by your router, WPA2 or WPA3 are typically the best options. Don’t use outdated security features unless told otherwise by your service provider. Once typed, click Save or Apply.
It may take a minute for your router to update. Others will reboot the wireless network when saving. If the devices lose connection, reconnect to your Wi-Fi network again and enter in the new password.
That’s it. Yes, it’s a little annoying if you have a ton of devices, but it’s still an easy task.
Tips for Choosing a Strong Wi-Fi Password
The Wi-Fi password should be easily remembered by you but difficult for others to guess. Don’t use your name, birthday, street name, phone number, or anything that someone nearby could figure out. Also avoid using passwords such as “password123”, “qwerty” or your Wi-Fi name followed by a few numbers.
Instead make it longer, don’t make it weird. A long word, number and symbol combination is often easier to remember than a random combination of symbols. For instance you might pick a word that has significance to you, then write numbers or symbols in a manner you will remember.
The following is a handful of rules to follow:
- Use at least 12 characters if your router allows it
- Mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
- Don’t reuse your email, banking, or social media password
- Don’t share it with everyone if they only need short-term access
- Use a guest network for visitors if your router supports it
It’s also smart to write the new password somewhere safe before you save it. Not on a sticky note in the middle of the kitchen, maybe, but somewhere you can find it later. You don’t want to change it and then forget it five minutes later. Happens more than people admit.
What to Do If You Can’t Change the Password
If the router settings page won’t open, first check that you’re connected to the router’s network. Try using a different browser or restarting the router. If you’re using a phone, switching to a laptop may make the page easier to use.
If you are unable to log in, refer to the label on the router for the default username and password. You could also look at your router application or internet provider account. Some providers have control over the Wi-Fi settings within the app and the browser approach may not be as effective as you’d expect.
You might need to reset the router if you changed the admin password prior to and can’t remember it. However, don’t rush in there. Factory reset will wipe out your custom settings, Wi-Fi name and password. It could also cause you to re-install everything again from the beginning.
If all else fails, reach out to your Internet provider or router help line. If you rent your modem/router from your provider, this is particularly useful. They will be able to let you know if you’ve locked your settings, where the password option is or if you should reset your router.
Final Thoughts
It may be a small step, but it can make your home network feel more in your control by changing the password of your Wi-Fi. Open the router settings, add a new password for the Wi-Fi network, save and then reconnect devices. While it is important to make the password strong, don’t make it so complicated that cannot be used. When in doubt refer to the router label, the router app, or your internet provider for assistance. Ever have to change the password on your Wi-Fi network and have something that can’t connect?