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How to change your router's password step by step

Updated in 2026 · 3 min read

Changing your wifi password is simpler than it looks: you just need to access your router's settings from a browser. In this guide we explain, step by step, how to do it safely without needing to install anything.

In this article:

  1. Find the router's IP address
  2. Sign in as administrator
  3. Go to the Wifi section
  4. Change the network name and password
  5. Choose the right encryption
  6. Save the changes and reconnect your devices

1. Find the router's IP address

To access the router's settings you need to type its IP address into the browser. The most common ones are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, though it can vary by model.

2. Sign in with the admin username and password

When you open the IP address in the browser, it will ask for a username and password:

  1. Look for that information on the same router sticker; it's usually listed as the admin "username" and "password".
  2. If you've never changed them, try the default values (often "admin" / "admin" or similar).
  3. If you changed them at some point and don't remember them, you may need to reset the router to its factory settings to get back in.

3. Go to the Wifi / Wireless section of the settings

Once inside the admin panel, look in the menu for a section called "Wifi", "Wireless" or "Wireless network". The exact name varies by router brand, but it's usually in the main menu.

4. Change the network name (SSID) and the password

Inside that section you'll find two main fields to change:

Choose new values for both fields and avoid including personal information like your name, address or date of birth.

5. Choose WPA2 or WPA3 encryption

Next to the password there's usually also a security type or encryption option. Always choose WPA2 or, if your router supports it, WPA3. Avoid the WEP option, since it's old encryption that's easy to break.

6. Save the changes and reconnect all your devices

Finally, look for the "Save" or "Apply changes" button. The router may restart for a few seconds.

  1. Wait for the wifi network to become available again.
  2. Reconnect each device (phones, computers, smart TV, etc.) using the new password.
Remember: the wifi password and the router's admin password are two different things. The first one is what your devices use to connect to the network; the second gives access to the router's entire settings. Both should be strong and different from each other.
✔ In a few minutes you'll have renewed your wifi network's security without needing to call your carrier or install anything.
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Frequently asked questions

Where do I find the router's current password?

It's usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the router itself, along with the default network name. If you changed it before and don't remember it, you'll need to reset the router to its factory settings.

What happens if I forget the new password I've set?

You'll need to reset the router to its factory settings (usually by holding down a reset button with a pointed object for several seconds) and set it up again from scratch.

Should I also change the router's admin password?

It's highly recommended. The admin password gives access to the router's entire configuration, so it's worth changing it to something different from the wifi password and not leaving it at the factory default.

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