How to Change Your Wi-Fi Password

Someone you no longer want on the network has the password, or the current one is too short. You change it from the router's admin page, then reconnect each device.

Log in to the router

Open a browser on a device connected to the network and go to the router's address, usually http://192.168.1.1, http://192.168.0.1, or http://10.0.0.1. Sign in with the admin username and password from the sticker on the router. If the address does not load, see the guide on logging in to your router to find the real one.

Open the wireless settings

Find the section for wireless or Wi-Fi settings. On TP-Link routers it is usually Wireless. On Netgear it is Wireless under the Basic tab. On ASUS it is Wireless under Advanced Settings. If your router broadcasts separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, you may need to change each one.

Enter the new password

Find the field labeled Password, Passphrase, Wireless Password, Network Key, or Pre-Shared Key. Enter a new password of at least 12 characters. A short phrase with a few numbers is both strong and memorable. Leave the security type on WPA2 or WPA3. Do not switch it to WEP or Open.

Save the change

Click Save or Apply. The router may reboot or restart its wireless radio, which drops every connected device for a minute. That is expected.

Reconnect every device

Each phone, laptop, TV, and smart-home device still has the old password. On each one, select the network and enter the new password. Devices that connect on their own, like printers or thermostats, need to be updated through their own settings or app.

If you have a mesh system. eero, Google Wifi, TP-Link Deco, and similar systems do not use a browser page. Open their app, find the network settings, and change the password there.

If your router came from your ISP. The Xfinity, Bell, or Rogers app usually lets you change the Wi-Fi password without opening the admin page.