Quick answer
Changing the WiFi password is done in the router's admin panel: open the router's IP address in a browser, log in, find the wireless section, and set a new password. WPA2 or WPA3 security and a password of at least 12 characters are recommended. After the change, all devices must reconnect.
How to recognize the problem
- You suspect someone is connecting to your WiFi network without authorization
- The internet is slower than usual, especially in the evening
- You want to change the default password that came with your router
- You noticed unknown devices in the list of connected clients
- You sold or gave away the router, and the old password remained
Most common causes
Default password
Many routers come with a factory password that is the same for all devices of that model or is easy to guess. Such a password should be changed immediately.
Weak password
Short passwords or those containing a name, address, or phone number are easy to guess. Use a longer password with a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
Outdated security protocol
WEP or WPA (TKIP) are outdated and easily broken. Set WPA2 or WPA3 (AES) if the router supports it.
Password sharing
A password shared with guests or written in a visible place becomes known to a wider circle of people over time. Change it occasionally.
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Find the router's IP address
On a Windows computer, open
Command Promptand typeipconfig, then look for theDefault Gatewayfield. On macOS or a phone, check the WiFi network details for the router's IP address. Most often it is192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1. - 2
Log in to the router's admin panel
In your browser, type the router's IP address and press Enter. If a login page appears, enter the username and password. Factory credentials are usually on a label on the bottom or back of the router (often
admin/admin). - 3
Open the wireless network settings
Find the section called
Wireless,WiFi, or similar. There you will see the network name (SSID) and a password field (Password, Passphrase, WPA Pre-Shared Key). - 4
Set a new password
In the password field, enter a new password of at least 12 characters, with uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid names, addresses, and dictionary words. If all your devices support WPA3, select
WPA3; otherwise selectWPA2-PSKwith AES encryption. - 5
Save the settings
Click
SaveorApply. The router will likely restart the wireless network, so your device's connection will briefly drop. This is normal. - 6
Reconnect devices
On each device (phone, computer, tablet, TV), open the list of WiFi networks, select your network, and enter the new password. If a device does not connect, delete the old network from the list and find it again.
- 7
Check who is connected
In the router's admin panel, find the list of connected clients (
Connected Devices,Attached Devices,Client List). Make sure only your devices are on it. If you see an unknown device, change the password again and check if someone found out the new one. - 8
Also change the admin password
If the router still uses the factory password for admin login, change it in the
Administration,System, orManagementsection. This prevents others from changing your network settings.
If you cannot access the router
If you forgot the router's admin password, try to find the factory credentials on the label or in the manual. If that does not help either, the only remaining option is to reset the router to factory settings: press and hold the Reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds. Warning: a reset erases all settings, including the WiFi network name, password, and any provider settings. Therefore, use it only if you are sure you can set up the internet again. If you do not know the connection parameters (username and password for PPPoE or similar), contact your provider before resetting. If the router offers an option to export or save settings, make a backup.
How to prevent it
- Use a password of at least 12 characters and change it occasionally.
- Enable WPA2 or WPA3 security and disable WPS.
- Do not share the password publicly and do not leave it written in a visible place.
- Regularly check the list of connected devices in the router's admin panel.
When to call a professional
If you cannot access the router's admin panel, do not know the internet parameters, or the router does not work properly after the change, it is better to call IT support or your provider. They can safely check the settings and prevent connection interruption.
IT infrastructure maintenance · Servers, networks, backup, security and helpdeskFAQ
Does changing the WiFi password disconnect the internet?
No, the internet connection remains the same, but all devices that were connected to WiFi must re-enter the new password. A wired connection (LAN) will not be interrupted.
How often should I change the WiFi password?
There is no strict rule, but it is recommended to change it every few months or immediately if you suspect unauthorized use. More frequent changes are not necessary if the password is strong and not shared.
What if I forget the new password?
If you saved the password in your browser or in a safe place, you can easily find it. Otherwise, you can view it in the router's admin panel if you are logged in, or change it again. If you cannot access the admin panel, the only remaining option is to reset the router to factory settings, with the warning and backup from the section above.