How to Change Your Wi-Fi Password on Any Router

Changing your Wi-Fi password is one of the most common router tasks. You do it from the admin page (or an ISP app), not from the phone’s Wi-Fi list alone. After you save a new password, every device must reconnect with the new passphrase.

Before you start

Stay connected to the router (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
Know the admin IP and admin password (sticker or find your router IP).
Choose a strong new passphrase (Wi-Fi password generator).

Change the Wi-Fi password (general steps)

Open a browser and type your gateway IP, such as http://192.168.1.1, http://192.168.0.1, or http://10.0.0.1.
Sign in with the admin username and password. Need a refresher? How to log into your router.
Open Wireless, Wi-Fi, or WLAN settings.
Find the field labeled Password, Passphrase, Pre-Shared Key, or Key.
Enter the new password, confirm if asked, and save or apply.
Wait for the radio to restart. Rejoin Wi-Fi on each device with the new password.

If you have two bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)

Some routers show separate passwords; others share one. Update both if they are listed separately. Guest networks use a different password; change those under Guest Wi-Fi settings.

Xfinity and other ISP apps

Many ISP gateways let you change Wi-Fi from a mobile app as well as from 10.0.0.1. Prefer the sticker password for admin login. See Xfinity and ISP router Wi-Fi password guide.

Common mistakes

Typing the IP into Google search instead of the address bar.
Changing the admin password when you meant the Wi-Fi password (they are different).
Forgetting to save, or using a password your older devices cannot type (unusual symbols).

Forgot the current Wi-Fi password?

Read it from a connected device first: find your Wi-Fi password. If nothing still knows it, set a new one after admin login. If you also forgot the admin password, use factory reset.

FAQ

Will changing the Wi-Fi password kick everyone offline?

Yes, until they reconnect with the new password. That is expected and is often the point after a security scare.

Should I change the Wi-Fi name too?

Optional. Renaming the SSID also forces devices to treat it as a new network, which can clear old saved credentials.

Is WPA3 required?

Use WPA2 or WPA3 when available. Avoid open networks and outdated WEP.