How Do I Change My Wi-Fi Password?
Learn how to change your home Wi-Fi password safely, reconnect your devices, and avoid accidentally resetting your router.
What’s happening?
Your Wi-Fi password is the password people and devices use to join your wireless network. Changing it can be a good idea if you think someone else knows the old password, if you recently moved into a home, or if you simply want to use a new password.
Before you change it
- Your Wi-Fi password was shared with someone you no longer want using the network.
- You want a stronger password for your home network.
- Your router's settings need to be changed after a network or security change.
The exact screens vary by router and internet provider. You may change the password through a router app, an internet-provider app, or the router’s management page.
Common reasons to change it
- You think someone you do not recognize has access to your Wi-Fi
- You gave the old password to guests and no longer want them to use the network
- You recently moved into a home or received a new router
- You want to replace an old or easy-to-guess password
Things you can safely try
- Find your router or internet provider’s instructions. Look for the router brand, model, or internet provider name. Many newer routers use a phone app to manage Wi-Fi settings.
- Open the Wi-Fi settings for your router. Look for a section called Wi-Fi, Wireless, Network, or Wireless Security. Menu names differ between routers.
- Change the Wi-Fi password. Choose a password that is difficult for other people to guess. Avoid using your address, phone number, family name, or another easily known detail.
- Save the new password somewhere secure. A password manager or another secure place is better than leaving the password on a note where visitors can see it.
- Reconnect your devices. Phones, computers, TVs, printers, smart devices, and other equipment that used the old password may disconnect. Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the new password when prompted.
- Check that your important devices reconnect. Make sure the devices you rely on most can get online before assuming everything is finished.
Stop here
Do not factory-reset your router just because you cannot find the Wi-Fi password setting. A full factory reset can erase settings provided by your internet company and may leave your internet internet connection unavailable until the router is configured again.
If you are asked for an administrator password you do not know, or the instructions for your router are unclear, stop before changing advanced settings. Your internet provider or a qualified technician can help.
Still having trouble?
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
LoTyde Tech Assistance provides friendly, patient technology help for residents throughout Indiana County and surrounding communities.
If you’ve tried the basic checks steps and still need help, we’re here to help.
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