How to Change Your Wi-Fi Password and Network Name

By Ammar Aslam · Updated September 29, 2026 · 3 min read

Changing your Wi-Fi password kicks off anyone using your internet without permission and improves security. It only takes a few minutes.

Step 1: Find your router's address

Look at the sticker on the router for the login address, username and password. Common addresses are 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.10.1.

On Windows, you can also open Command Prompt and type ipconfig. The Default Gateway is your router's address.

Connect to your Wi-Fi (or with a cable).
Open a browser and type the router address in the address bar.
Enter the admin username and password from the sticker. If they were changed and you don't know them, you may need to reset the router.

Many modern routers and mesh systems use a mobile app instead, such as those from TP-Link, Huawei, or your internet provider.

Step 3: Change the Wi-Fi password

Look for Wireless, Wi-Fi or WLAN settings.
Find Security or Wireless Security.
Set security to WPA2-PSK (AES) or WPA3.
Enter a new password (also called passphrase, pre-shared key or WPA key). Use at least 12 characters.
Click Save or Apply.

If your router has separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, change both.

Change the network name (SSID)

In the same section, change the SSID. Avoid including your name, address or router model.

Step 4: Reconnect your devices

All devices will disconnect. Reconnect each one with the new password. Smart TVs, printers and smart home devices will need updating too.

Forgot the admin password?

Press and hold the router's small Reset button for about 10 seconds with a pin. This restores factory settings, including the default admin password and Wi-Fi password on the sticker. You'll need to set up the internet connection again, so contact your provider if you don't know the settings.

While you're there

Change the admin password and update firmware too. See securing your router.

Where the setting is on common routers

Menu names differ by brand. These are typical locations; your model may vary slightly:

Router brand	Typical menu path
TP-Link	Wireless → Wireless Security (or Advanced → Wireless → Wireless Settings); Tether app
Huawei / ZTE (provider routers)	WLAN → WLAN Basic Configuration or Wi-Fi Settings
Tenda	WiFi Settings → WiFi Name & Password
D-Link	Settings → Wireless
Mesh systems (Deco, Google, Eero)	Mobile app → Wi-Fi / Network settings

Creating a Wi-Fi password that's strong and easy to share

A Wi-Fi password needs to be strong but also easy to type on a TV remote. A passphrase works well:

Combine 3–4 random words with a number, like mango-river-lamp-72.
Avoid your name, phone number, house number or family names.
Avoid symbols that are hard to find on TV keyboards.
Use at least 12 characters.

After changing the password

Update smart devices such as TVs, cameras, printers and smart plugs; some need their app to reconnect.
If a device won't reconnect, "forget" the network on that device and join again.
Share the new password securely with family, ideally with a QR code. See sharing Wi-Fi.
Write it down and keep it somewhere safe at home, or in a password manager.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I change my Wi-Fi password?

Whenever you suspect someone unauthorised is using it, or after sharing it widely.

How do I share the new password easily?

Use a QR code. See sharing Wi-Fi passwords.

Ammar Aslam
Ammar writes clear, practical tech guides that help everyday users fix problems, stay safe online and get more from their devices.