How to change your Wi-Fi password (2026)

Overview

Changing your Wi-Fi password helps stop unwanted access and is one of the simplest ways to improve home network security. In most homes, the password you need to change is the Wi-Fi network password used by phones, laptops, TVs and smart devices to join the network, not necessarily the separate administrator password used to control the router itself. Many routers and mesh systems now let you do this through a mobile app, while others use a web page opened from a browser on a device already connected to the network. Before you begin, make sure you know how to get back into your router settings if something goes wrong. It is also sensible to note the current network name and check whether your router uses one Wi-Fi name for all bands or separate names. Once you save the new password, most devices will disconnect immediately and will need the new password entered. Some smart home devices can be awkward to reconnect, so it helps to plan for that before making the change. A good result is: the new password is saved, your main device reconnects successfully, and older devices that should no longer have access stay disconnected until you enter the new details again.

Who this is for

Home users who want to update their Wi-Fi security, remove old devices from access, or replace an easy or shared password with a stronger one.

What you’ll need

• A phone, tablet or computer connected to your home network
• Access to the router or mesh system admin app or web interface
• The router administrator username and password, if required
• A new strong Wi-Fi password you can store safely

Before you start

Check whether your broadband provider manages the router through its own app, because that may be the easiest way to change the password. Also make sure you know the difference between the Wi-Fi password and the router admin password. If you have many smart devices, expect to reconnect them one by one after the change.

Step-by-step

1. 1

   Connect to your home network and identify how your router is managed

   Use a device that is already connected to your Wi-Fi or is plugged into the router by network cable. Open your router maker’s app if you have one, or prepare to sign in through a web browser using the router’s local address shown on the router label, in the manual, or on the manufacturer’s support site.

   Why: Starting from a connected device gives you the best chance of reaching the router settings without extra troubleshooting.

2. 2

   Sign in to the router or mesh admin page

   Enter the router administrator credentials when prompted. If you have never changed them, check the label on the router, the manual, or your internet provider’s setup information. If you cannot sign in, use the official support instructions for password recovery or reset before changing any Wi-Fi settings.

   Why: You must be in the admin controls, not just connected to the Wi-Fi, to edit the wireless security settings.

3. 3

   Open the Wi-Fi or wireless security settings

   Look for menus called Wi-Fi, Wireless, Wireless Settings, WLAN, Security, or similar. Find the section showing your network name and security mode. Then locate the field for the Wi-Fi password, which may be labelled Password, Passphrase, Security Key, Pre-Shared Key, or Network Key.

   Why: This is the actual setting your devices use to join the network, so changing the right field matters.

4. 4

   Enter a new strong password

   Replace the existing Wi-Fi password with a new one that is hard to guess and not reused from another account or device. Use a mixture of words or characters that you can store safely in a password manager or written note kept somewhere secure. If your router offers a choice of security type, use the most secure option that your devices support.

   Why: A stronger password reduces the chance of neighbours or attackers guessing it or reusing a password exposed elsewhere.

5. 5

   Save or apply the change

   Select Save, Apply, Update or the equivalent option. Wait while the router updates the wireless settings. Your current Wi-Fi connection may drop during this stage, which is normal.

   Why: The password does not change until the router writes and applies the new setting.

6. 6

   Reconnect your main device using the new password

   On your phone, tablet or computer, select your Wi-Fi network again and enter the new password. If the device keeps trying the old one, choose the option to forget the network first, then reconnect.

   Why: This confirms the new password was accepted and that the network is working normally after the change.

7. 7

   Reconnect other devices and check old access has stopped

   Update the Wi-Fi password on the rest of your devices, including TVs, printers, smart speakers and cameras. Devices that still have the old password should remain offline until updated.

   Why: This is how you verify the change has taken effect fully and that only authorised devices can get back onto your network.

Why this works

Your router controls who can join the wireless network by requiring devices to prove they know the current security key. When you change that key, devices using the old one can no longer authenticate, so only devices given the new password can reconnect.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Changing the router administrator password when you meant to change the Wi-Fi password
• Saving a new password without writing it down or storing it safely
• Using a very simple password or reusing one from email or banking accounts
• Forgetting that smart home devices, printers and TVs will need reconnecting
• Not waiting for the router to finish applying changes before testing

Troubleshooting

Compare your options

Alternatives

• If you only want to let guests online without sharing your main password, enable a guest Wi-Fi network instead of changing the main one
• If the issue is that someone knows your router admin login as well as your Wi-Fi password, change both

Pro tips

• Change the router administrator password as well if it is still the default or has been shared before
• Store the new Wi-Fi password in a password manager so you can re-enter it on devices later
• Reconnect your most important device first so you can confirm the network is healthy before updating everything else
• Take a photo of the current settings screens before changing anything if you may need to undo a mistake

Safety notes

• Only sign in to router settings from your own trusted network or a direct cable connection
• Do not share screenshots of your Wi-Fi settings, as they may expose your network name or security details
• If your router is old and no longer receives security updates, consider replacing it rather than relying only on a new password

Cost considerations

Changing the Wi-Fi password itself does not usually cost anything. Costs only arise if you choose to replace outdated router hardware or pay for provider support.

Frequently asked questions

Sources & references

Guidance on this page is traced to documented sources. Last checked 25 September 2026.

• NETGEAR Support – How do I change my WiFi password or network name? · manufacturer

  Supports the standard process of signing in to the router, locating wireless settings, changing the Wi-Fi password and applying changes.

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