How to change your router’s Wi-Fi name and password

• You can change your Wi-Fi password and access your router’s setup page in an Internet browser.
• When you buy a new router, you should change its password and name to keep it safe.
• If you have forgotten your Wi-Fi password, you can connect to your router with an ethernet cable or reset it.

A Wi-Fi network allows you to connect your devices to the Internet without the need for cumbersome ethernet cables. However, to secure your internet connection, you will need a Wi-Fi password.

Without a password, anyone can connect to your Wi-Fi network. This means that outsiders can hog your network, reducing your Internet speed. At worst, they can even exploit your devices to install malware and steal sensitive information.

To avoid this, you need to change the default password of the Wi-Fi router.

Doing this is easier than it sounds, although it will require you to log into your router’s setup page. While you’re at it, you can also change the name of your Wi-Fi.

Here’s what you should know.

How to find the IP address of the router

Before you can change a router’s password or name, you need to know its IP address. This is what you will enter into your internet browser (Google Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge) to access the setup page.

The default IP address for most routers is usually 192.168.1.1 OR 192.168.0.1. If these IP addresses don’t work, check the bottom, back, or side of the device or its user manual for an IP address or login URL.

If the IP address written to your router doesn’t work, it could mean that the manufacturer or Internet service provider changed it recently. Fortunately, you can easily find a router’s IP address using your computer or phone.

How to change your Wi-Fi password

Once you have your router’s IP address, you’re ready to change your Wi-Fi password.

1. Open an internet browser on your Mac or PC, type in your router’s IP address, and hit the log into key.

2. Log into your router using your username and password. The default username and password are often admin OR userAdmin. If they don’t work, check your device, as they may be written on the back, side or bottom. You can also contact your router manufacturer or your Internet service provider to find out what they are.

3. Locate the wireless, wireless security, WifiOR Wi-Fi settings option. It will likely be listed in the menu at the top or left of the page.

4. In the Wi-Fi password OR Key text box, enter a strong password that you want your connection to have.

5. Click Save OR Apply to to save the changes. The Wi-Fi password will change immediately.

If you get lost, contact your router manufacturer. If you got your router from your internet service provider, like Spectrum or Xfinity, you can also try contacting them.

How to change the router name

Your router’s default name or, to use a more technical term, Service Set Identifier (SSID) will be something generic, but you can change it to something easily identifiable and more meaningful, like Smith home Wi-Fi.

Also, changing the name could alert any cybercriminals who care enough to name your Wi-Fi connection, which can make them think twice before hacking into it.

Usually, the option to change the router name is found on the same setup page as changing the password. Here’s how to find it:

1. Open the internet browser on your Mac or PC, type in your router’s IP address and hit the log into key.

2. Long into your router using his username and password.

3. Locate the wireless, wireless security, WifiOR Wi-Fi settings option. It will likely be listed in the menu at the top or left of the page.

4. In the Wifi name OR SSID name text box, enter the name you want to assign to the connection.

5. Click Save OR Apply to to save the changes. You will then see the Wi-Fi name you entered appear in the list of available networks on your computer or phone.

What if I forgot my password?

If you don’t remember your Wi-Fi password, you can bypass the password requirement by connecting to your router using an Ethernet cable. Then, follow the steps mentioned above to reset your Wi-Fi password.

If you don’t have an Ethernet cable, you can reset your router. Doing so will reset it to factory default settings, which means your current Wi-Fi password will be erased, along with your router password.

But do not worry. You will have all the information you need to access the configuration page. Here’s how to reset your router:

1. press the Reset button on your router. It will be inside a pin-sized hole usually located on the back of the router with the words Restore Close to it. To reach inside and press the button, use a pin, paper clip, or any long, narrow object that can fit through the hole.

2. Connect to the router’s Wi-Fi network (it won’t have a password at this point) and enter the IP address into the setup page in your browser.

3. Enter the default username and password for your router. The manufacturer will place this information somewhere on the back or under the device. If you can’t find it, contact the manufacturer.

4. Proceed with changing the Wi-Fi password.