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Step 1: Start by logging into your router with the username and password that you created when you first set it up (you wrote these down, right?). If you’re on the router login page, look for the Login or Sign in link at the top of the page; if not, try navigating to the login page using your web browser (like Google Chrome or Firefox). Then, enter your credentials. If you can’t log in at this point, check to make sure that your router has power and that your computer is connected to its Wi-Fi network.
Changing the password on your router may sound intimidating, but it’s actually not very difficult at all. In fact, with the right step-by-step instructions and the right tools, you’ll be able to change the password on your router in no time at all. The entire process of changing the password on your router in 6 easy steps begins with finding out how to locate your router’s IP address, logging into your account with your internet service provider, switching off DHCP, changing the default user name and password, setting up a new username and password and finally reconnecting to your network.
1) Find the admin page
The first step toward changing your router’s password is locating its admin page. This is where you manage all your settings and make changes to your home network. To find it, open a web browser and go to 192.168.1.1 (usually, that’s without HTTP:// or HTTPS://).
You should see a page similar to one of these (click for a larger image) with a login box at the top right corner. Enter admin as both your username and password—this almost always defaults—and hit Enter.
If you don’t know what IP address to use, check with your ISP; they’ll be able to tell you what IP address range you’re using. If that doesn’t work, try WhatIsMyIP from Google. Once there, click on Network Settings.
2) Get your new password
Okay, you may not need it right away. But sooner or later, you’ll have to change your router’s password. It’s really quite simple:
Just follow these six steps.
1. Log into your router (typically by typing 192.168.1.1 into a browser).
2. Click on Wireless Settings and then click Wireless Security (or something similar).
3. Choose a new security protocol and set a new passphrase/password—and don’t forget to write it down!
4. Click Apply Changes and wait for the page to refresh 5 times (this is an important step!) 6) Restart your wireless devices.
3) Write down your passwords
Changing your Wi-Fi password is a simple way to protect your home network, but setting up security can be frustrating if you don’t know what you’re doing. There are few things more annoying than having an impenetrable password that is completely unmemorable, so we created a simple guide for how to create unique and easy-to-remember passwords using nothing but simple math and English.
Now there’s no excuse not to secure your Wi-Fi. With your new Wi-Fi password set up, you should now feel comfortable connecting to a wide range of devices throughout your home—but remember: always change default passwords! If you forget or lose it, make sure to check out our other guides on router management and wireless connection issues. You can also contact us with any questions or concerns at 877-314-2237 (M – F 9 am – 5 pm CST). We’re here to help!
4) Save your network settings
Before you begin, be sure you have written down all of your network settings (SSID, encryption type, and password). If your router has a configuration wizard, use it to back up your current settings. The exact steps for saving or backing up these settings will vary by manufacturer.
Remember that you’ll need those network settings later when you set up your router again. The old adage save early, save often applies here; do not skip it! The following six steps assume you are using a typical router from one of three manufacturers: Linksys, Netgear, or D-Link. Other routers may differ slightly in their setup screens and procedures. Most routers today are compatible with both wired and wireless connections—some can even serve as both access points and bridges at once.
5) Click Save Settings
Step four is checking it works. There are a few ways you can do that, but before we get into that, it’s important to mention that there’s nothing wrong with starting off your wireless career by just plugging in and setting up an unsecured network.
You don’t have any data you need to protect so it doesn’t matter if someone else piggybacks on your connection, does it? However, that may change down the line – for example, if you have friends who stop by regularly or if you start doing things like online banking – so as soon as you start feeling exposed (as long as no one is depending upon your connection) then I would advise going ahead and getting encryption up and running.
6) Check it works!
Before trying to make any big changes, it’s a good idea to check that your router settings are up-to-date. Most wireless routers have a basic settings page accessed through a browser.
In most cases, you just need to find and enter your IP address (type IP confirm into Windows’ Command Prompt) and then open an Internet browser.
Go to 192.168.1.1 (you may have slightly different settings). If you haven’t already changed it, there should be a default username and password for accessing your router—usually something like admin/admin. Once you get into your router settings, change them ASAP—that means resetting all of your defaults—passwords and usernames included!
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