Having a strong WiFi signal all over your place is cool, but it is very important to keep your WiFi network secure. To do this you have to learn how to change WiFi password yourself.
The steps needed for this action are quite straightforward:
- Login to the wireless router
- Locate Wireless in the menu
- Type in the new password
- EXTRA: Change the default network name and check the encryption type
- Save the changes.
In the next few paragraphs you will learn how to change WiFi password yourself. So, let’s begin!
Change WiFi Password Step-by-step
Step 1: Launch your browser
To make any changes to the router settings you have to use an internet browser. You can use the one you use the most like Firefox, Safari, Chrome etc.
Step 2: Type the default router IP in the URL bar
If you don’t know the default router IP follow this guide to find it or try with some of the most common ones:
192.168.0.1
192.168.1.1
192.168.2.1
192.168.100.1
192.168.1.254
10.0.0.1
When you type the correct router IP you will have to enter the default router username and password. If you have changed them before, use the new login details.
Step 3: Enter the router username and password
When asked, you have to enter the correct router login details. You can find these in the router manual or on a label usually placed on the bottom side of the router. If you don’t have these you can search online for “router model + username and password“. Or try some of the most common username/password combinations:
admin/admin
admin/password
admin/1234
user/user
Quite often the router password is the router serial number so make sure to try that as well.
You are now logged into your wireless router!
Step 4: Locate the Wireless section
Depending on the router brand and model you have to find the Wireless section in the menu.
For example, If you are using a Tenda or a D-Link router look for Wireless Settings. Those who own a TP-Link, Netgear, Linksys or Digisol router should look for Wireless. For other routers look for WLAN, Wi-Fi, Security, and something similar.
Step 5: Change the WiFi password
Before you change the WiFi password you have to check your encryption type. We recommend to select WPA2-PSK.
Now look for a field named Pre-Shared key, WiFi Password, Password or Passphrase.
In the New password field type your new wireless password. In most cases you will have to type the new password again in the Confirm password field. It is a good measure to protect you from typing errors.
Step 6: Save the changes
After you have changed the WiFi password make sure to click the Save or Apply button at the end.
When you save the changes you can connect to your WiFi network using the new password.
Don’t forget to update the WiFi password on all the devices connected to your WiFi network.
Extra step – Change the Network name (SSID)
When you try to change the WiFi password it is a good idea to change the default network name. Often both the WiFi password and the SSID or Network name are on the same page.
What makes a good WiFi password?
We can say that the stronger your WiFi password is the stronger your network security is. So, let’s see what makes a good WiFi password.
- Combine letters, numbers and special characters.
Using common words as a password is a huge mistake. Hackers nowadays have the possibility to try a huge number of word combinations in a minute or two. If you still plan to use dictionary words at least change some letters with numbers and special characters. This will boost your password strength.
- Use long passwords
The longer the password is, the harder it will be for the hackers to break it. This is why you should use at least 12 characters for your WiFi password.
- Be unique
Don’t use the same password everywhere. In case you have more than one WiFi network make sure to have unique and strong passwords for each.
- Don’t share it.
If you share your WiFi password with others you are putting your wireless network at risk. So, either make sure to change your WiFi password often, or create a guest network for everyone else.
Conclusion
If you have done everything correctly you know how to change WiFi password on your own now.
Here are some other detailed guides on how to change WiFi password for specific routers.