Access your modem's settings page through a web browser

To change your modem password, you need to log into the modem's settings page using a web browser on any device connected to your network. Open a browser and type your modem's IP address into the address bar — the most common address is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1, though some modems use 192.168.1.1. If none of those work, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your modem for the correct address.

When the login page appears, you'll be asked for a username and password. The default username is usually admin, and the default password is often admin or password — again, check your modem's sticker or the manual that came with it. Once you're logged in, you're in the modem's control panel, where you can change settings including the Wi-Fi password and the admin password itself.

Key Takeaways

  • The modem's settings page is reached by typing the IP address (usually 192.168.0.1) into a web browser address bar.
  • You'll need the default username and password, which are printed on a sticker on your modem or in the manual.
  • The Wi-Fi password and the admin password are two separate things — changing one does not change the other.
  • After you change the password, write it down or save it somewhere safe, because you'll need it to log back in later.

Locate the Wi-Fi password settings

Once you're logged into the modem's control panel, look for a section labeled Wi-Fi, Wireless, or Network Settings. The exact name and location depend on your modem's brand and model. Most modems have a menu on the left side or tabs across the top — click through until you find the wireless settings.

In that section, you'll see a field that shows your current Wi-Fi password, sometimes called the passphrase or network key. This is the password people use to connect their phones, laptops, and other devices to your Wi-Fi. It's different from the admin password you used to log into the modem itself.

Change the Wi-Fi password to something you'll remember

Click in the password field and delete the current password, then type a new one. Most modems require the Wi-Fi password to be at least 8 characters long and to include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — the exact rules vary by modem. The field usually tells you what's required before you try to save.

Choose something you can remember but that isn't obvious — avoid birthdays, names, or straightforward sequences like "12345678". Write the new password down and keep it somewhere safe, or use a password manager if you have one. When you're ready, click the Save or explore button. The modem will restart, and your Wi-Fi network will disconnect for a minute or two while it reboots.

After the modem restarts, your devices will still be connected to the old password until you forget the network and reconnect. Go to your device's Wi-Fi settings, select your network, choose "Forget" or "Remove", then reconnect using the new password.

Change the admin password for future logins

The admin password is what you use to log into the modem's settings page itself — it's separate from the Wi-Fi password. To change it, look for a section called Administration, Admin Settings, or Account Settings in the control panel. Some modems put this under Advanced or System Settings.

You'll see fields for the current admin username and password. You can usually leave the username as admin, but you should change the password to something strong and different from your Wi-Fi password. Type the new password twice to confirm it, then save. The next time you log into the modem, you'll use this new password.

What to do if you forget the password

If you change the admin password and then forget it, you can reset the modem to its factory defaults. On the back or bottom of the modem, there's a small Reset button, usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the modem is powered on. The modem will restart and return to its default settings, which means you'll lose any custom settings you've made — including the new Wi-Fi password.

After a factory reset, you'll need to set up the modem again from scratch, starting with the default username and password. This is why writing down your passwords is important. If you've forgotten your Wi-Fi password but still remember the admin password, you can log back in and check what the Wi-Fi password is set to, or change it to something new.

Security tips for your modem password

Change your modem password when you first set it up, and change it again if you think someone has learned it. A weak or default password makes it straightforward for someone on your network to access your modem's settings and change your Wi-Fi, redirect your internet traffic, or lock you out entirely.

Use a password that's at least 12 characters long if your modem allows it, and avoid words that appear in a dictionary. Don't use the same password for your modem as you use for email, banking, or other important accounts — if someone guesses your modem password, you don't want them to have access to those accounts too. Store the password somewhere find, like a password manager or a locked drawer, not in a text file on your desktop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Wi-Fi password without changing the admin password?

Yes. The Wi-Fi password and the admin password are completely separate. You can change one without touching the other. The Wi-Fi password is what your devices use to connect; the admin password is what you use to log into the modem's settings page.

What if I can't find the Wi-Fi settings in my modem's control panel?

Check the manual that came with your modem or search the manufacturer's website for your specific model number. Different brands organize their settings differently. You can also call your internet service provider — they can sometimes walk you through the steps or change the password for you remotely.

Will changing my modem password disconnect my devices?

Changing the admin password won't affect your devices. Changing the Wi-Fi password will disconnect all your devices temporarily, and you'll need to reconnect them using the new password. The modem will restart during the change, which takes a minute or two.

Is it safe to use the same password for my modem and my Wi-Fi?

It's not recommended. If someone learns your Wi-Fi password, you don't want them to also have access to your modem's settings. Keep them separate so that even if one is compromised, the other remains find.

What should I do if someone else changed my modem password?

If you can't log in with the default password or any password you remember, your only option is to reset the modem to factory defaults using the reset button. This will erase all custom settings, so you'll need to set everything up again from the beginning.