How to Change Router Password? [6 Steps To Follow]
You can quite easily connect your devices to the internet using a WiFi network instead of using hefty ethernet cords. But for that, you will be needing a WiFi password to safeguard your internet connection.
Otherwise, it will remain open to all. Meaning, anyone will be able to enter into it and have a control over the network, ultimately making the path of the hackers and intruders super easy.
As a result, they might even infect your devices with malware and steal confidential data. That's why to avoid this case from happening, you must alter the default password on your WiFi router.
So, do you know how to change router password?
Although it will require you to log into your router's setup page, yet doing this is easier than it would seem. All you need is to know which steps to follow and when.
In the following article, we will talk about how to change the router password in the simplest and most effective way possible. Let's begin:
Reasons for Changing Your WiFi Password
Setting up a wireless network in your house requires creating a unique password that each device must know and be connected to in order to access the network.
Here is a list of the following reasons why you may require to update the password for your WiFi network:
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Help protect your network, particularly if the security of your system has been attacked.
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Whenever you have to install a new Internet connection
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Configuration of a new network service
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While establishing a second connection (like dual-band)
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While configuring a Guest network
Why Should You Learn How to Modify My Router Settings?
Well, the answer is pretty simple. You have nothing to lose but, indeed, have tons of things to gain.
Besides, modern routers are made to be fool-proof. Ultimately making it nearly difficult for you to physically harm your computer by merely clicking on the wrong link or tampering with its configuration.
However, the worst scenario is probably if you alter your wireless router's configurations in such a way that makes it simpler for criminals to get hold of your personal data.
That's why, it is essential that you know how to modify your wireless router's s configurations. So you can offer the greatest possible security and protection to all your confidential data and information.
The most advanced functions of your network, many of which you may not even know about right now, can also be fully utilized. Just need to know the answer to how to adjust the settings on your router.
And if you are a computer novice, who doesn't have any idea of how things tend to work in this sector, you will not have any trouble learning it. With just following some simple steps, you will be all good to go.
6 Steps to Change Router Password
Changing the router password is extremely easy and convenient if you know the steps properly.
Here's to how:
Step 1: Open Your Browser to the Router's Setup Page
Your network-connected computer's web browser can be used to access the setup page for your router. If you don't know or have any idea about the password, then certainly you will not be able to access the WiFi.
Well, there is no need to panic as there is an alternative solution to it.
In a situation like this, it is recommended to link your computer and router together using an Ethernet cable. As a result, this approach will eliminate the need for a WiFi password.
Some common router IPs for the Apple include the following: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, 192.168.2.1, or 10.0.1.1.
At first, enter this URL in the browser window. And in case, it does not resolve the issue, reload your router by simply pressing the Reset button for around 30 seconds. After the refresh, you will be able to locate and provide the network model's default IP in the browser.
Step 2: Give the Input for Your Router's Username and Password
A username and password are always required to access a router's interface. And without entering the correct information, you will not be able to even enter into the dashboard, let alone make any changes.
In general, the most common default username and password combinations are "admin," "blank," or "password," respectively.
There's a strong probability that "admin" will work if you haven't changed the router's admin password. If not, check the information label on the router's back or bottom. On some routers, the default username and password are printed.
In this kind of situation, it is advisable to long-press the reset button (for around 30 seconds) on your router's back and then try again if you are still having trouble connecting.
If even this doesn't give you access to your router's admin panel, try looking up advice online to find your precise login credentials. As, naturally, this information tends to vary from one model to another model.
By doing this, you can bring the router's configurations back to their original version and thus will be able to log in using the default login and password.
This technique is usually helpful in case you altered the login details but have totally forgotten them. Or, you have bought a second-hand router, which the former owner didn't reset it, and you forgot to check while buying.
A word of caution: All the router's current configuration data will be erased.
Step 3: Select Wireless from the Menu
You must locate the Wireless portion of the configuration page after logging into your router. The exact term tends to vary from manufacturer to manufacturer
So, the next task of yours is to search for the "Wireless" or "Wireless Settings/Setup" tab or button.
Step 4: Alter Your Password
Search for the "Password," "Passphrase," or "Shared Key" textbox. This part is where you will have to type in the new password, you desire to give.
To be sure you typed the password correctly, some routers will request that you type it again to avoid making mistakes.
Make sure to always come up with a powerful password which will be pretty challenging to break. Such as thinking of something that only you know about and you can imagine of.
In case nothing seems to pop up in your brain; then it's better to go for something with a large integer number, random cases, special symbols, like "!", "$," and "#."
Never make the mistake of using any personal data or information. Typically, a password containing a minimum of 8 characters is referred to as a powerful password.
Step 5: Select a Security Level
Wireless encryption comes in three primary forms: WEP, WPA, and WPA2. Among these 3 kinds, WPA2 is the most protected network version possible.
Therefore, if you experience any sort of difficulties linking up with older devices, then, in that case, you can ideally switch to WPA or WPA/WPA2.
One crucial point to note, WEP encryption is strictly advised not to use as it is pretty simple to breach in and crack for the intruders.
Step 6: Save Your Preferences
Once the new password has been updated, your next task is hitting on the Apply or Save button. After the router has finished processing the modification, all connected devices will be cut off.
Once your settings have been modified, from now on, you will require the new password to access the wireless network.
Failure to put in the correct password will ultimately result in not being able to access the network. Instead, you will be able to reconfigure it if forgotten. So make sure to note it down properly somewhere safe.
That's all you need to do for changing your router password. Now that you know how to change it, let's know how you can test your new network configurations along with establishing parental controls and remote management in the later segments.
How to Change WiFi Password on Android?
Use the steps below to change your password on android:
- Tap the icon for the WiFi Security app on your home screen.
- Tap the Settings icon located in the top right corner of the screen.
- Click on Account Info.
- Tap Change Password in the Account Info section.
- You need to click the email's link.
- Create a new password, then type it in once more to make sure.
- Select "Change Password" from the menu.
How to Test Your New Network Settings?
The WiFi network name and password have now been updated. However, you should double-check to make sure everything is functional before you pack up your laptop and start working.
Step 1: Test the Wireless Connection
Grab a wireless device, and in the list of available networks, look for the name of your new network. In order to ensure that you may connect wirelessly, enter your new password.
Finding out now is preferable to having to restart the process when you're running late for a Zoom conference or are just seconds away from winning an eBay sale.
Step 2: Reconnecting Additional Devices
All the devices that were previously linked to your WiFi network will need their information updated so they may reconnect now that the network's name and password have been updated.
Aside from your laptops and smartphones, keep in mind that this also applies to your smart TVs, smart thermostats, security systems, and any other devices that connect to your WiFi network.
Can I Check Who is Connected to My Router? If so, How to See It?
Have you ever noticed that no matter what you do, your internet speed varies? Well, it might happen that someone else is using your router in addition to you and making use of your bandwidth. You must access the router's administration panel to determine whether that is actually the case:
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Find the IP address of your router.
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That IP address should be typed into a browser window.
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Sign in as the administrator.
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Look for a menu item with the names "My Network," "Attached Devices," or anything comparable.
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Remove a device from your network and block its MAC address if you notice one that shouldn't be using your router.
How to Establish Parental Controls?
Parental controls are tools that assist you in lowering the possibility that your child will encounter offensive web stuff. Filtering and monitoring are two main categories into which these controls might be grouped.
By using filtering, you can restrict access to offensive content and impose usage time limits. You can monitor your child's online activity so you can see exactly what they are doing and take immediate action if you think they may be in danger.
Parental controls may have their own category in addition to being normally found under the router settings. Setting a PIN for parental controls is strongly advised since kids will go above and beyond to get around any content limitations you put in place to keep them safe.
How to Activate Remote Management?
You don't even have to be at home to keep an eye on your router's activity if it's up to the task. Thanks to the remote management capability, you can easily keep an eye on it from any location using your smartphone or computer.
To connect to your router from a different network:
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Open the router's administrative interface.
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Look for Remote Management under settings.
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Enable remote management, then save your changes.
Remote management is disabled by default since it entails a certain security risk. Your security may be jeopardized by hackers who attempt to guess your router's password and utilize a remote control to do it. Because of this, we advise switching off remote management when you know you won't be using it for a long.
Which Router Will be the Ideal One to Buy for Me?
If it doesn't support the most recent 802.11ac WiFi standard, it is highly suggested that you consider upgrading to a newer model. Although 802.11n, the widely used standard before it, is pretty good, 802.11ac will assist in reducing dead spots in your home better, along with ensuring faster and more consistent rates throughout. Most of the contemporary gadgets are compatible with these kinds of wireless protocols.
If your router is even older and still supports 802.11g and 802.11b, then understand that it is high time that you upgrade it. As these protocols have now become pretty old and obsolete.
You shouldn't be alarmed if you find references to these outdated standards because even the newest router models are often made backward compatible with them.
To Wrap Up
Routers are complex devices with a wide range of options that you can experiment with and personalize to your preferences. Hopefully, you have no more queries regarding how to change router password. And the next time you require to change the password, you can do it all by yourself.
Just follow the above-mentioned steps accordingly. And you will be all good to go.