An Easy Guide to Replacing Your Router with a New One

PDF download Download Article
Tips for setting up & configuring a new router
PDF download Download Article

Are you considering replacing your router? If your router is more than 5 years old, has connection issues, or if you just want to improve your range and speed, it may be time to replace your old router. Don’t worry—you don’t need to be an IT expert to get your new router up and running. This wikiHow article teaches you how to replace your router with a new one.

Swapping Out Your Router

Plug an ethernet or coaxial cable into the wall. Connect the cable to your modem and then connect the modem to your router. Then, plug in the modem and router. To set up the router, type in its IP address into your browser. Enter the username and password and then change your security settings.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Setting Up Your Router

PDF download Download Article
  1. This is especially important if it is a wireless router. Find a location that is near the center of your house. This helps prevent "dead-zones" in your house where you have weak or no Wi-Fi.
    • Keep in mind that walls and floors can impede a wireless signal and cause connection issues.
    • Avoid putting your wireless router next to metal, concrete, or brick structures.
  2. If you have a wireless router, be sure to connect the antennas and extend them upward. The antennas usually come detached in the box.
    Advertisement
  3. Depending on what type of internet you have, you may receive internet through an ethernet port in the wall, or a coaxial cable port. Connect the proper cable to the wall outlet that you receive internet through. [1]
  4. Connect the cable that is plugged into your internet wall outlet to the "LAN" or "Internet" port on the back of your modem. [2]
    • If you received your router from your internet service provider, there is a good chance it may be a 2-in-1 modem and router combined into one device. In which case, connect the internet cable to the "LAN" or "Internet" port on your router.
  5. If you are using a modem that is separate from your router, connect an ethernet cable to one of the "WAN" ports on the modem. Then connect it directly the the "LAN" or "Internet" port on your router. [3]
    • If you want, you can use your old combination modem/router device as a modem only. To do so, connect a computer to the old modem/router using an ethernet cable. Open a web browser and type the modem's IP address and log in. Look for the “IP Passthrough” settings on the modem's user interface. Switch the “Allocation Mode” settings to Passthrough, and set the “Passthrough Mode” box to “DHCPS-fixed.” Then, type in your new router’s Media Access Control (MAC) address below.
  6. Once everything is connected, use the AC adapter that came with your modem and router and connect them to your devices. Then plug them in. Start with your modem first, and then plug in your router. Wait until the green lights on the front of both devices turn solid with intermittent flashes. This indicates that the device is fully booted up.
  7. Connect an ethernet cable to one of the "WAN" ports on your router to an ethernet port on your computer.
    • If you are using a laptop that does not have an ethernet port, you can purchase an ethernet-to-USB adapter.
    8. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Configuring Your Router

PDF download Download Article
  1. Entering the IP address in the address bar opens your router's user interface in a web browser. The IP address is a little different on each router make and model. Consult the user's manual if you do not know your router's IP address. [4]
    • The default IP address is usually something like "192.168.1.1," "192.168.0.1," or "10.0.0.1."
    • If you can't find your IP address, you find your IP address on Windows and Linux as well as Mac . It's the "default gateway" address.
    • Alternatively, some routers have a mobile app you can download and use to set up and configure your router without connecting a computer to your router.
    • If your router came with any auto-configuration tools. Using these tools to set up your router may make things much easier. [5]
  2. Routers usually have a default username and password you can use to log in. Check the user's manual that came with your router to find out the default username and password. Use the default username and password to log in. [6]
    • The default password is often simply "admin". The default password is often something like "admin," "password," "12345," "password1234," or simply left blank.
    • If you don't know the password, you can reset the router to it's factory default settings. To do this, locate the reset button on the router and press and hold it for several seconds. You may need to use a pin or pointed object to press it. [7]
  3. With any piece of technology, it’s important to keep the software up-to-date. Scan your router's user interface for a page or section that’s related to firmware updates. Each router's user interface looks different. With some routers, you can set your device to update automatically. [8]
    • Always restart your router afterward so the firmware updates can be applied to the system. To restart your router, simply unplug it for about 20 seconds and plug it back in.
  4. Scroll through the online interface to find your router’s logon page. Chances are, the default password is pretty easy to guess—use these password fields to update it to something more secure. [9]
  5. Look for a “security” related option on the basic setup page for your router. Make sure your router is set to use "WPA2" encryption. [10] [11]
    • "WPA2" stands for second-generation Wi-Fi Protected Access. This is one of the more secure encryption protocols for wireless networks. [12]
    • Never use the Wired Equivalent Password (WEP) setting. It is an outdated format that is easy to hack.
  6. The SSID is the name of your wireless network. Scan the interface and look for "SSID," "Wi-FI name & password" or something similar. You can change the SSID to whatever name you want, or leave it as the default. Then you will need to set a new password that will be used to log in to your Wi-Fi password. [13]
    • Keep in mind that you will most likely need to give the Wi-Fi password to other people in your household and possible guests. Make sure you use a unique password that is not used for any other apps or secure accounts.
  7. Once you are finished setting up your router, look for the option to save your settings and click it. You can now log in to your Wi-Fi network using the SSID and password you have set up. [14]
    8. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How can you tell if you need a new router?
    Stan Kats
    Professional Technologist
    Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals.
    Stan Kats
    Professional Technologist
    Expert Answer
    You might need a new router if your connections are constantly dropping, you see the device rebooting, everything gets really slow, or you're just not getting a solid connection or good experience. If the router is upwards of 3 to 5 years old or beyond, there's a good chance it's reaching the end of its lifespan.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Find Your WiFi Password when You Forgot It
      How to
      Change Your Wi Fi Password
      When Wi-Fi Isn't Working on Your Phone but Works for Others
      How to
      Switch On Wireless on an HP Laptop
      Mirror Your Screen to a TV: Miracast, Chromecast & Wireless HDMI
      How to
      Connect your Smart TV to Wi-Fi Without The Remote
      Easy Ways to Set Up and Connect to a Local Area Network (LAN)
      How to
      Connect Two WiFi Routers Without a Cable
      How to
      Hack WPA/WPA2 Wi Fi with Kali Linux
      How Can I Find out My Wi-Fi Password?
      9 Simple Steps to Update Wi-Fi on Alexa
      How to
      Change WiFi to 2.4 Ghz on iPhone
      Cox Modem or Router Blinking Orange: Why It Happens + Troubleshooting
      How to
      Connect Apple TV to Wi-Fi Without a Remote + Fixes
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about replacing a router, check out our in-depth interview with Stan Kats .

      References

      1. ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetbasics/how-to-set-up-a-wifi-network/1/
      2. ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetbasics/how-to-set-up-a-wifi-network/1/
      3. ↑ https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-set-up-and-optimize-your-wireless-router-for-the-best-wi-fi-performance
      4. ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetbasics/how-to-set-up-a-wifi-network/1/
      5. ↑ https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/small-business/resource-center/networking/how-to-set-up-router.html#~router-setup-steps
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OPLiH_y3Rc&t=3m35s
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OPLiH_y3Rc&t=0m32s
      8. ↑ https://www.pcworld.com/article/474115/how-to-set-up-a-wireless-router.html
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OPLiH_y3Rc&t=4m7s
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OPLiH_y3Rc&t=4m29s
      2. ↑ https://www.pcworld.com/article/474115/how-to-set-up-a-wireless-router.html
      3. ↑ https://www.pcworld.com/article/474115/how-to-set-up-a-wireless-router.html
      4. ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetbasics/how-to-set-up-a-wifi-network/1/
      5. ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetbasics/how-to-set-up-a-wifi-network/1/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Place your new router in a centralized location.
      2. Connect the internet cable to your modem.
      3. Connect your modem to your router.
      4. Connect a computer to your router.
      5. Open a web browser and enter the default IP address in the address bar.
      6. Log in with the default username and password.
      7. Change the default password.
      8. Update the firmware.
      9. Set a new SSID and Wi-Fi password.

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 106,659 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement