How to Add a Password to Your Wi-Fi: 6 Methods

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

To keep your Wi-Fi connection secure, it’s always a good idea to set a password to control who can access your network. Even if your router came with a default password, setting a new one will make your connection more secure. In this article, we’ll talk you through the best ways to set a new Wi-Fi password, from going through your router’s configuration page to using an app or wizard on your computer for quick and easy setup. We’ll also tell you how to set a password for a Wi-Fi hotspot and how to reset your router to factory settings in case you lose your password.

Things You Should Know

  • Set or change your password through the router’s configuration page by entering the IP address into your browser.
  • For some types of routers you can change the password using a wizard or app on your computer.
  • If you lose or forget your password, reset to the default password by resetting your router to factory settings.
Method 1
Method 1 of 6:

Changing a Router Wi-Fi Password

PDF download Download Article
  1. The easiest way to set up a password is through your router’s configuration page. To get started, you’ll need to find your router’s IP address . There are a few ways to do this:
    • In Windows 11, open the
      Windows Start
      Start menu, then select Settings , Network & internet , and then Wi-Fi . Select your Wi-Fi connection and look under Properties . Your IP address is listed next to the IPv4 address header. [1]
    • In Windows 10, click the
      Windows Wifi
      Wi-Fi Network button in the Taskbar , then click Properties under the header for your network. [2] Look for your IP address next to IPv4 address .
    • On a Mac, open the
      Mac Apple
      Apple Menu and click System Preferences . Then, select Network . Select your network from the left-hand menu bar in the Network window and click Advanced , then open the TCP/IP tab. Find your router’s IP address by the IPv4 Address header.
    • You may also be able to find the IP address in the user manual that came with your router, or by looking up the IP address for your router model online. It may also be printed on the router itself.
    • If you have an AirPort router, use this method instead.
  2. Launch your favorite browser and type your router’s IP address into it. Then, press Enter or Return . This will open your router’s configuration page. [3]
    Advertisement
  3. You may be prompted to log in after the configuration page opens. You can usually find the default username and password printed on the router or in the user manual that came with the router. [4]
    • Many routers are configured with admin as the default username and password as the default password. However, this isn’t always the case.
    • You can also try searching for the default login credentials for your router brand online.
  4. There are a lot of variations between router configuration pages. Most will have a link or tab called something like Wireless , Wireless Security , or WLAN Security . Select this option to make changes to your Wi-Fi network login credentials. [5]
    • You might also find an option to change your router admin password under Administration . However, keep in mind that the router password is different from your Wi-Fi network password. This password is for logging into your router’s configuration page. [6]
  5. Look for a Change Password option or a text box where you can enter a new Password or Network Key for your Wi-Fi network. You may be prompted to enter the password twice. [7]
    • Choose a memorable but unique password, preferably with a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters (such as ! , _ , or & ). [8]
    EXPERT TIP

    Brandon Phipps

    Technology Specialist
    Brandon Phipps is a Technology Specialist based in Bakersfield, CA. He is the owner of Second Star Technologies and specializes in Managed IT Services for small and mid-sized businesses in Bakersfield, CA. With over 23 years of experience, he offers expert cloud computing, cybersecurity, and network management solutions. Brandon is a committed community member and coach who leads and innovates in tech and sports coaching. His dedication to local businesses and communities is evident in his hands-on, tailored approach to IT solutions.
    Brandon Phipps
    Technology Specialist

    Choose a long, complicated passphrase that you'll be able to remember for better security. A passphrase is a longer password consisting of at least 14 characters that are based on words or phrases that are meaningful to you. For example, the phrase "I eat ice cream in summer" can be transformed into "!8!ceKRAM!n$umm3R." You'll remember your passphrase easily while keeping your data secure.

  6. After you enter your new password, you may be prompted to confirm it. Click Save , Apply , or whatever the applicable button is to save your changes.
    • At the same time that you set your password, you may want to update your router’s firmware and set your wireless encryption type to the most secure option available (usually either WPA2 or WPA3). [9]
    7. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 6:

Changing AirPort Router Password (Mac)

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you have an AirPort router, you can easily change your password using the AirPort Utility app. To get started, launch the app on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad. [10]
  2. When you open the app, you should see any AirPort devices that are connected to your network. Select the main router for the Wi-Fi network you want to edit. [11]
  3. When you click the base station, a dialog window will pop up with information about the router. Click on Edit to make changes to your network configuration. [12]
  4. Select Wireless from the Edit menu. This will allow you to make changes to your Wi-Fi network. [13]
  5. Choose a secure password and type it into the Wireless Password field. You’ll need to type the same password a second time in the Verify Password field. [14]
    • You can also change your wireless encryption type from the Wireless menu. Click on Wireless Security and select your preferred encryption type (WPA or WPA2 Personal).
  6. After you set your password, click Update . If you don’t click Update , your network will revert to the old password after 5 minutes. [15]
    7. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 6:

Using the WPS Wizard (Windows)

PDF download Download Article
  1. If your router supports WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), you can easily set the password using the Network and Internet settings on a Windows computer. To get started, open the
    Windows Start
    Start menu. [16]
  2. The way to do this depends on which version of Windows you are using: [17]
    • If you’re using Windows 7 or 8, type Network and Sharing Center into the search box in the Start menu . When the Network and Sharing Center appears in the list of results, click on it.
    • For Windows 10, open
      Windows Settings
      in the Start menu , then
      Windows Network
      Network & Internet . From there, click on Status , then Network and Sharing Center .
    • In Windows 11, search for Control Panel in the Start menu and select it from the list of results. In the Control Panel , select Network and Internet , then Network and Sharing Center .
  3. In the Network and Sharing Center , select Set up a new connection or network . This will open a wizard that will help you set a password and adjust other security settings. [18]
  4. Choose the option to set up a new network, then confirm your selection by clicking Next . [19]
  5. The WPS wizard will guide you through the process of setting up your Wi-Fi network. Choose a name and password (or security key) for your network when prompted. You can also choose your encryption type (such as WPA2 or WPA3) using the wizard. [20]
    • Make sure to write your password down somewhere and keep it in a safe place so you don’t forget it.
    6. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 6:

Resetting Your Router

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you forget your Wi-Fi password and can’t find it, you can reset your router to factory settings and create a new one. To do this, you’ll need to find the reset button on your router. This button is usually located on the back or bottom of the router. [21]
    • Make sure your router is powered on before you try to reset it.
    • Resetting your router will restore all of its default settings, including the default Wi-Fi password it had when you originally set it up.
  2. Once you find the reset button, push it down and hold it for several seconds. Many of these buttons are recessed to prevent accidental resets, so you may need to use an unbent paperclip or other small tool to push the button. [22]
  3. Your router may take a few minutes to completely reset. Once it does, it will be reset to all of its original settings, including the default password and username for both router admin and the Wi-Fi network. [23]
  4. Once your router finishes resetting, log into the router’s configuration page to set a new password, or set it up the way you did when you first got it. [24]
    5. Advertisement
Method 5
Method 5 of 6:

Setting a Wi-Fi Hotspot Password (iOS)

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you’ve set up a personal hotspot using your iPhone, you can assign a password to it for extra security. To get started, launch the
    iPhone Settings App Icon
    Settings app on your iPhone. [25]
  2. In the Settings menu, tap Cellular . This is near the top of the main menu. [26]
  3. In some versions of iOS, you may need to select Settings , then Personal Hotspot . [27]
  4. In the Personal Hotspot menu, tap Wi-Fi Password , which is located near the top of the screen. This will take you to a new screen with a password field. [28]
    • If you already have a password set, it will be displayed in the Password text field.
  5. If there’s a password already, delete it from the Password field and type in a new one. The password you choose must be at least 8 characters long. You can use any of the English letters, the numbers 0-9, and some punctuation marks. [29]
    • If you set a new password, any devices that are currently connected to your hotspot will be automatically disconnected. You can then log in again with the new password.
  6. Once you’ve entered a new password, tap Done at the top right corner of the screen.
    7. Advertisement
Method 6
Method 6 of 6:

Setting a Wi-Fi Hotspot Password (Android)

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you’ve set up a personal hotspot on your Android phone, you can set or change the password. While the method for doing this varies depending on what kind of phone you have, you can generally access your hotspot settings through the Settings menu. [30]
  2. This option may be located directly under the main Settings menu, or you might find it when you tap More under the Wireless & networks header. [31]
  3. Depending on what kind of phone you have, this may be under the main Mobile hotspot menu or located in the More menu at the top right side of the screen. In the Configure Mobile hotspot menu, you can: [32]
    • Set a new name for your hotspot
    • Change the password
    • Select your Wi-Fi encryption type
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What if the password is not admin?
    Community Answer
    "Admin" is traditionally the password used by programmers for a beta test or a password that has to be changed. Unfortunately, they may use whatever else they want, or somebody else may have changed the password. Read the manual to find the default password or how to reset it.
    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 14 Helpful 40
  • Question
    How do I change a Wifi password?
    Community Answer
    Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1.Then enter your username and password. Open Security and then Wireless; then click on Show the WPS Key.
    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 41 Helpful 83
  • Question
    How do change my password for my WiFi?
    Community Answer
    Follow the steps in the article, just skip 3 and 4.
    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 7 Helpful 24
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • If you’ve forgotten your password and you’d rather not reset your router, you can find your Wi-Fi password using the command prompt in Windows or Keychain Access on a Mac. You may also be able to see your password by logging into your router’s configuration page.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Make sure your Wi-Fi password is complicated enough that it can't be stolen, but also not so long and complicated and random that it's a pain to share with others. If you tell your grandma that your Wi-Fi password is Z4$9hJt56&rakfgj%2kjakfo7 she's going to be so frustrated and so are you.
      • Most routers come with a default Wi-Fi password, which is usually printed on the side of the router. However, these default passwords are not always very secure, so it’s best to set a new one whenever you get a new router.
      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!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      Get Back Online: Easy Ways to Reconnect Any Device to Wi-Fi
      How to
      Secure Your Wireless Home Network
      How to
      Change a TP Link Wireless Password
      How to
      See Who Is Connected to Your Wireless Network
      Mirror Your Screen to a TV: Miracast, Chromecast & Wireless HDMI
      How to
      Connect a Router to a Modem
      Easy Ways to Change the Wi-Fi Network Name
      7 Simple Steps to Hide Your Wireless Network
      How to
      Locate the SSID On Your Computer (Windows & Mac)
      How to
      Set Up and Connect to a Wi-Fi Network: Easy Guide
      How to
      Reset Your Router Password
      How to
      Find the WiFi Password of a Past Connection Using Command Prompt (CMD)
      10 Easy Steps to Set Up a Wireless Router
      How to
      Use a Router As a Switch
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/find-your-ip-address-in-windows-f21a9bbc-c582-55cd-35e0-73431160a1b9#Category=Windows_11
      2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/find-your-ip-address-in-windows-f21a9bbc-c582-55cd-35e0-73431160a1b9#Category=Windows_10
      3. ↑ https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-access-your-wi-fi-routers-settings
      4. ↑ https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-access-your-wi-fi-routers-settings
      5. ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetbasics/how-to-set-up-a-wifi-network/1/
      6. ↑ https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-access-your-wi-fi-routers-settings
      7. ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetbasics/how-to-set-up-a-wifi-network/1/
      8. ↑ https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/choosing-and-protecting-passwords
      9. ↑ https://www.uml.edu/it/information-security/updating-wifi-security-settings.aspx
      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-mt/guide/aputility/aprt5cf0b0ae/6.3.9/mac/12.0
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-mt/guide/aputility/aprt5cf0b0ae/6.3.9/mac/12.0
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-mt/guide/aputility/aprt5cf0b0ae/6.3.9/mac/12.0
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-mt/guide/aputility/aprt5cf0b0ae/6.3.9/mac/12.0
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-mt/guide/aputility/aprt5cf0b0ae/6.3.9/mac/12.0
      6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-mt/guide/aputility/aprt5cf0b0ae/6.3.9/mac/12.0
      7. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/setting-up-a-wireless-network-in-windows-97914e31-3aa4-406d-cef6-f1629e2c3721
      8. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/setting-up-a-wireless-network-in-windows-97914e31-3aa4-406d-cef6-f1629e2c3721
      9. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/setting-up-a-wireless-network-in-windows-97914e31-3aa4-406d-cef6-f1629e2c3721
      10. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/setting-up-a-wireless-network-in-windows-97914e31-3aa4-406d-cef6-f1629e2c3721
      11. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/setting-up-a-wireless-network-in-windows-97914e31-3aa4-406d-cef6-f1629e2c3721
      12. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/fix-your-internet-connection-reset-your-router/
      13. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/fix-your-internet-connection-reset-your-router/
      14. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/fix-your-internet-connection-reset-your-router/
      15. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/fix-your-internet-connection-reset-your-router/
      16. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/111785
      17. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/111785
      18. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/111785
      19. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/111785
      20. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/111785
      21. ↑ https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/2812516?hl=en
      22. ↑ https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS10002918/
      23. ↑ https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/2812516?hl=en

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Log into your router's page on a computer .
      2. Find and open the wireless security settings page.
      3. Open the "Password" section of the page.
      4. Select WPA-2 for the encryption.
      5. Fill out the "Password" form, then click OK or Save .

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,880,987 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Joao Ferla

        Jun 17, 2016

        "My WiFi router suddenly became opened, so I needed a password. The article helped me to easily recreate a password ..." more
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement