On this page
- How do you log in to a WiFi router and change the WiFi password?
- How do you find your router’s IP address (default gateway)?
- What are 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1?
- How do you change the WiFi name and password from a phone?
- Which router security settings should you change?
- Forgot the router admin password? What a factory reset does
- Can you use an old WiFi router as an extender or access point?
- Router login not working? Quick fixes, and when to call your provider
- FAQs
Key takeaways
- Your router’s login address is the default gateway shown on your phone or laptop, usually also printed on the router label.
- The admin password (for the settings page) and the WiFi password (for joining the network) are different; change both from their defaults.
- Use WPA2 or WPA3, turn WPS off and update the firmware; avoid WEP and old WPA.
- A factory reset clears a forgotten admin password but also wipes your internet settings, so check with your provider first if they supplied the router.
How do you log in to a WiFi router and change the WiFi password?
Connect to the router’s WiFi or LAN, open its gateway address in a browser (often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, printed on the router label), log in with the admin username and password from the label or your provider, open Wireless or WLAN settings, change the network name (SSID) and password, choose WPA2 or WPA3 and save. Then reconnect all devices.
- Connect: join the router’s WiFi on your phone or laptop, or plug in a LAN cable.
- Open the address: type the gateway address into the browser’s address bar, not the Google search box.
- Log in: use the admin username and password from the sticker under the router, or the details your provider gave you.
- Find WiFi settings: look for Wireless, WLAN, WiFi or Wireless Security.
- Change and save: set a new SSID and password, select WPA2 or WPA3, then tap Save or Apply.
- Reconnect: every phone, TV and laptop must join again with the new password.
Only log in to routers and networks you own or are responsible for, never someone else’s without permission.
How do you find your router’s IP address (default gateway)?
The router’s login address is your device’s default gateway. Check the label on the router first. If the address is not printed there, look it up on any device connected to that network:
- Android: open Settings, then Network & internet or Connections, then WiFi. Tap the connected network or its gear icon and look for Gateway or Router, sometimes under Advanced or View more. Menu names differ by phone maker.
- iPhone or iPad: open Settings, then Wi-Fi, and tap the (i) next to your network. The Router line in the IPv4 section shows the gateway.
- Windows: open Command Prompt, type ipconfig and press Enter. Read the Default Gateway line under your WiFi or Ethernet adapter. Microsoft Learn confirms ipconfig shows the default gateway for all adapters.
- Mac: choose Apple menu, System Settings, Network, select WiFi, click Details and then TCP/IP, the path given in Apple’s Mac User Guide. The Router line is your gateway.
If the browser says the site can’t be reached, make sure you are on the router’s own WiFi and turn off mobile data while you try again.
What are 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1?
They are private IPv4 addresses that routers commonly use for themselves on a home network. RFC 1918 reserves three blocks for private networks:
- 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255 (10/8)
- 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255 (172.16/12)
- 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255 (192.168/16)
As Wikipedia’s Private network article explains, packets to or from a private address cannot be routed through the public internet. That is why 192.168.1.1 only opens when you are on that router’s network, and why many homes can use the same address without clashing. Some routers use another address, such as 10.0.0.1, and some also accept a web name printed on the label.
How do you change the WiFi name and password from a phone?
Open the router’s gateway address in Chrome or Safari on a phone connected to that WiFi, log in, and edit the SSID and password under Wireless settings. Many routers also have a maker’s app with simpler menus. “WiFi password change online” usually means the router page or app; no public website can change it for you.
- Connect the phone to the router’s WiFi and switch off mobile data.
- Type the gateway address, for example http://192.168.0.1, into the browser. Many routers use plain http on the home network, so a “not secure” note is normal there.
- Log in with the admin username and password.
- Open Wireless or WLAN, then Basic or Security settings.
- Change the network name (SSID). Avoid your name, house number or mobile number.
- Choose WPA2-Personal (AES), WPA3-Personal, or WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode.
- Enter a new password of at least 12 characters, mixing words and numbers.
- If the router has separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz settings, change both.
- Tap Save or Apply. The phone will disconnect; join again with the new password.
Forgot the current WiFi password and need it before you start? See how to see a saved WiFi password on a phone or laptop.
Which router security settings should you change?
Change the default admin password, use WPA2 or WPA3, turn off WPS, update the firmware and use a guest network for visitors. Most of these take a few minutes on the same settings page.
| Setting | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Admin (login) password | Change it from the label default and note it somewhere safe | Anyone on your WiFi who knows the default could change your settings |
| Encryption | WPA2 or WPA3; never WEP, open or old WPA (TKIP) | WEP and TKIP have serious known weaknesses |
| WPS | Turn it off, especially the PIN method | The WPS PIN can be guessed by brute force |
| Firmware | Check for updates in the settings page or app | Updates fix security bugs |
| Guest network | Turn it on for visitors and smart gadgets | Keeps your phones and laptops on a separate network |
| Remote management | Leave it off unless you need it | Stops the settings page being reachable from outside |
According to Wikipedia’s Wi-Fi Protected Access article, the Wi-Fi Alliance announced WPA3 in January 2018 as a replacement for WPA2, and TKIP is not allowed in WPA3. The Wi-Fi Protected Setup article describes a WPS PIN flaw revealed in December 2011 and says disabling WPS is the only effective workaround.
Forgot the router admin password? What a factory reset does
If you cannot log in with the label details or the password you set, a factory reset returns the router to its default admin and WiFi passwords. On most routers, keep the router powered on and press and hold the button inside the small reset hole with a pin or paper clip for about 10 seconds, until the lights blink. The exact time differs by model, so check the manual.
A reset erases everything you configured:
- WiFi name and password go back to the label values, so every device must reconnect.
- Internet connection settings, such as a PPPoE username and password, are wiped. Without them the router may show WiFi but no internet.
- Port forwarding, parental controls, static IPs and the guest network are lost.
If your provider supplied and set up the router, call them before a reset. They may need to enter the connection settings again.
Can you use an old WiFi router as an extender or access point?
Yes. The most reliable way is to run it as a wired access point: a LAN cable from the main router to a LAN port on the old one, with its DHCP turned off. Many routers also offer a repeater, extender or WDS mode that works without a cable, but a wireless repeater sends data twice and loses speed, as explained in our guide to fixing slow WiFi and increasing WiFi range.
- Factory reset the old router and log in to it on its own, not yet connected to the main router.
- Change its LAN IP to a free address in the same range as the main router, outside the main router’s DHCP pool. If the main router is 192.168.1.1, an address such as 192.168.1.2 is typical.
- Turn off DHCP on the old router, so only the main router hands out addresses.
- Set the same SSID, password and security type as the main router.
- Connect a LAN cable from a LAN port on the main router to a LAN port on the old router, not its WAN or Internet port.
- Test from the far room; log in to the old router later at its new address.
Router login not working? Quick fixes, and when to call your provider
Most login problems come from being on the wrong network, using the WiFi password instead of the admin password, or devices still holding the old WiFi password. Use this table:
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| 192.168.x.x page won’t open | Not on the router’s network, mobile data on, or wrong address | Join the router’s WiFi or LAN, turn off mobile data, check the Default Gateway and type http:// with the address |
| Login page says wrong password | Admin password changed from the label, or WiFi password typed instead | Try the label or provider details; if still lost, ask your provider or factory reset |
| Changed WiFi password, devices won’t connect | Devices still use the saved old password | Forget the network on each device and join again with the new password |
| Older devices fail after switching to WPA3 | Device does not support WPA3 | Use WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode |
| Smart TV, printer or WiFi camera offline | They store the old name and password | Re-enter the details on each; for cameras use the camera app, as in our CCTV-to-mobile guide |
| WiFi settings greyed out or not saving | Router locked or managed by the provider | Ask your provider to make the change |
| WiFi works but no internet after a reset | Reset wiped the connection settings | Call your provider to set the connection up again |
When your provider supplied and manages the router, some settings may be locked, and they may need to make the change for you. DVM Techno provides wireless broadband in 37 villages around Kasni, across Salhawas block and Jhajjar tehsil, and installs the antenna and router at your home. If your connection stops working, our local support team near Kasni is available by phone and WhatsApp and can visit your home if something needs fixing. See WiFi broadband near Kasni, Jhajjar, or call or WhatsApp +91-8448523313, Mon–Sat, 9 AM–7 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wifi password change kaise kare: how do I change my WiFi password?
Connect to your WiFi, open the router’s gateway address such as 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 in a browser, and log in with the admin details on the router label. Go to Wireless or WLAN settings, type a new password of at least 12 characters, choose WPA2 or WPA3 and save. Then join the network again on every device with the new password.
Can I change my WiFi password from my mobile?
Yes. Connect the phone to the router’s WiFi, turn off mobile data, and type the gateway address into Chrome or Safari. Log in with the admin username and password, open Wireless settings, change the password and save. Many routers also have a maker’s app that does the same. If your provider manages the router, ask them to make the change.
What is the default router admin password?
There is no single default. Most routers print the admin username and password, or a unique password, on a sticker underneath or on the back. Provider-supplied routers may use details the provider gives you. Whatever it is, change it after your first login, and keep it different from your WiFi password so guests who know the WiFi password cannot open the settings page.
Why won’t 192.168.1.1 open on my phone?
Your router may use a different address, such as 192.168.0.1, or the phone may be using mobile data instead of WiFi. Turn off mobile data, make sure you are on the router’s own WiFi, and check the gateway in the network details. Type the address in the browser’s address bar with http://, not in the search box.
Will changing the WiFi password disconnect my devices?
Yes. Every device saved with the old password will drop off and cannot rejoin until you enter the new one. On phones and laptops, forget the network and connect again. Smart TVs, printers, WiFi cameras and smart plugs need the new password entered in their own settings or app, so plan the change when you have time to reconnect them.
Can I use an old router as a WiFi extender?
Yes. The most reliable way is as a wired access point: set its LAN IP to a free address in the main router’s range, turn its DHCP off, give it the same WiFi name and password, and connect a cable from a LAN port on the main router to a LAN port on the old one. A wireless repeater mode also works but is slower.
Is WPA3 better than WPA2?
WPA3 is the newer standard, announced by the Wi-Fi Alliance in 2018 as the replacement for WPA2, and it does not allow the old TKIP method. WPA2 with AES is still widely used and fine with a strong password. If some older devices cannot connect on WPA3, choose WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode so newer devices use WPA3 and older ones WPA2.
Related articles
Need help with your WiFi near Kasni?
Our local support team near Kasni is available by phone and WhatsApp, Mon–Sat, 9 AM–7 PM, and can visit your home if something needs fixing.