The convenience of Wi-Fi can keep you connected, but an insecure Wi-Fi may compromise your personal information. The main keys to protecting your network and your data are to keep your router password protected and to change it regularly.
To be more secure, you should change the default password and name of your wireless network. Your default Wi-Fi password does not protect you adequately against hackers trying to steal your data (for example, your bank account numbers).
In addition, creating your Wi-Fi password makes it easier to remember. This will prevent others from using your bandwidth. You’ll need to open up your router’s settings page, log in with your current credentials, and then change the password under the wireless settings tab.
How to change my Wi-Fi password: 7 Easy Steps
Your devices won’t need bulky, complicated Ethernet cables to access the internet when you use a wireless network. It’s very important to keep your Wi-Fi password secret to ensure internet security. Your Wi-Fi network is accessible to anyone without a password.
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Visit the router’s configuration page
The configuration page of your router can be accessed through a web browser on a computer connected to the network. You can connect to your router directly with an Ethernet cable if you are unable to connect via Wi-Fi because of a forgotten password. During this process, there will be no password entry required.
The result is that strangers can slow down your internet as they consume the network. Using malware, they can even steal sensitive information if they exploit your devices. This can be prevented by changing the default password on your Wi-Fi router. Here is a 7 easy step guide on how to change my Wi-Fi password.
The IP addresses for standard routers are
- 168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, 192.168.2.1,
- 0.1.1 For Apple
- 0.0.1 For Xfinity
Fill out the address bar on your browser with the address provided.
You can also open the Command Prompt by pressing Windows + R and entering cmd if none of the above addresses provides access. Type ipconfig in the Command Prompt once it has opened.
Your Default Gateway address can be found in the list of your active connections. You will most likely find this address on your router. If all else fails, you can revert your router to its factory settings by pressing and holding the Reset button for 30 seconds.
Use your browser to enter the default address of your router based on its model. Configuration software is available with some routers. The web browser interface can also be used if you previously installed your configuration software.
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Enter username and password
Before you can access the router interface, you must have a username and a password. Typical usernames and passwords for an admin account are “admin” and “password”. There is some variation between models, which is why you need to check the manufacturer’s website for your exact login information.
Default usernames and passwords on most D-Link routers are admin and blank, respectively. If you have changed your router’s login and forgotten it, or if the previous owner did not reset it, you need to hold down the Reset button on the device for about 30 seconds.
Default settings will then be restored, making it possible to sign in using the default credentials. However, existing router configuration files will be erased.
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Open the Wireless Section
These are usually found in a left-hand menu. Each router’s button may have a different name. You may also need to click on other buttons to find the basic router settings.
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Change your password
After opening the wireless section, you will see a box with the name “Password“. To update your password, simply enter it here.
To ensure that you entered the password correctly, some routers ask you to type it again. It is strongly recommended that you use a password that is difficult to guess, if not impossible.
There should be a variety of numbers, random letters, and special characters in your password, and it should not contain any personal information. At least eight characters are needed for a strong password.
- Select the type of security you want to use
Wireless encryption comes in three forms: WEP, WPA, and WPA2. We recommend WPA2 as the most secure encryption method. Some older devices, however, may have connection problems, in which case you should choose WPA or WPA/WPA2. WEP encryption is extremely easy to break, so we do not recommend selecting it.
- Save your settings
As soon as you have updated your password, click Apply or Save. Any connected devices will then be disconnected once the router has processed the change. Your new password will allow you to connect to your wireless network after you have changed your network settings.
- Rename your network
Changing your network name while you’re here would be a good idea if you haven’t already done so. As the name will be broadcast publicly, it shouldn’t contain any personally identifiable information. If the name is changed, people will be less likely to try to break in. The default name makes routers easier to hack.
If I forget my Wi-Fi password, what should I do?
If you cannot remember your Wi-Fi password, connecting through an Ethernet cable will let you bypass it. You can then change your Wi-Fi password by following the steps above. As an alternative, it is possible to reset the router itself without a wire.
Afterward, the router and Wi-Fi password will be reset to their factory default settings, meaning they will be removed. However, don’t be alarmed. When you reach the configuration page, you will have all the information you need. You will need to do the following:
To reset your router, click on the Reset button. The reset button is usually found behind the router in a pin-sized hole with the words “Reset” above it. Any long, narrow object that can fit through the hole will work to push the button, such as a pin, paper clip, or pencil.
Enter the IP address to the configuration page in your browser by connecting to the router’s Wi-Fi network.
Provide the login information for your router. These details will likely be located on the device’s back or underside. Contact the manufacturer if you do not find it.
The Wi-Fi password can now be reset.
Conclusion
This was our simple and easy-to-understand guide on how to change my password. Hackers are increasingly stealing your information from the Internet; therefore your Wi-Fi password must be changed and secure.
In this way, you will be able to protect your important information like a bank account that would otherwise cause the loss of thousands of dollars.