How to change your Wi-Fi password and improve the security of your internet network

• You can change your Wi-Fi password by opening your router's configuration page in an internet browser.
• When you buy a new router, you should change its password to keep it secure.
• If you forgot your Wi-Fi password, you can connect to the router with an ethernet cable.
• Visit Insider's Tech Reference library for more stories.

A Wi-Fi network allows you to connect your devices to the internet without the need for bulky ethernet cables. However, to keep your internet secure, you'll need a Wi-Fi password.

Without a password, anyone can connect to your Wi-Fi network. This means that strangers can hog the network, reducing your internet speed. In a worst case scenario, they can even exploit your devices to install malware and steal sensitive information.

To prevent this, you should change your Wi-Fi router's default password.

Doing this is simpler than it seems, although it'll require you to log into your router's configuration page.

Here's what you should know.

How to change your Wi-Fi password

1. Open your router's configuration page using any internet browser on a Mac or PC. To do this, you'll need to type in your router's default IP address. This is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.

If the above IP addresses don't work, you should check your specific router's details, as this may differ. They're often written on the bottom, back, or side of the router and listed as either an IP address or an "access URL."

2. Log into your router using its username and password. The username and password are often "admin" or "userAdmin" by default but check with your router's manufacturer or internet service provider if this doesn't work.

Alternatively, the login information can sometimes be found on the bottom or back of the router itself.

3. Once logged in, locate the "Wireless", "Wireless Security" or "WLAN" option. It'll likely be listed either at the top or left side of the page.

4. In the "Wi-Fi Password" or "Key" box, enter the password you want your connection to have. The safest passwords are long and contain a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. 

5. Once your changes are completed, click "Save" or "Apply" to save the changes. The Wi-Fi password will immediately change.

If you find yourself lost, contact your router's manufacturer. If you received your router from your internet service provider, such as Spectrum or Xfinity, you could also try contacting them.

What if I forgot my password?

If you can't remember your Wi-Fi password, you can bypass the password requirement by connecting to the router directly using an ethernet cable. From there, just follow the steps mentioned above to reset your Wi-Fi password.

If you don't have an ethernet cable, you can reset the router itself. Doing this will return it to its factory default settings, meaning the current Wi-Fi password will be erased, along with the router's password.

But don't worry. You'll have all the information you need to access the configuration page. Here's how you can reset your router:

1. Press the Reset button on your router. It will be inside a pin-sized hole usually located at the back of the router with the words "Reset" next to it. To reach inside and press the button, use a pin, paper clip or any long and narrow object that can fit through the hole.

2. Connect to the router's Wi-Fi network (it won't have a password at this point) and enter the IP address to the configuration page in the browser.

3. Enter the default username and password for your router. The manufacturer will place this information somewhere on the back, or underneath the device. If you can't find it, contact the manufacturer.

4. Proceed to reset your Wi-Fi password.