Changing your WiFi password every 3-6 months is considered best practice, but many of us are guilty of setting and forgetting. It’s not hard to update, though, and can protect you from security headaches ranging from bandwidth theft to device exploitation. 

We’ll cover which scenarios prompt a WiFi password reset and how to reset your password on your router and update it across your devices.

When it’s a good idea to change your WiFi password

Changing the WiFi password on popular home routers

ASUS routers

NETGEAR routers

Verizon routers

TP-Link routers

Changing WiFi password on Windows 10/11

Changing WiFi password on macOS

Changing WiFi password on Android

Changing WiFi password on iOS

Should I change my WiFi network name (SSID)?

When it’s a good idea to change your WiFi password

Aside from updating your WiFi password every 3-6 months, some specific events should trigger a password reset. 

After a guest leaves

If you share your WiFi password with anyone who’s not a member of your household, you’ll want to change it after they leave. At the same time, you could set up a guest account for future guests. 

If you suspect a device is compromised

A compromised device can capture your WiFi password, sniff traffic, or act as a bridge for attackers to reach other devices on the same network.

When you receive a firmware update that resets settings

It might be tempting to ignore updates, but router manufacturers regularly issue firmware updates to patch security vulnerabilities, improve stability, or add new features. 

If you notice unknown devices on your network

It’s a good idea to check your network devices periodically. Seeing unfamiliar MAC addresses or device names in your router’s connected‑device list is an indication that someone may have joined your WiFi without permission. 

Changing the WiFi password on popular home routers

Many routers have a dedicated app for managing them. Using the app is generally recommended over the website, and makes it fairly straightforward to see devices and traffic on your network, as well as to change your password and network name. 

ASUS routers

ASUS has one app that works across all ASUS routers, available for download from their website(nuova finestra), the App Store, or Google Play.

  1. Open the app and select Settings
  2. Select WiFi > Wireless Settings > Network Settings
  3. Add your new password in the Network Key field
  4. Tap Apply

(Steps may vary slightly depending on your firmware.)

What if I can’t use the app?

  1. Connect your computer to your router
  2. Open a browser and go to http://www.asusrouter.com(nuova finestra) or type your router’s IP address directly
  3. Log in using your router username and password
  4. Navigate to:

For firmware (>3.0.0.6.102_35404): Network > Main network profile

For firmware (<3.0.0.6.102_35404): Wireless > General 

  1. Select WPA Pre-Shared Key (Password) and enter your new password
  2. Click Apply

ASUS support page(nuova finestra)

NETGEAR routers

NETGEAR has separate apps for Nighthawk and Orbi Mesh routers. Select your NETGEAR router type and download the app(nuova finestra) from their website, the App Store, or Google Play. Although the apps are different, the steps are the same.

  1. Open the app and select WiFi Settings
  2. Select the WiFi network you want to update
  3. Enter your new password
  4. Tap Save

What if I can’t use the app?

  1. Connect your computer to your router
  2. Open a browser and go to the appropriate URL or type your router’s IP in directly

Nighthawk: www.routerlogin.net(nuova finestra) or www.routerlogin.com(nuova finestra)

Orbi: www.orbilogin.com(nuova finestra)

  1. Log in using your router username and password
    1. Nighthawk: Select Wireless
    2. Omni: Select Basic > Wireless
  2. Enter your new password in the Password (Network Key) field
  3. Click Apply

NETGEAR support page(nuova finestra)

Verizon routers

Download the Verizon Home app – available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.

  1. Launch the app and log in with your My Verizon credentials
  2. In Connections, tap Network
  3. Select Primary tab > Edit Wi-Fi
  4. Enter your new password in the Wi-Fi password field
  5. Tap Save changes

What if I can’t use the app?

As long as you don’t have a Fios Quantum Gateway or a Verizon Fios Advanced router, you should be able to change the WiFi password manually. 

  1. Open a browser and enter 192.168.1.1
  2. Log in using your router username and password
  3. Follow the onscreen directions (or refer to your router user guide)

Verizon support page(nuova finestra)

You can download TP-Link’s Tether app from their website(nuova finestra), the  App Store, or Google Play.

  1. Launch the app and log in with your TP-Link credentials
  2. Tap Tools > Wireless
  3. Enter a new password in the Password field
  4. Tap Save

What if I can’t use the app?

  1. Connect your computer to your router
  2. Open a browser and go to http://tplinkwifi.net(nuova finestra) or type your router’s IP address directly
  3. Log in with your router username and password
  4. In the left‑hand menu, select Wireless > Wireless Settings
  5. Enter your new password in the Password / Pre‑Shared Key field
  6. Click Save

If your router isn’t included here, you should be able to find the instructions by searching “[router name] change WiFi password” or similar.  

And of course, once you’ve changed your WiFi password on your router, you’ll need to update the password in your password manager and across your devices.

Changing WiFi password on Windows 10/11

  1. Click the WiFi icon in the taskbar and select Network & Internet settings
  2. Choose Wi‑Fi > Manage known networks
  3. Find your network and click the three‑dot menu > Forget
  4. Return to the WiFi icon, click your network name, and enter the new password
  5. Select Connect automatically if you want to auto-join in the future

Changing WiFi password on macOS

  1. Open System Settings > Wi-Fi
  2. Next to your network name, select Details…
  3. Scroll to the bottom and select Forget This Network… > Remove
  4. Reselect your network and enter your new password
  5. Select Remember this network to auto-join in the future

Changing WiFi password on Android

  1. Open Settings > Network & internet > WiFi
  2. Tap the gear icon next to your network > Forget
  3. Select the network name and enter your new password

Changing WiFi password on iOS

  1. Open Settings > Wi‑Fi
  2. Tap the information button next to your network and choose Forget This Network > Delete > OK
  3. Return to the Wi-Fi screen, tap your network name, and type the new password
  4. Select Auto‑Join if you want your device to reconnect automatically

We’ve also written a guide about how to share your WiFi password.

Should I change my WiFi network name (SSID)?

Your WiFi network name, officially known as the service set identifier (SSID), doesn’t need to be changed regularly, but you should change your SSID(nuova finestra) from the default setting. 

SSID best practices

  • Skip the generic router labels. Names like “NETGEAR_47” or “Linksys123” hand over clues to anyone scanning for networks. Pick a unique, non‑descriptive SSID that doesn’t give attackers a head start.
  • Give your network a distinct identity. Changing the default SSID thwarts “Evil Twin” attacks, where malicious actors clone popular router names to lure unsuspecting users onto a rogue hotspot.
  • Don’t rely on hiding alone. Disabling SSID broadcast adds a layer of obscurity, but it isn’t a real security barrier. Skilled adversaries can still discover hidden networks with the right tools.
  • Keep personal details out of the mix. Avoid using your name, street address, birthdate, or any other identifying information in the SSID. A clean, anonymous network name protects your privacy and reduces the risk of targeted attacks.