How to Change the Password on Your Router: A Beginner's Guide

Step 1: Find your router.

Your router is probably hiding somewhere in your house, silently judging you for not knowing how to change its password. It might be in a closet, under a pile of clothes, or behind the TV. Wherever it is, go find it.

Step 2: Log in to your router.

This will require a username and password. These should be printed somewhere on your router.

Note: If someone else set up your router for you but didn’t give out login information then contact them before trying anything drastic.

Step 4: Find the password settings.

This might be under a tab called "Security" or "Wireless" or "Advanced" or "Secret Ninja Stuff." Just keep clicking around until you find it.

Step 5: Enter your new password.

Make it something strong and memorable. Don't use "password" or "123456" or "password123456," because those are about as secure as a screen door on a submarine. Pro tip: Use a password manager—it will make your life so much easier and is very affordable. See our blog post on password managers for more information.

Password strength tips:
- Use at least 12 characters
- Include upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
- Avoid common phrases or easily guessable information (avoid using names of family members or pets, for example)

Step 6: Save your changes.

This might involve clicking a button called "Save" or "Apply" or "Do Not Press Unless You're Sure You Want To." Whatever it is, do it. Don't be afraid. You got this. If you do not have a password manager (yet), make sure you write down your user name and password in a safe place—unless you have a bunch of random people running through your home regularly, a notebook is fine.

Note: Some routers may require you to restart them for the changes to take effect.

Step 7: Celebrate.

You just changed the password on your router like a boss. Go ahead and treat yourself to a victory lap around your house. Or just enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your Wi-Fi is now locked down tighter than Fort Knox.

In conclusion, changing the password on your router isn't difficult if you follow these simple steps. By doing so regularly (frequency depends on your risk—once a year works for most people) will help ensure that only authorized users have access to your network which in turn helps protect against cyber attacks from hackers who want nothing more than an easy target!