Most users only worry about optimizing the performance and stability of their WiFi networks, but after exploring some security details and seeing how (relatively) easy it is to crack weak networks with WiFiSlax, the interest in knowing how to change the WiFi password becomes much greater. Once again, we will turn on our test router and explain the steps to do it.
Maybe you reached an agreement with a neighbor to share the connection and that neighbor decided not to honor their word when it came to paying half, or you received several people in your home and out of simple courtesy you decided to enable network access. Regardless of the circumstances, the truth is that your WiFi password has been compromised and needs to be replaced. Judging by the huge number of doubts and questions floating around the Web, a good part of users do not know how to do this. Unfortunately, the final list of steps depends a lot on the router each person has. Some models present this option right away with the help of a wizard or assistant, but today we are going to explore a more “manual” example, which requires entering the device’s internal configuration.
Step by Step: How to Change Your WiFi Password
- Entering router settings requires opening a browser and entering its IP address: Generally it is 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, or 10.0.0.1, which is equivalent to the gateway on any active connection (whether wireless or wired).
- The router will ask for a username and password. The most popular combinations are admin/admin or admin/1234, but it is possible that your ISP has changed the password remotely (Movistar-Telefónica does this very often). If that happens, a simple call to technical support should be enough to provide the password.
- What we are looking for here is a section called WLAN Settings or simply Wireless. Inside, there is usually a tab or submenu that references Security or Wireless Security.
- In Security, the security mode, available algorithms, key, and update interval appear (it can stay at 3600). Ideally, choose WPA2 Personal with AES algorithm. As for the key, the answer is the same as always: the strongest, longest, and most complex one you can remember. Do not hesitate to insert special symbols, spaces, and dashes (normal and underscores). The plan here is to make brute-force attacks impossible. Apply the changes and restart the router.
- It is useless to have changed your WiFi password if WPS is active. Go back to router settings, look for something like WPS Settings or just WPS, and disable that function. Apply and restart.
That’s it. Some routers allow you to set more than one key, or create special zones for guests, but that requires reviewing the official manual of your model. The very nature of routers makes it difficult to develop generic guides; however, if you definitely need to know how to change the WiFi password, this text should help you. Good luck!
