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 the worst-case scenario, they can even exploit your devices to install malware and steal sensitive information. 24 Port Gigabit Switch

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. While you're at it, you can even change your Wi-Fi name as well.

Here's what you should know.

Before you can change a router's password or name, you need to know its IP address. This is what you'll enter in your internet browser (Google Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge) to access the configuration page.

The default IP address for most routers is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If these IP addresses don't work, check the bottom, back or side of the device or its user manual for an IP address or access URL.

If the IP address written on your router doesn't work, it could mean that the manufacturer or internet service provider has changed it recently. Luckily, you can easily find a router's IP address using your computer or phone.

Quick tip: If all else fails, check the manufacturer's website or contact them to ask what the IP address of your router is.

Once you have your router's IP address, you're ready to change your Wi-Fi password.

1. Open an internet browser on your Mac or PC, type in your router's IP address, and hit the Enter key. 

2. Log into your router using its username and password. The default username and password are often admin or userAdmin. If they don't work, check your device, as they can be written on its back, side, or bottom. You can also contact the router's manufacturer or your internet service provider to find out what they are.

3. Locate the Wireless, Wireless Security, WLAN, or Wi-Fi Settings option. It'll likely be listed in the top or left side menu of the page.

4. In the Wi-Fi Password or Key text box, enter a strong password you want your connection to have. 

5. 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.

Note: Once you've changed the password, the router may disconnect previously connected devices, so you might need to reconnect them.

Your router's default name or, to use the more technical term, Service Set Identifier (SSID) will be something generic, but you can change it to something easily identifiable and more meaningful, like Smith's Home Wi-Fi.

Furthermore, changing the name might warn any cybercriminals that you care enough to name your Wi-Fi connection, which can make them think twice about hacking it.

Usually, the option to change the router's name is on the same configuration page where you edit its password. Here's how you can find it:

1. Open the internet browser on your Mac or PC, type in your router's IP address, and hit the Enter key.

2. Long into your router using its username and password.

3. Locate the Wireless, Wireless Security, WLAN, or Wi-Fi Settings option. It'll likely be listed in the top or left side menu of the page.

4. In the Wi-Fi Name or SSID Name text box, enter the name you want your connection to have.

5. Click Save or Apply to save the changes. You'll then see the Wi-Fi name you entered appear in the list available networks on your computer or phone.

Note: Changing the Wi-Fi name of your router will sign out any devices connected to the wireless network, and you'll need to sign them in again.

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

If you don't have an ethernet cable, you can reset the router. 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.

8 Pon Gpon Olt 4. Proceed to change your Wi-Fi password.