There’s so much you need to know about router passwords. And, if you’re reading this, chances are you’re either trying to connect a new device to your WiFi, you have forgotten your password, or perhaps you want to change it for some security reasons. Regardless of your reasons, this post will tell you everything you need to know about router passwords—from finding your default login, changing it, resetting it if you forgot it, and making sure your network stays secure.
What Is a Router Password
There are two kinds of passwords when we talk about routers. The first one is the Admin Login Password. This lets you access your router’s settings by typing in something like 192.168.1.1 into your browser. Another one is the Wi-Fi Password. This is what you use to connect to your wireless network. Confusing? Well, a lot of people mix them up, but one thing is for sure: both are important, so better to be careful when sharing them with other people.
Why Securing Router Passwords Is Important
There are a number of reasons why you need to secure your password.
- When your router is new, anyone can search the router’s passwords online. This is because every router has default details that need to be changed to protect your WiFi network.
- Hackers can use your password to log in to your network and steal your important data. These could be your bank account, social media accounts, and other important passwords.
- Hackers can also steal the bandwidth of your network. This will cause your internet speed to slow down, and that will also increase your internet bill.
- If your router password is exposed, hackers can also control your connected devices, including smartphones and smart home appliances.
How to Recover the Wi-Fi Password
When your password has been forgotten, you can easily recover it, so don’t panic. Just follow the methods below:
First method: Check the back or bottom of your router.
You can check the back or bottom of your router to see the default SSID name and password. If you haven’t changed it before, then they should work.
Second method: Search on Google
You can also use Google to find your WiFi password, but this would only work if you haven’t changed it. To do this, open your browser and type the model of your router in the search bar, then hit Enter. The IP address of your router will be shown, as well as the default username and password.
Setting Up Your Router Password
Once you know your login details by performing the methods above, you can now change your router password to a strong combination. To do this, just follow the steps below:
1. Accessing Router Settings
When setting up a router password, you need to access the router settings first by typing the default IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into your web browser. After entering, press the Enter key on your keyboard.
2. Enter your login Details
Once you are taken to the login page, you will see fields where you need to type your login details. Enter your username and password, then click login. This action will take you to the admin panel of the router.
3. Find the Wireless settings
On the admin panel, look for the wireless settings, WLAN Basic settings, depending on the router’s brand. In this sample, I use the TP-Link router. In the SSID Name field, enter your new SSID name. In the WPA Passphrase field, enter your new WiFi password, then click Apply or Save.
How to Create A Strong Password
When you create a password, make sure that it is not easy to guess. There are some ways to make your password hard to hack.
- Use a combination such as Uppercase and lowercase numbers. Also, add some numbers and special characters like @, $. Do not create a series of numbers like 123456.
- Do not use your family name followed by 123, for example, Reyes123. This password combination can be easily guessed by hackers, so never ever do this.
- Instead of WPA2 or WPA2-PSK, select WPA2-PSK (AES).
- Do not use your birthday because some of your friends know your birthday, and they can easily connect to your router without your permission.
- Use a passphrase that is at least 12 characters long to protect your network.
- Update your password regularly, so if there are unauthorized connections, they will be automatically kicked out of your network when the password is changed.
Now, if you have forgotten your password because of combining letters and special characters, then do not worry, as resetting your router can resolve your problem. Our guide on how to reset a router can walk you through.
Conclusion
Router passwords are important in securing your WiFi network. Changing default passwords immediately and using a mix of characters, including passphrases, enhances security. So, if you have a router that is newly acquired, make sure to change the default login details. For those who can’t even remember the last time they changed their password, it’s time for them to update it.