# How to change your Netgear router’s Wi-Fi password

A Netgear router Wi-Fi password should strike a balance between security and usability, being both simple to remember and share with family and friends while still being safe enough to provide protection. A strong Wi-Fi password should contain upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and, preferably, special characters as well to help you stay safe and keep away intruders.

Our tutorial will show you exactly how to update your outdated Netgear Wi-Fi password if it needs to be done quickly.

Two key passwords are linked to your router, so take note. The first, and the one we're talking about right now, is the password for your Wi-Fi network that you and your visitors use to connect. The default login for this password is typically on the back of your router (though you should change it too, for security reasons). The second is an administrator password that you use to log in when altering router settings or updating your router.

**Step 1: Find and sign in to your router app**

Today's routers often provide management capabilities through an app that can be used to alter your Wi-Fi password and control settings. Verify that the appropriate router app is downloaded to your device, and if necessary, sign in with your administrative password.

Your specific processes may differ significantly from what we outline here because user interfaces for router apps naturally vary. Here, we'll use the Netgear Nighthawk app as an illustration of what to accomplish. It should be obvious what to do if you are using a different programme; just seek for similar terminology and options.

**Step 2: Select Wi-Fi Settings**

The app will recognise your router and linked devices when you login in, which could take a while. You will then be sent to the home screen, where a number of categories are displayed. Up till you find Wi-Fi Settings, scroll down here. Choose this.

**Step 3: Choose your Wi-Fi network**

The Wi-Fi network that you want to switch to will now be your choice. For instance, the Nighthawk app gives you the option to select between various Wi-Fi bands at your discretion. You should change each Wi-Fi band's password in turn if necessary because, unless you are setting up more complicated access choices, you probably want to use the same password for all of them. To get started, select your 2.4 GHz band.

You will notice an option to enable Smart Connect, which is Wi-Fi network automation software, if you are using Netgear's Nighthawk app. To access your Wi-Fi bands and make modifications, you must disable Smart Connect if it is enabled. It will take some time to complete this process.

**Step 4: Select your Wi-Fi password and change it**

The name of this particular Wi-Fi band and its current password can be seen below. To change the password, merely choose the current one and enter a new one. The Nighthawk app has a tiny eye-shaped symbol on the right, which is something that most apps should have. while you choose this, you will be able to see the Wi-Fi password's characters, which is quite helpful while you are inputting a new one.

To finish making the adjustment, choose Save. With your new Wi-Fi password in hand, there are two critical things you should do: Make a note of it first in your password manager or another secure location. Second, be sure to change the new password on all of your smart gadgets, smart TVs, mobile devices, gaming consoles, and other devices connected to your Wi-Fi network.

**Don’t have a router app?**

It's possible that older routers don't support using an app for rapid management. You can make modifications in this situation by logging into the webpage for your router's settings. Although we have a guide to assist you discover it no matter what, you can typically access this page by entering the router's default local IP address, which may be listed on the router. To make changes to the settings, you must first log in with your administrative password.

Look for options like Wireless Settings or Wireless Security after logging in. You can update your password and modify your encryption settings here (WPA3 or WPA2 are suggested). To make the new password effective, enter it and save your changes.

**Setting up your Wi-Fi for the first time?**

For convenience, the router's back should also print your default wifi password. If you are using an app to set up, you might not even need to bother about logging in; all you need to do is remember the default name of your Wi-Fi network so the app can connect to it during setup, which will then prompt you to alter both the Wi-Fi name and the password to something personalised.

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