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Setup and Configuration

How to Change the Wifi? To A New Network

Introduction Whether you just moved into a new apartment, upgraded your internet plan, or simply want to connect your devices to a different network, knowing How to Change the Wifi? is one of the most useful everyday tech skills you can have. Almost every conn

HowToFixWiFi

Introduction

Whether you just moved into a new apartment, upgraded your internet plan, or simply want to connect your devices to a different network, knowing How to Change the Wifi? is one of the most useful everyday tech skills you can have. Almost every connected device in your home — laptops, phones, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and even smart home gadgets — relies on a wireless connection, and switching networks is something you will likely do more often than you expect.

This guide walks you through every major platform and device type so you can confidently answer the question of How to Change the Wifi? no matter what you are holding in your hands. We will cover Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and even how to change the network name and password on your router itself. By the end, you will have a complete toolkit for managing your wireless connections.

Table of Contents

What Does Changing the Wifi Actually Mean?

Before diving into device-specific steps, it helps to clarify what “changing the wifi” can mean. In everyday conversation, people use the phrase to describe several different actions, and understanding the difference makes the process much smoother.

First, it can mean connecting a device to a different wireless network — for example, moving from your home network to a guest network or a mobile hotspot. Second, it can mean updating the saved credentials for a network whose password has changed. Third, it can mean renaming the network itself (the SSID) or changing its password at the router level. All three situations are covered in this guide.

When someone asks How to Change the Wifi? they are usually referring to the first scenario: getting a phone, laptop, or other device onto a new network. But the other two are just as important, especially if you manage a household with multiple devices.

Why You Might Need to Change Your Wifi Network

There are many reasons you might need to switch networks. Understanding them helps you decide which method to use and how urgent the change is.

  • You moved to a new home with a different internet provider.
  • Your router was replaced or upgraded.
  • You are traveling and need to connect to hotel or cafe wifi.
  • Your network password was changed for security reasons.
  • You are using a mobile hotspot as a backup connection.
  • You want to separate smart home devices onto a guest network.
  • Your current network is congested or performing poorly.

Whatever the reason, the core process is similar across devices: open wifi settings, select the new network, and enter the password if required.

How to Change the Wifi on Windows

Windows makes switching networks straightforward through the taskbar. Here is the standard method for Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Using the Taskbar Wifi Icon

  1. Click the network icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen (it looks like a wifi symbol or a globe).
  2. A panel will open showing available networks.
  3. Click the network you want to join.
  4. Check “Connect automatically” if you want Windows to remember it.
  5. Click “Connect” and enter the password when prompted.
  6. Click “Next” to finish.

Using Windows Settings

If the taskbar method does not work, you can use Settings.

  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Go to Network & Internet > Wifi.
  3. Click “Show available networks.”
  4. Select your new network and click Connect.
  5. Enter the password and confirm.

Forgetting an Old Network

If Windows keeps reconnecting to an old network, you can remove it.

  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wifi > Manage known networks.
  2. Select the old network and click “Forget.”

This is a common fix when people ask How to Change the Wifi? and find their device stubbornly reconnecting to the previous network.

How to Change the Wifi on macOS

On a Mac, the process is equally simple and lives in the menu bar.

Using the Menu Bar

  1. Click the Wifi icon in the top-right menu bar.
  2. Select the new network from the list.
  3. Enter the password if prompted and click Join.

Using System Settings

  1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS).
  2. Click Network, then select Wifi.
  3. Click “Details” next to your current network or choose a new one from the list.
  4. Enter credentials and confirm.

Removing a Saved Network on Mac

To stop a Mac from auto-joining an old network, go to System Settings > Network > Wifi > Advanced, select the network, and click the minus (-) button to remove it.

How to Change the Wifi on iPhone and iPad

Apple’s mobile devices handle wifi switching through the Settings app.

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Wifi.
  3. Under “Choose a Network,” tap the new network name.
  4. Enter the password and tap Join.

If the network does not appear, make sure wifi is turned on and that you are within range. You can also toggle Airplane Mode off and on to refresh the list.

Forgetting a Network on iOS

Tap the “i” icon next to a saved network and select “Forget This Network.” This is useful when credentials have changed and iOS keeps trying the old password.

How to Change the Wifi on Android

Android varies slightly by manufacturer, but the general path is consistent.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Network & Internet (or Connections on Samsung devices).
  3. Tap Wifi.
  4. Toggle wifi on if it is off.
  5. Tap the new network from the list.
  6. Enter the password and tap Connect.

On some phones, you can also swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings and long-press the Wifi tile to jump directly to wifi settings.

Forgetting a Network on Android

Tap the gear icon next to a saved network and select “Forget” or “Remove.” On Samsung devices this may appear as “Forget network.”

How to Change the Wifi on a Smart TV

Smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and others have built-in wifi settings, usually found under Network or General settings.

  1. Press the Home or Settings button on your remote.
  2. Navigate to Settings > Network (or General > Network).
  3. Select Network Status or Wifi.
  4. Choose “Wifi” or “Wireless” connection type.
  5. Select the new network from the list.
  6. Enter the password using the on-screen keyboard.
  7. Confirm and test the connection.

If your TV does not detect the network, try restarting the TV and router, and ensure the router is broadcasting on a compatible band (many older TVs only support 2.4 GHz).

How to Change the Wifi on Gaming Consoles

PlayStation 5

  1. Go to Settings > Network.
  2. Select Settings > Set Up Internet Connection.
  3. Choose “Use Wifi.”
  4. Select the new network and enter the password.

Xbox Series X/S

  1. Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
  2. Go to Profile & System > Settings > General > Network Settings.
  3. Select “Set up wireless network.”
  4. Choose the new network and enter the password.

Nintendo Switch

  1. From the Home menu, select System Settings.
  2. Scroll to Internet and select Internet Settings.
  3. The Switch will search for networks; select the new one.
  4. Enter the password and connect.

How to Change Your Router Wifi Name and Password

Sometimes “changing the wifi” means changing the network itself rather than just joining it. This is done through your router’s admin interface.

  1. Connect to your router (via wifi or ethernet).
  2. Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
  3. Log in with the admin username and password (often printed on the router sticker).
  4. Navigate to Wireless or Wifi Settings.
  5. Change the SSID (network name) and password as desired.
  6. Save or Apply the changes.
  7. Reconnect all devices with the new credentials.

After changing the SSID or password, every device will need to be reconnected using the new information. Some routers also offer a mobile app that simplifies this process.

Comparison of Wifi Change Methods by Device

Device Type Primary Method Time Required Difficulty
Windows PC Taskbar wifi icon Under 1 minute Easy
macOS Menu bar wifi icon Under 1 minute Easy
iPhone / iPad Settings > Wifi Under 1 minute Easy
Android Settings > Network 1-2 minutes Easy
Smart TV Settings > Network 2-3 minutes Moderate
Gaming Console System Settings 2-4 minutes Moderate
Router (SSID/Password) Admin web interface 5-10 minutes Moderate

Troubleshooting Common Wifi Change Issues

Even with clear steps, things can go wrong. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.

Network Not Showing Up

If the new network does not appear in the list, try moving closer to the router, restarting your device, or toggling wifi off and on. On some devices, the network may be hidden; you can manually add it by entering the SSID and security type.

Incorrect Password Error

Double-check the password for typos, especially case sensitivity. If the password was recently changed, forget the old network entry and try again. Caps Lock and autocorrect can cause issues on phones.

Connected But No Internet

This usually means the device connected to the router but the router has no internet. Restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Also check whether a VPN or proxy is interfering.

Device Keeps Reconnecting to Old Network

Use the “forget network” feature on your device to remove the old entry. Then manually select the new network and enable “connect automatically.”

2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz Confusion

Many routers broadcast two bands. If your device only supports 2.4 GHz, it will not see the 5 GHz network. Connect to the compatible band, or use a unified SSID if your router supports band steering.

Tips and Best Practices

  • Always verify you are connecting to the correct network, especially in apartments or offices where multiple networks may have similar names.
  • Use WPA2 or WPA3 security when setting a router password; avoid WEP or open networks.
  • Keep your router firmware updated for security and performance.
  • Write down your new wifi password and store it somewhere safe.
  • When traveling, consider using a VPN on public wifi for added security.
  • Restart devices after major network changes to clear cached credentials.
  • For smart home devices, change wifi settings during off-peak hours to avoid disrupting automations.
  • If you manage many devices, change the router SSID and password only when necessary to minimize reconfiguration work.

Following these practices makes the answer to How to Change the Wifi? not just a one-time fix but a smooth, repeatable process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change wifi without the password?

You generally cannot join a secured wifi network without the password. However, if it is your own network, you can reset the router to factory defaults (usually via a small reset button) and use the default credentials printed on the router. This will erase custom settings.

Will changing wifi delete my saved passwords?

Changing networks does not delete browser-saved passwords. However, forgetting a network removes its saved wifi password from that device.

How long does it take to change wifi on all devices?

For a typical household, expect 15 to 30 minutes to reconnect phones, laptops, TVs, and smart devices after a router change.

Can I change wifi remotely?

Yes, if your router supports a mobile app or remote management, you can change SSID and password from anywhere. Device-level switching still requires physical access to each device.

Why does my device keep asking for the wifi password?

This happens when the saved password no longer matches the router’s current password, or when the network profile is corrupted. Forget the network and re-enter the correct password.

Is it safe to change wifi frequently?

Changing networks is safe. Changing your router password periodically is actually recommended for security. Just be mindful of reconnecting all devices afterward.

Conclusion

Knowing How to Change the Wifi? empowers you to stay connected no matter where you are or what device you are using. While the exact steps vary between Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, and gaming consoles, the underlying process is always the same: open wifi settings, select the new network, and authenticate. For router-level changes, the admin interface gives you full control over your network name and password.

By following the steps and best practices in this guide, you can switch networks quickly, troubleshoot common issues, and keep your home and mobile connections secure. The next time you move, upgrade your internet, or travel, you will be ready.