
How to Change Wifi Password in Android? Edit Network Settings
Introduction If you searched for How to Change Wifi Password in Android?, you are probably trying to solve one of two different problems. The first problem is that your phone still has an old Wi-Fi password saved, and you want to update the saved network setti
Introduction
If you searched for How to Change Wifi Password in Android?, you are probably trying to solve one of two different problems. The first problem is that your phone still has an old Wi-Fi password saved, and you want to update the saved network settings so Android can connect with the new password. The second problem is that you want to change the actual password of your Wi-Fi router, and you plan to use your Android phone to do it. These are not the same task, and understanding the difference will save you time.
Android does not usually let you directly edit the password of a router from the main Wi-Fi settings screen. What you can do in Android is edit or reset your saved network settings, forget an old network, reconnect with a new password, view network details, and open your router’s admin page in a browser. To change the real Wi-Fi password, you usually need to log in to your router and change the wireless security key there.
This guide explains both paths in detail. You will learn how to update saved Wi-Fi settings on Android, how to change your router password using an Android browser or router app, how to handle different Android versions, how to troubleshoot common connection issues, and how to keep your network more secure.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding What You Are Changing
- Before You Start
- Method 1: Update Saved Wi-Fi Settings on Android
- Method 2: Forget the Network and Reconnect
- Method 3: Change Router Password from Android Browser
- Method 4: Use a Router Manufacturer App
- Method 5: Share or Scan a Wi-Fi QR Code
- Android Version and Brand Differences
- Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Wi-Fi Security Best Practices
- Comparison of Methods
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Understanding What You Are Changing
When people ask How to Change Wifi Password in Android?, they often mix up three separate things: the password saved on the phone, the password used to connect to Wi-Fi, and the password that protects the router’s admin panel. Each one has a different purpose.
The saved Wi-Fi password on Android is only a local record. It tells your phone, “Use this password when connecting to this network name.” If someone changed the router password, your phone may keep trying the old one until you update or remove the saved entry.
The Wi-Fi network password, also called the wireless security key or passphrase, is the password you type when joining a Wi-Fi network. Changing it affects every phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, and other device that connects to that network.
The router admin password is different. It protects the settings page where you change the Wi-Fi password, update firmware, set parental controls, and manage connected devices. You should change this too, especially if your router still uses a default password printed on a label.
The Three Password Types
- Saved network password on Android: Stored locally on your phone for automatic reconnection.
- Wi-Fi passphrase: Shared by all devices that join the wireless network.
- Router admin password: Protects the router configuration page.
Before You Start
Before changing anything, make sure you are connected to the Wi-Fi network you want to manage. If you are not connected, your Android phone may not be able to reach the router’s local admin page. You can still update saved passwords offline, but you cannot change the router password unless you have network access or a wired connection to the router.
It is also smart to write down the current Wi-Fi password before changing it. If something goes wrong, you can reconnect using the old password. If you are changing the router password, keep the new password simple enough to type but strong enough to resist guessing. A good passphrase is long, unique, and not based on personal information.
Quick Checklist
- Confirm you are connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.
- Find your router’s IP address, usually shown as the gateway in Android network details.
- Keep the router label nearby in case you need the default admin username and password.
- Make sure other household members know the new password before you change it.
- Charge your phone or keep it plugged in during the process.
Method 1: Update Saved Wi-Fi Settings on Android
This method is useful when the router password has already changed and your Android phone still has the old one saved. Depending on your Android version and phone brand, you may be able to edit the saved password directly, or you may need to remove the old entry and add the network again.
Step-by-Step: Edit or Update Saved Network Settings
- Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
- Tap Network and internet, Connections, or Wi-Fi, depending on your device.
- Tap Wi-Fi and make sure it is turned on.
- Look for the network you want to update.
- If your phone shows a gear icon, info icon, or three-dot menu next to the network, tap it.
- Look for options such as Edit, Modify network, Advanced options, or Forget.
- If an edit option exists, replace the old password with the new one and tap Save.
- If no edit option exists, tap Forget or Forget network, then reconnect by selecting the network and entering the new password.
On many stock Android devices, the safest and most reliable method is to forget the network and reconnect. This clears the old password completely and prevents Android from repeatedly trying outdated credentials.
Where to Find Saved Networks
Some Android phones keep a separate list of saved networks. You may find it under Settings > Network and internet > Internet > Saved networks, Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi > Advanced, or a similar path. The exact menu names vary, but the idea is the same: find the saved entry for your Wi-Fi network and update or remove it.
Method 2: Forget the Network and Reconnect
Forgetting a network is the most universal Android method. It removes the saved password and connection profile, allowing you to start fresh. This is often the best answer to How to Change Wifi Password in Android? when your phone will not connect after a router password change.
Step-by-Step: Forget and Reconnect
- Open Settings.
- Go to Wi-Fi settings.
- Tap the saved network or its settings icon.
- Select Forget, Forget network, or Remove.
- Return to the list of available Wi-Fi networks.
- Tap your network name.
- Enter the new Wi-Fi password carefully.
- Tap Connect.
If Android says the password is incorrect, check for capitalization, spaces, and similar characters such as zero and the letter O. Many connection failures are caused by a single mistyped character rather than a real settings problem.
Method 3: Change Router Password from Android Browser
If you want to change the actual Wi-Fi password, use your Android browser to open your router’s admin page. This is the most common way to change the network password without a computer. The exact screens will differ by router brand, but the process is similar.
Find Your Router’s IP Address on Android
- Connect to the Wi-Fi network.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Network and internet or Connections.
- Tap Wi-Fi, then tap the connected network or its gear icon.
- Look for Gateway, Router, or IP address details.
- Common addresses include
192.168.1.1,192.168.0.1,192.168.1.254, and10.0.0.1.
Step-by-Step: Change the Wi-Fi Password
- Open Chrome, Samsung Internet, Firefox, or another browser on Android.
- Type the router IP address into the address bar and press Enter.
- Log in with the router admin username and password.
- If you have never changed the admin password, use the default credentials on the router label.
- Look for sections named Wireless, Wi-Fi, WLAN, Security, or Network Settings.
- Find the field labeled Password, Passphrase, Pre-Shared Key, or Wireless Key.
- Enter your new Wi-Fi password.
- Choose a strong security mode such as WPA3 or WPA2/WPA3 mixed if available.
- Tap Save, Apply, or OK.
- Wait for the router to apply changes. Some routers reboot automatically.
After the password changes, your Android phone may disconnect. Reconnect using the new password. You will also need to update the password on every other device that uses the network.
Change the Router Admin Password Too
While you are in the router settings, change the admin password if it is still the default. Look for Administration, Management, System, or Security. Use a password that is different from your Wi-Fi password. This prevents someone on your network from changing your router settings.
Method 4: Use a Router Manufacturer App
Many modern routers have companion apps that make network management easier from Android. Instead of typing an IP address and navigating a small admin page, you can use an app with a cleaner mobile interface.
Common Router Apps
- TP-Link Tether for TP-Link routers and extenders.
- Netgear Nighthawk for Netgear routers.
- Linksys app for Linksys routers.
- ASUS Router for ASUS routers.
- Google Home for Google Nest Wi-Fi and some Google Wi-Fi systems.
- Eero app for Amazon Eero mesh systems.
The general process is similar across apps. Install the app from Google Play, sign in or create an account if required, select your router, open Wi-Fi settings, enter a new password, and save. Some apps also let you create a guest network, pause devices, run speed tests, and update firmware.
Step-by-Step: Use a Router App
- Download the official app for your router brand.
- Open the app and follow setup or login instructions.
- Select your router or network.
- Tap Wi-Fi Settings, Network, or Internet.
- Enter a new Wi-Fi password.
- Save or apply changes.
- Reconnect your Android phone with the new password.
Method 5: Share or Scan a Wi-Fi QR Code
Android 10 and later can generate a QR code for a saved Wi-Fi network. This does not change the password, but it can help you share the current password with another device without typing it. On some phones, viewing the QR code may also reveal the password in plain text.
Step-by-Step: Use Wi-Fi QR Code
- Open Settings.
- Go to Wi-Fi.
- Tap the connected network or its gear icon.
- Look for Share, QR code, or a QR icon.
- Authenticate with your fingerprint, PIN, or pattern if prompted.
- Scan the QR code with another Android phone or compatible device.
This method is helpful after you change the router password and want to connect a new device without retyping a long passphrase. It is not a replacement for changing the password itself.
Android Version and Brand Differences
Android menus vary widely. Stock Android, Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI, OPPO ColorOS, Vivo Funtouch OS, and other interfaces all organize settings differently. The core concepts remain the same, but button names and menu paths may change.
Stock Android
On stock Android, you usually go to Settings > Network and internet > Internet, tap the gear icon next to a network, and choose Forget. Direct password editing may not be available for every network.
Samsung Galaxy Devices
Samsung often uses Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi. Tap the gear icon next to a network. You may see options such as Forget, QR code, or network details. Samsung may also show the password after authentication on some versions.
Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO Devices
MIUI and HyperOS may use Settings > Wi-Fi. Tap a saved network to view details. You may find options to forget the network, view the QR code, or inspect connection information.
Android 13 and Android 14
Newer Android versions improve privacy and security. Some network details are hidden behind authentication. QR sharing and saved network management are still available, but direct password viewing may be restricted.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even when you follow the correct steps, Wi-Fi password changes can cause temporary connection problems. The following fixes solve most issues.
Android Says the Password Is Incorrect
- Check capitalization and special characters.
- Make sure you are connecting to the correct network name.
- Forget the network and reconnect.
- Restart your phone.
- Restart the router.
Phone Keeps Using the Old Password
If Android auto-connects with the old password, forget the network completely. Then reconnect manually. Also check whether another saved profile exists under a slightly different network name.
Router Admin Page Will Not Load
- Confirm you are connected to the router’s Wi-Fi.
- Try another browser.
- Disable VPN temporarily.
- Check the gateway IP address again.
- Try
http://instead ofhttps://if the browser adds security automatically. - Restart the router and phone.
Locked Out of Router Admin Page
If you forgot the router admin password, you may need to reset the router to factory defaults. This usually involves pressing and holding the reset button for about 10 seconds. Be aware that a factory reset erases custom settings, including your Wi-Fi name, password, port forwarding rules, and parental controls.
Other Devices Will Not Connect
After changing the Wi-Fi password, every device must be updated. Smart home devices, printers, TVs, cameras, and older laptops may require manual reconnection. Some devices may not support newer security modes such as WPA3, so use WPA2 or mixed mode if compatibility is a problem.
Wi-Fi Security Best Practices
Changing your Wi-Fi password is a good opportunity to improve overall network security. A strong password is only one part of protecting your home network.
- Use WPA3 or WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode when available.
- Avoid WEP and WPA because they are outdated and insecure.
- Use a long passphrase with letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Do not reuse passwords from email, banking, or social media accounts.
- Change the default router admin password.
- Disable WPS if your router allows it, because it can weaken security.
- Update router firmware regularly.
- Create a separate guest network for visitors and smart devices.
- Review connected devices and remove unknown ones.
- Change the Wi-Fi password if you shared it widely, suspect unauthorized access, or recently had a roommate, tenant, or employee leave.
A strong Wi-Fi password should be easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. A passphrase made of several unrelated words, numbers, and symbols is often better than a short complex password.
Comparison of Methods
| Method | What It Changes | Best For | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Update saved network | Phone’s saved password only | Router password already changed | Easy |
| Forget and reconnect | Phone’s saved password only | Old password keeps failing | Easy |
| Router browser login | Actual Wi-Fi password | Full control of router settings | Moderate |
| Router app | Actual Wi-Fi password | Simple mobile management | Easy to moderate |
| QR code sharing | Nothing; shares current password | Connecting new devices | Easy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Wi-Fi password directly in Android settings?
Usually no. Android settings let you manage saved network profiles, but the actual Wi-Fi password is controlled by your router. To change the real password, use your router’s admin page or official app.
What is the easiest way to answer “How to Change Wifi Password in Android?”
If your phone has the wrong password saved, forget the network and reconnect with the correct password. If you want to change the router password, log in to the router from your Android browser.
Where do I find my router IP address on Android?
Go to Wi-Fi settings, tap your connected network, and look for gateway or router details. Common addresses include 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1.
Why does Android keep connecting with the old Wi-Fi password?
Your phone may still have the old password saved. Forget the network and reconnect manually. Restarting the phone can also help clear cached connection data.
What if I forgot my router admin password?
You may need to reset the router to factory defaults. Check the router label first, because some routers use a unique default password printed on the device.
Should I use WPA3 for my Wi-Fi password?
Yes, if your router and devices support it. If older devices cannot connect, use WPA2 or a mixed WPA2/WPA3 mode.
How often should I change my Wi-Fi password?
There is no fixed schedule, but you should change it after sharing it widely, after a security concern, or when someone who had access no longer needs it.
Will changing the Wi-Fi password disconnect all devices?
Yes. Every device using the old password will need to reconnect with the new one.
Can I view my saved Wi-Fi password on Android?
On Android 10 and later, you can often share a network through a QR code and view the password after authentication. Some manufacturer interfaces also show it directly.
Is it safe to change router settings from a phone?
Yes, if you use the official router app or a secure local connection. Avoid changing router settings over public Wi-Fi or untrusted networks.
Conclusion
Understanding How to Change Wifi Password in Android? starts with knowing what you actually need to change. If your phone has an outdated password saved, edit or forget the network and reconnect with the new credentials. If you want to change the password for everyone on your network, log in to your router through an Android browser or use the manufacturer’s app. After making changes, reconnect your phone, update your other devices, and review your security settings. With a strong passphrase, modern encryption, and a changed router admin password, your Android-managed Wi-Fi network can stay both convenient and secure.