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Which password do you want to change?
NETGEAR treats three credentials separately:
- WiFi password (with the network name, or SSID): what phones, laptops and TVs enter to join your network.
- Router admin password: what you enter to open the router’s settings.
- MyNETGEAR account password: used for NETGEAR apps and services, and unrelated to either of the above.
Most people asking this question want the WiFi password, so that comes first.
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Change the WiFi password in a web browser
- On a device connected to the router, open a browser and go to
www.routerlogin.net. - Sign in with the router admin username and password. The username is commonly
admin. The password is the one you set during setup, and it is case-sensitive. - On the BASIC Home page or Dashboard, select Wireless. Some models use different navigation, such as Settings > Wireless Setup.
- Enter the new value in Password (Network Key). Change the SSID only if you also want a new network name.
- Click or tap Apply.
If your device drops off the network, select the network again and join with the new password. Then update every other device that was using the old one.
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Two bands, two passwords?
Some models without Smart Connect list the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks separately, so you may need to set the password for each band. Follow the fields your router shows. Menus are not identical across models.
#1 Best Overall
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
Change the WiFi password in the Nighthawk app
NETGEAR documents this route for supported models:
- Open the Nighthawk app and sign in.
- Tap WiFi Settings and choose the network.
- Edit WiFi Network Name (SSID) and Network Key (Password).
- Tap SAVE.
Labels and availability depend on your model.
Browser or app: which to use
| Web interface | Nighthawk app | |
|---|---|---|
| Needs | Browser and router admin sign-in | Supported router model and the app |
| Best when | Your model isn’t app-supported, or you want every setting visible | You already manage the router from your phone |
| Cost | None | None |
Neither method needs new hardware. A wired Ethernet connection is also a valid way to reach the router, but it isn’t generally required just to change a WiFi password.
Choose a safe security mode
NETGEAR recommends WPA2 or WPA3 where your router offers them, and advises against WEP when your devices support something else. Older gadgets may not support newer modes. If one refuses to connect after a change, check its supported security types before weakening the whole network.
Rank #2
- Coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft. for up to 25 devices
- Ultrafast AX3000 speeds up to 3Gbps with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencing
- This router does not include a built-in cable modem. A separate cable modem (with coax inputs) is required for internet service.
- Connects to your existing cable modem and replaces your WiFi router. Compatible with any internet service provider up to 1Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, and DSL
- Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and more with 4 x 1G Ethernet ports
Change the router admin password instead
Go to ADVANCED > Administration > Set Password. On Nighthawk Pro Gaming routers, it is Settings > Administration > Set Password. Enter the current password, type the new one twice, and apply. Consider enabling password recovery at the same time.
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If recovery isn’t enabled and you lose the admin password, NETGEAR says you may have to factory reset the router and set it up again. That wipes your settings, including WiFi names and passwords.
Rank #3
- FASTER, FARTHER, MORE RELIABLE WIFI: A dedicated dual-band WiFi 7 router built to keep up with a growing home of streaming, video calls, gaming, and smart home devices.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- WIFI 7 THAT KEEPS UP WITH A BUSY HOME: Up to 5 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, 1.2x faster than WiFi 6. MU-MIMO and OFDMA let multiple devices send and receive data simultaneously. Real-world speeds depend on your devices and plan.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Delivers up to 2,250 sq. ft. of coverage for up to 80 devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
Don’t count on a universal default
Newer NETGEAR devices make you change the admin password during initial setup, and default-password guidance differs between current and older devices. Check your router’s label or manual rather than guessing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Coverage up to 2,250 sq. ft. for up to 25 devices
- Ultrafast AX3600 speeds up to 3.45 Gbps with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencing
- NETGEAR devices come with security measures built in as well as enhanced safety features and updates designed to help protect you and your family
- Connects to your existing cable modem and replaces your WiFi router. Compatible with any internet service provider up to 1 Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, and DSL
- Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and more with 4 x 1 G Ethernet ports
Rank #4
- FASTER, FARTHER, MORE RELIABLE WIFI: A dedicated dual-band WiFi 7 router built to deliver the full speed of your internet plan for a whole home of streaming, video calls, gaming, and smart devices.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- WIFI 7 SPEED FOR TODAY'S FASTEST INTERNET PLANS: Up to 5 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, 1.2x faster than WiFi 6. Keeps every device connected at the same time with MU-MIMO and OFDMA. Real-world speeds depend on your devices and plan.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Delivers up to 2,250 sq. ft. of coverage for up to 80 devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
