Password for Better Security

In today's digital world, securing your home network is crucial to protect your data and privacy. One of the most important steps in securing your router is changing the default password. Many routers come with default usernames and passwords, such as "admin" for both, which is easy for hackers to guess. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to change your home router’s default username and password to something more secure.


Why Should You Change the Default Router Password?

  1. Security Risks: Default usernames and passwords (e.g., "admin" and "admin") are well-known and can be easily found online. This makes your router vulnerable to unauthorised access.
  2. Prevent Unauthorised Access: Changing the default password ensures that only you can access your router's settings.
  3. Better Wi-Fi Security: A strong router password also helps to protect your Wi-Fi network, preventing unauthorised devices from connecting.

Requirements:

  • A computer or smartphone connected to your Wi-Fi network.
  • Your router’s IP address.
  • The default login credentials (username and password), which are typically found on a label on the back or bottom of your router.
  • Access to your router’s web interface.

Step 1: Find Your Router’s IP Address

To change the password, you need to access your router’s admin page. Typically, home routers have an IP address like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, but it may vary depending on the manufacturer.

Here’s how to find it:

  • Windows:

    1. Press Win + R and type cmd to open Command Prompt.
    2. Type ipconfig and press Enter.
    3. Look for the "Default Gateway" under your active network connection. This is your router’s IP address.

  • Mac:

    1. Go to System Preferences > Network.
    2. Click on your active network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
    3. Click on Advanced, then the TCP/IP tab.
    4. Your router's IP address will be listed next to "Router."

Step 2: Log In to Your Router’s Web Interface

  1. Open a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.).
  2. In the address bar, type your router’s IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1) and press Enter.
  3. A login screen should appear. Enter the default login credentials. If you're unsure, check the label on your router or refer to the user manual.
    • Default username: admin
    • Default password: admin
  4. If you have changed the password previously and can’t remember it, you may need to reset the router (see Step 7).

Step 3: Change the Admin Password

Once logged into the router’s interface, follow these steps to change the admin password:

  1. Look for a section like Administration, System, or Security in the menu.

  2. Find the Change Password or Admin Password option.

  3. Enter a new password that is strong and secure. A strong password should include:

    • At least 12 characters.
    • A mix of uppercase and lowercase letters.
    • Numbers and special characters (e.g., @, !, #).
    • Avoid using easily guessable information, like your name or birthdate.

  4. Confirm the new password and save the changes.

Step 4: Change Your Wi-Fi Password

Changing the Wi-Fi password is just as important as changing the admin password. A weak or default Wi-Fi password could allow unauthorised users to connect to your network. Here’s how to change it:

  1. In the router interface, find the Wireless or Wi-Fi Settings section.
  2. Locate the Wi-Fi Password (or Pre-Shared Key or WPA2 Password) field.
  3. Change the Wi-Fi password to something secure. Again, follow the same guidelines as for the admin password (8+ characters, mix of upper and lower case, numbers, and symbols).
  4. After updating, save the changes. Your router will restart, and you will be disconnected from the network.

Step 5: Reconnect Your Devices to the Wi-Fi Network

Once the router has restarted, all devices that were previously connected to your network will be disconnected. To reconnect:

  1. Open the Wi-Fi settings on your devices (laptop, phone, etc.).
  2. Find your network name (SSID) and select it.
  3. Enter the new Wi-Fi password that you just created.

Step 6: Update Your Router’s Firmware

Keeping your router’s firmware up to date is an essential security measure. Manufacturers often release updates that fix vulnerabilities and improve performance.

  1. In the router settings, look for the Firmware Update or Router Update section.
  2. If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.