How to Change Your WiFi Password and Check Connected Devices

A secure WiFi network is essential for protecting your privacy and data. Regularly updating your WiFi password and monitoring connected devices are simple yet effective ways to enhance your network security.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through:

• Changing your WiFi password via router settings
• Viewing and managing connected devices
• Identifying and blocking unauthorized users

With these adjustments, you can safeguard your wireless network from intruders.

How to Change Your WiFi Password and Check Connected Devices

1. Accessing Your Router Settings

To change your WiFi password, you first need to access your router’s admin interface. Follow these steps:

Default Router IP Addresses

Enter one of these in your web browser’s address bar:

• Most routers: http://192.168.1.1 or http://192.168.0.1
• Linksys routers: http://192.168.1.1
• Netgear routers: http://192.168.1.1 or http://192.168.0.1
• TP-Link routers: http://192.168.0.1
• Arris routers: http://192.168.100.1

Default Login Credentials

• Username: admin
• Password: admin or password

If you’ve changed these before, use your custom credentials instead.

Accessing Your Router Settings

Troubleshooting Access Issues:

• Check for a sticker on the router with login details.
• Reset the router to factory settings if credentials are unknown.

2. Changing Your WiFi Password

Once logged in:

1. Navigate to Wireless Settings (may be labeled "WiFi," "WLAN," or similar).
2. Open the Security/Encryption tab.
3. Locate the WiFi password field and enter a new strong password.

Password Best Practices

• Minimum 8 characters (longer is better).
• Mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
• Avoid common words (e.g., "password123").
• Exclude personal details (names, birthdays).

Example of a strong password: Gh3%tBBq98!

1. Save changes and reconnect all devices using the new password.

Changing Your WiFi Password

3. Troubleshooting WiFi Password Issues

If devices can’t connect after a password change:
✔ Reset the router → Restore factory settings and reconfigure.
✔ Verify password → Ensure correct entry on all devices.
✔ Retrieve password → Check router settings if forgotten.
✔ Contact support → Seek help from the manufacturer if issues persist.

Note: A factory reset erases all custom settings.

4. Securing Your Wireless Network

Beyond password changes, enhance security with these steps:

Use WPA2 or WPA3 Encryption

• Avoid outdated WEP/WPA.
• WPA2 (AES) or WPA3 provide stronger protection.

Change Default Admin Credentials

• Replace admin/admin with a unique username and password.

Disable Remote Administration

• Prevents external access to router settings.
• Turn off "Remote Management" in firewall settings.

5. Checking Connected Devices

Monitor who’s using your WiFi via:

1. Log in to your router admin panel.
2. Navigate to "Connected Devices," "DHCP Client List," or "LAN Status."
3. Review the list of devices (names, IP/MAC addresses).

Checking Connected Devices

Alternative Tools:

• Network scanners like arp-scan, nmap, or apps (e.g., Fing).

6. Managing Unauthorized Devices

If suspicious devices appear:

• Reboot the router → Disconnects all devices temporarily.
• Change WiFi password → Forces reauthentication.
• Enable MAC filtering → Blocks specific devices.
• Factory reset → Last resort for persistent threats.

Red flags: Unknown device names, duplicate MAC addresses, or unfamiliar manufacturers.

Final Summary

To maintain a secure WiFi network:
✅ Access router settings using default IP/login.
✅ Change WiFi password regularly (use WPA2/WPA3).
✅ Monitor connected devices and remove unknowns.
✅ Strengthen security (disable remote admin, update credentials).

By following these steps, you can prevent unauthorized access and enjoy a safer browsing experience.

Have tips to share? Let us know in the comments!