How to add or change wifi passwords

In this article we'll walk you through the process for adding, updating or changing your wifi password. Wifi passwords are a critical component of your network security.

Wifi password recovery: Tips and tricks

Forgot or need to set your wifi password? An unprotected network is a security risk, exposing your online activities and personal data. Learn how to manage your wifi password below.

How to find your wifi password

If you haven't changed the standard password assigned by your internet service provider, you can locate your wifi password in any of the following ways:

Check the device's owner's manual
Find the password on the bottom or side of the physical router
If you're a Cox customer, check the Cox Welcome Kit booklet

How to change your wifi password

To change your wifi password, most laptops and computers can follow the steps below:

1. Connect the device to an ethernet cable.

2. Open your preferred browser and type your router’s IP address into the address bar. Start by trying the two most popular addresses: 192.168.1.0 or 192.168.1.1. If neither of these work, you can locate your IP address in one of two ways:

Find the IP address on the bottom or side of the physical router.
Use your phone’s mobile data connection to run a search query online for the model of your modem. The manufacturer’s site should list the correct address.

3. The IP address should take you to a page hosted by your internet service provider. When prompted for login credentials, enter “admin" for the username and password. Alternatively, the password may be “password" or there may be no password.

4. From there, steps can vary depending on the device manufacturer. Locate a section titled "wifi" and look for a specific field containing your password. For example, Cox customers can click on “Wireless" and find their password in one of two fields:

For WEP encryption, the current wireless password is located in the Key 1 field.
For WPA/WPA2 encryption, the current wireless password is located in the Passphrase field.

If you are a Cox customer with a Panoramic Wifi-enabled modem, you can also change your password by using the Panoramic Wifi App. Simply click in the edit field for your gateway, enter a new password, and click "Save."

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How to choose a strong wifi password

Your wifi password safeguards your digital space. Using personal info or default passwords leaves your network vulnerable, as they present easy targets for hackers. For optimal security, choose a strong password.

Characteristics of a strong password include:

A minimum of eight characters
Both uppercase and lowercase letters
Numbers
Special characters (like *, &, $, or #)

A strong password does not include the following characteristics:

Two consecutive, identical characters
Personal information
Previously used password information

While a strong password may not be easy to remember, it can make it harder for others to hack into your network.