September 27, 2023 Network Security: How do I change my wifi password?

Wifi has three main settings:

1. The SSID or “network name”
   1. This is what shows up when you search for new wifi networks. It can be anything you like. Have some fun with it.
2. The security protocol
   1. How data between you and the wifi modem is encrypted (more info)
3. The password
   1. Only people with the password can connect to this wifi connection

Changing all of these settings is done on your modem/router, or on wifi access point (if you don’t know what a “wifi access point” is, you probably don’t have one – or rather, your modem/router fulfils this role, which is quite common).

These notes assume your wifi is generated by your modem/router.

1. Access your modem/router’s web interface
   1. As described in the How do I change my router/modem password? FAQ
2. Select the “Wireless” or “wifi” menu option
   1. Wifi comes in two types: 2.4Ghz travels further but is a little slower. 5GHz travels a shorter distance, but is considerably faster. It’s no problem to have both running at the same time, with the same settings – most modern devices choose whichever is most suitable, but devices might get it wrong sometimes.
3. Change the password as necessary – might be in a “security” subsection
   1. If you are connected by wifi when making this change, you’ll lose access to the internet and the modem/router as soon as the password is changed
4. Each device that connects to wifi will become disconnected (because it does not know the new password), so re-connect each device
5. Consider adding the password to your personal password manager
6. Tell your housemates the new wifi password!