How to change your WiFi security settings

The name of your WiFi network (SSID) and the passphrase (security key) are settings that are used to connect your WiFi devices to the internet. Customizing the network name can make it easier to identify your wireless network when connecting devices. And, creating a unique password is an important step in securing your home network.

Did you know you can also change your WiFi password through the CenturyLink app? Learn how >

NOTE: Depending on your model, your modem's user interface may appear slightly different from the images below.

First, access the modem's wireless settings

To change the SSID or the password, start by logging in to your modem's user interface, then navigate to the Wireless Settings menu, as shown here in steps 1-5:

1. Connect a device, such as a computer or tablet, to the internet through WiFi or using an Ethernet cable connected to your modem.

2. Open a web browser and type http://192.168.0.1 into the web address field.

Enter the URL for the modem user interface

3. Log in to the modem's settings interface (Modem GUI) using your Admin Username and Admin Password. Note that these are different from your wireless network name (SSID) and WiFi password (security key).

Find the Admin Username & Password on the modem sticker

Log into the modem interface with the Administrator Username and Password

4. Select the Wireless Setup icon in the main menu.

5. If you are utilizing a dual-band router, you can change the WiFi name and password for the 2.4Ghz network and the 5Ghz network individually by selecting either “2.4GHz” or “5GHz.” Some models will offer only one frequency option.

Next, do you want to change the SSID or password?

Click to open the specific instructions below.

First access the wireless settings as described in steps 1-5 above, then continue with step 6 below:

6. Select "SSID Setup."

7. Select the SSID you want to edit. You can find your SSID printed on your modem's label. Typically, the first one in the drop-down list is your main home network.

8. Select "Broadcast SSID" to make the network visible on any device within range.

9. Enter the desired network name. The SSID cannot contain spaces. Remember that this will be visible to others, so it should not contain sensitive information or clues to what your password is.

10. Select "Apply" to save your changes.

First access the wireless settings as described in steps 1-5 above, then continue with step 6 below:

6. Select "Wireless Security."

7. Select the name of your wireless network (SSID). You can find the SSID on the label on the side or bottom of the router. Typically, the first one in the drop-down list is your main home network.

8. Select the security type shown on the equipment label.

WEP Note: You should use the strongest encryption that is compatible with your network. WEP should only be used if your devices are NOT WPA compatible.

9. Select "Both" for the encryption type.

10. Select "Use Custom Security Key/Passphrase" and enter your new password in the box. You can also change this at any time back to "Use Default Security Key/Passphrase" to return the password back to the one printed on the router label.

Password tips

If you are given the option of 64 bits or 128 bits, follow these guidelines:

64 bits: Enter 10 characters*
128 bits: Enter 26 characters*
* Characters can only contain letters between A-F and numbers between 0-9 with no spaces.

In all other cases, your custom password must:

Be between 8 and 63 characters long
Contain at least one number from 0 to 9
Contain at least one letter from A to Z
Note: The space character can be used (but is not required)