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. While the default WiFi name and password can be confusing and hard to remember, you can change them to something you will be able to remember and use more easily when connecting devices to your wireless network.

NOTE: This article applies to newer CenturyLink modems. Depending on your particular model, you may see slight differences in the features or layout of your modem's user interface.

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:

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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.

3. Log in to your modem's online settings interface (Modem GUI) using your Administrator Username and Administrator Password. Unless you have changed the default settings, you can find this information on the modem's sticker. Note that these are different from your wireless SSID and security key.

Locate Admin Username/Password on the modem sticker

4. Select "Wireless Setup."

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 the one you want.

8. If it's not already enabled, select "Broadcast SSID" to activate the network.

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 the one you want.

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)

11. Select "Apply" to save your changes.

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How to change your WiFi security settings

First, access the modem's wireless settings

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

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