Changing wireless passwords/SSIDs

Your router also has an SSID (Service Set Identifier), which is the Wi-Fi name that pops up when searching for local networks. Again, this is often the same as all other SSIDs from the same manufacturer, which can not only cause confusion when searching for a network, but also highlight to a hacker that your router security ‘hygiene’ is lax.

Changing your router password

As with all passwords, your router password should be unique to your router, and never the same one as you use for other devices or online accounts.

On this page, we explain how to change the password for the routers issued by three of the most popular ISPs – Virgin, BT and Sky – as well as what to try if you use a third party router, or one from a different ISP from these.

If you have it, refer to the router user manual for security settings.

1. Open your web browser (such as Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox or Safari) and enter the address of your router into the browser’s address bar. This should be in the instruction manual. Many brands of router have the number 192.168.1.1. Click Enter. You may be asked to enter an administrator password, which will be printed on the label on your router.
2. You will be taken to a page which resembles a web page, but which is actually hosted in your router. If you click the Administration tab, you will be able to make changes, such as changing your password.
3. Finally, ensure your wireless network is encrypted, so that it cannot be used without the correct authentication key. The page mentioned above will enable you to do this, and instructions should also be contained in the user manual. If you are presented with a choice of security levels, select the highest (WPA and WPA2 if available). Remember to make a note of the authorisation key so that you can use it when connecting new wireless devices.

ISPs’ router instructions

Virgin Media Super Hub

1. Make sure your computer or mobile device is connected to the router via Wi-Fi or an ethernet cable or wi-fi.
2. Open your web browser (such as Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox or Safari) and type in the IP address: 192.168.0.1
3. This should open something that looks like a web page, where you can log on using your username and password – usually found on the base of your router.
4. Click Wireless Network Settings, then set the Security Mode drop-down menu to WPA Auto. Enter your new password into the Passphrase box and click Save Settings.
5. The wireless devices connected to your router will disconnect. You will need to reconnect them using your new password.

BT Home Hub

1. Make sure your computer or mobile device is connected to the router via Wi-Fi or an ethernet cable.
2. Open your web browser (such as Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox or Safari) and enter http://bthomehub.home to open the Hub Manager. Next, click the Settings tab.
3. You will be asked to enter a username and password which you can find on the base of your router. Once typed in, click on Advanced Settings followed by Continue to Advanced Settings, then browse to Wireless, then Security.
4. From here, you can change your password and also check the type of wireless encryption used by your router
5. The wireless devices connected to your router will disconnect. You will need to reconnect them using your new password.
6. Remember to make a note of the authorisation key so that you can use it when connecting new wireless devices.

Sky Hub

1. Make sure your computer or mobile device is connected to the router via Wi-Fi or an ethernet cable.
2. Open your web browser (such as Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox or Safari) and type in the IP address: 192.168.0.1
3. The default username should be admin and the password sky (all in lowercase). If these do not work, check the base of your router for these details.
4. From the Useful settings menu on the right-hand side of the screen, select Change Wireless Password.
5. Enter your username and password again if prompted, then enter your new selected password.
6. Click Apply to save your new settings.
7. The wireless devices connected to your router will disconnect. You will need to reconnect them using your new password.
8. Remember to make a note of the authorisation key so that you can use it when connecting new wireless devices.

Changing your router SSIDAlthough each router’s instruction manual will vary slightly in terms of the advice given, the process in fairly commonplace amongst the major manufacturers. Names of menus and settings will also vary.

• Find your router’s IP address.
• Log in to your router’s administrative console.
• Change the SSID and password.
• Update the connection for all devices.

1. The first step is to find the router’s SSID. You can do this by checking the router itself, where both the default network name and password are printed.
2. Next, find your router’s local IP address and log in via your web browser to access the admin console. When prompted, enter the current username and password details to access the control panel.
3. From the admin console, find the Wi-Fi settings section and select Wi-Fi settings.
4. IP addresses vary from one router to another. If unsure, you can check your router manufacturer’s website or documentation for the local address and logins.
5. Find the SSID or Network name section. Enter the name you would like for your router, with a maximum of 32 alphanumeric characters. Check that it is different from other local names that pop up on your connected device, and also one that will not connect it with you, family members or your premises. If necessary, write it down.
6. Type in your Wi-Fi password in the respective field and apply the changes.
7. You will find that your wireless devices are no longer connected to your network, so you need to update the network connection details on all the devices connected to the router.