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Resetting your wireless router password

Our Broadband Expert says...

Margaret , wireless broadband security is so important in today’s digital age, when anyone with a laptop, netbook or even a smartphone could simply sit outside your house and log on to an unsecured wi-fi network.

Although it’s important for you to choose a password that’s hard for other people to crack, you still need to be able to remember it yourself - or write it down somewhere safe.

Resetting your password

To reset your password you will need to connect to your router using an ethernet cable. Either via the router icon on your desktop, or the IP address for your router, log-in to access the settings. Here you will be able to change any router settings as well as resetting the password.

If you can’t remember any of the login details to access your router, you can reset it completely using the reset button on the back or bottom of the router.

Using a pen or a paperclip, push the button in and hold for at least 10 seconds or until all of the lights flash on the router to indicate that it has been reset.

You will then be able to set up new login details and a new wireless password. Bear in mind though that some routers will reset to your broadband provider’s default password.

All routers are different so if you do have any problems resetting your password, you should check your manual - which can also be found on the manufacturer’s website - or contact your broadband provider’s technical support department.

Wireless encryption

If possible, you should always use the latest form of wireless security to encrypt your data so and make it harder for unauthorised people to access. This is currently WPA (Wi-fi Protected Access) or WPA2 technology.

Although this is the most secure way to protect your wireless network, older computers and routers might not be compatible with WPA. If this is the case, then you might have to use WEP (Wireless Equivalent Privacy).

Although WEP keys aren’t as secure as the later WPA encryption, they are still a much better option to leaving your wireless completely unsecured.

Choosing your new password

Many people use the same password for their computer, email address and wireless network. But while this does make it easier to remember, it also makes it much easier for hackers to get into your network.

You shouldn’t use easy to guess passwords like your date of birth and regularly changing your password will also help to keep your network secure.

Use our free WPA and WEP key generators to create unique, hard to crack passwords - just make sure that you write it down somewhere safe.

Automatic WEP Encryption Keys (Press F5 or Refresh)

Automatic WPA Encryption Keys (Press F5 or Refresh)

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If you have a general switching or provider query please email us at OurExpert@broadbandchoices.co.uk

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