How to Change Saved WIFI Password on External Network?

Can’t Connect? Here’s How to Reconnect to External WIFI with a New Password

Have you ever tried to connect to a familiar public WIFI network only to find it’s asking for a password you don’t recognize? This usually means the network’s password has been changed. Since you don’t manage these external networks, you can’t directly change their saved password on your device. However, you can easily remove the old connection and reconnect with the new credentials. Easily change saved WIFI password. Here’s how:

For iPhone Users – Change Saved WIFI Password:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app: Look for the grey gear icon on your home screen and tap it.
2. Go to WIFI: Scroll down and select “WIFI”.
3. Find the Network: Locate the name of the WIFI network you want to reconnect to in the list of saved networks.
4. Tap the “i” icon: Tap the blue “i” (information) icon next to the network name.
5. Select “Forget This Network”: On the next screen, tap “Forget This Network”.
6. Confirm: A confirmation pop-up will appear. Tap “Forget” to confirm.
7. Reconnect: You will now see the network listed under “Choose a Network…”. Tap on it.
8. Enter the New Password: If the network requires a password, you will be prompted to enter it. Type in the new password and tap “Join”.

For Android Users – Change Saved WIFI Password:

Step-by-Step Instructions (Steps may vary slightly depending on your Android version and manufacturer):

Method 1: Through WIFI Settings

1. Open the Settings app: Swipe down from the top of your screen and tap the gear icon, or find the Settings app in your app drawer.
2. Go to Network & Internet (or Connections): The exact wording might differ (e.g., “WIFI and Internet”, “Wireless & networks”). Tap on the relevant option.
3. Select WIFI: Tap on “WIFI”.
4. Find the Network: Locate the name of the WIFI network you want to reconnect to in the list of saved networks. You might need to tap and hold on the network name.
5. Select “Forget” or “Remove Network”: A menu will appear with options like “Forget”, “Remove”, or “Modify network”. Tap on “Forget” or “Remove Network”.
6. Confirm (if prompted): You might see a confirmation dialog. Tap “Forget” or “OK”.
7. Reconnect: The network will now appear under “Available networks”. Tap on it.
8. Enter the New Password: If the network requires a password, a pop-up will appear asking for it. Enter the new password and tap “Connect”.

Method 2: Using the Saved Networks List (if available)

1. Open the Settings app and go to Network & Internet (or Connections), then WIFI.
2. Look for an option like “Saved networks” or “Manage networks”. Tap on it.
3. Find the network you want to update.
4. Tap on the network name. You should see options like “Forget” or “Remove”. Tap on it and confirm.
5. The network will reappear in the list of available networks. Tap on it and enter the new password.

Alternate Methods to “Forget” a WIFI Network:

• Using Quick Settings (Android): Swipe down twice from the top of your screen to access the quick settings panel. Long-press the WIFI icon to go directly to the WIFI settings. Then follow the steps above.
• Resetting Network Settings (Caution!): Both iPhone and Android have an option to reset network settings. This will remove all saved WIFI passwords, Bluetooth pairings, and VPN configurations. Use this as a last resort if you’re having persistent connection issues. You can find this option in the “Reset” section of your device’s settings.

Video – How to change saved WIFI password on an existing network?

Change WIFI password connect to a secured website:

• On your phone, open the Chrome app.
• Tap the 3 dots or More on the right side of the bar.
• Tap Settings > Passwords.
• Scroll down looking for the WIFI connection you want to change the password for, and Touch it to open
• You can change the password on this page
• Tap Done when finished.

Here are some additional tips to change a WIFI password:

• Make sure to choose a strong password. A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Change your WIFI password regularly. It is a good practice to change your WIFI password every 6-12 months.
• Do not share your WIFI password with anyone you do not trust.

Important Tips for Managing WIFI Passwords:

• Always ask for the new password: If you can’t connect to a public WIFI , look for signs or ask staff for the current password.
• Be cautious of public WIFI security: Avoid transmitting sensitive information over public networks whenever possible. Consider using a VPN for added security.
• Regularly review saved networks: Periodically go through your list of saved WIFI networks and remove any you no longer use.
• Understand you can’t “change” external passwords: You are only managing your device’s saved connection information.

Exporting the List of Saved WIFI Passwords:

Important Limitation: Modern mobile operating systems (iOS and Android) do not offer a built-in feature to directly export a list of all your saved WIFI passwords in plain text for security reasons. This prevents malicious apps or unauthorized individuals from easily accessing your network credentials.

Third-Party Solutions (Use with Caution):

• There might be third-party apps or computer-based software that claim to offer this functionality, often requiring your device to be rooted (Android) or jailbroken (iOS). However, using such tools comes with significant security risks and can void your device’s warranty. We strongly advise against using untrusted third-party solutions for accessing sensitive information like WIFI passwords.

Alternative (Less Convenient) Methods:

• Individual Sharing (iOS and some Android): On newer versions of iOS and some Android devices, you might be able to share a WIFI password with someone nearby. This usually involves the other person selecting the network and a prompt appearing on your device to share the password. This is not an export function but allows sharing on a case-by-case basis.
• Viewing on a Computer (if synced): If you have previously synced your WIFI passwords with a password manager on your computer, you might be able to view the list there. However, this depends on the specific password manager you use.

Additional tips to change saved WIFI password:

• Choose a strong WIFI password. A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Change your WIFI password regularly. It is a good practice to change your WIFI password every few months.
• Enable WPA2 security on your router. WPA2 is the most secure type of WIFI security.
• Keep your router’s firmware up to date. Router manufacturers regularly release firmware updates that improve security and performance.

Change the password on your WIFI router – Home or Office network

Changing your WIFI password is a good way to improve the security of your home or office network. It is especially important to change your password if you think someone else may have access to it.

To change your WIFI password, you will need to access the router’s configuration page. The steps for doing this vary depending on the make and model of your router. However, most routers can be accessed by typing the router’s IP address into a web browser. The most common IP address is http://192.168.1.1/ or a variation of it.

Log into the router – the default user name is usually “Admin” and the default password is “admin” or “password”. This works only if someone has not changed the default user name and password. If they have been changed, then you need to discover the actual user name and password.

Once you have accessed the router’s configuration page, you will need to find the WIFI settings. These settings are usually located under a heading such as “Wireless Security” or “WIFI Security.”

In the WIFI settings, you will find the field for your WIFI password. Enter your new password into this field and click the Save button.

Once you have saved your new password, your router will restart. This may take a few minutes. Once the router has restarted, your WIFI network will be secured with your new password.

If you have any trouble changing your WIFI password, you can consult the router’s documentation or contact the manufacturer of your router for assistance.

In summary, while you cannot directly change the password of an external WIFI network, forgetting the network and reconnecting with the new password is a straightforward process on both iPhone and Android. Be mindful of security on public networks and avoid risky methods for trying to export your saved WIFI passwords.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to Change Saved WIFI Password

Q1: Can I change the password of a public WIFI network on my phone? A1: No, you cannot directly change the password of an external or public WIFI network (like at a cafe, airport, or hotel) because you do not own or manage that network. The instructions in this article are about removing the old, incorrect password from your device and then entering the new, correct one to reconnect.

Q2: Why do I have to “forget” a network instead of just typing in a new password? A2: When your device saves a WIFI network, it stores the network name (SSID) and its associated password. If the network’s password changes, your device still tries to connect with the old, saved password, which will fail. By “forgetting” the network, you erase the old credentials, allowing your device to treat it as a new network and prompt you for the current password.

Q3: Will “forgetting” a network affect other WIFI networks I’m connected to? A3: No. Forgetting a specific WIFI network only removes that single network’s information from your device. All other saved WIFI connections will remain untouched.

Q4: Is it safe to connect to public WIFI networks? A4: Public WIFI networks generally lack strong security. It’s advisable to avoid conducting sensitive activities (like online banking or shopping) on unencrypted public networks. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can add a layer of security by encrypting your internet traffic.

Q5: My device isn’t showing the option to “Forget This Network.” What should I do? A5: The exact wording or placement of the “Forget” option can vary slightly between device models and operating system versions. Look for similar terms like “Remove Network,” “Delete Network,” or a trash can icon next to the network name in your WIFI settings. If you only see options to “Modify” or “Manage” the network, explore those to see if a “Forget” option is nested within.

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Common Problems and Solutions for Change Saved WIFI Password

Here are some common issues you might encounter when trying to reconnect to an external WIFI network with a new password, along with their solutions:

1. Problem: Network Not Appearing in the List After Forgetting It

• Cause: The network might be temporarily down, out of range, or hidden.
• Solution:
  • Refresh the WIFI list: Turn your device’s WIFI off and then back on.
  • Move closer to the WIFI source: You might be too far from the router.
  • Check for hidden networks: If the network is hidden, you’ll need to manually add it by knowing its exact SSID (name) and security type. Look for an “Add Network” or “Other Network” option in your WIFI settings.
  • Restart your device: A full restart can sometimes resolve connectivity glitches.

2. Problem: Incorrect Password Error Even After Entering the New One

• Cause: Typo in the password, or you were given the wrong password.
• Solution:
  • Double-check the password: Carefully re-enter the password, paying attention to capitalization, numbers, and special characters. Many password fields have an “eye” icon you can tap to show the password as you type.
  • Confirm the password: Ask the network owner or staff for the password again to ensure you have the correct one.
  • Forget and re-add: Even if you just forgot it, try forgetting the network one more time and re-entering the password.

3. Problem: Device Connects but Has “No Internet Access”

• Cause: Issues with the external network’s internet connection, or a temporary glitch on your device.
• Solution:
  • Check with others: See if other devices or people are able to access the internet on that WIFI network. If not, the issue is with the network itself.
  • Turn WIFI off/on: Toggle your device’s WIFI off and on.
  • Restart your device: A quick reboot can often clear up minor network issues.
  • Forget and reconnect: Sometimes, forgetting the network and reconnecting can resolve this, even if the password wasn’t the initial problem.

4. Problem: “Authentication Problem” or “Authentication Error”

• Cause: Usually indicates an incorrect password or security protocol mismatch.
• Solution:
  • Verify the password: This is almost always a password issue. Double-check your spelling and case.
  • Forget and reconnect: This is the most effective solution for authentication errors as it clears all cached network details.
  • Check security type (advanced): In rare cases, if you are manually configuring a network, ensure the security type (e.g., WPA2, WPA3) matches what the network is using. For most public networks, this is automatically detected.

5. Problem: WIFI Settings Menu Is Unresponsive or Glitching

Reset network settings (last resort): If the problem persists and affects other network functions, consider resetting your device’s network settings (found under general reset options). Be aware this will erase all saved WIFI, Bluetooth, and VPN settings.

Cause: A temporary software bug on your device.

Solution:

Restart your device: This is the primary solution for app or system interface glitches.

Check for system updates: Ensure your phone’s operating system is up to date, as updates often include bug fixes.

Additional helpful information:

If you don’t have internet on your Android Device yet, read this “How to get internet on my phone?“

If you don’t want to change the WIFI password, but you want to see it, “How to see WIFI Password?”

How to connect to a WIFI Network using a QR Code if you don’t know the password? “Connect to a WIFI Network with QR Code“

How can I Manage the WIFI networks stored on my Android device? “How to Manage your WIFI Networks?“

To enable WIFI automatically – “How to turn on WIFI automatically based on location“