Do you need to change the saved password for your Wi-Fi network on an iPhone? Whether you got a new router, want to increase security, or just forgot your old wireless login details, updating Wi-Fi passwords is easy with this simple step-by-step walkthrough.
Let‘s learn why it‘s important to periodically change your Wi-Fi network passwords to keep personal data safe from intruders. Then we‘ll dive into the tap-by-tap process for updating your iPhone‘s wireless network credentials using just the built-in Settings app.
By the end, changing Wi-Fi passwords on your iPhone will be second nature. Let‘s get connected!
Why Wi-Fi Password Updates Matter
According to 2021 identity theft reports from the Federal Trade Commission, nearly 4 million Americans were victims of fraud – often from hacked login credentials like Wi-Fi passwords.
Unfortunately, many wireless routers ship with easy to guess default passwords like "admin/admin" or "password". And rarely do people change them.
But weak Wi-Fi passwords leaves your devices and underlying data vulnerable to hackers. With alarming growth of automated attacks that guess passwords, it‘s crucial to update this info periodically.
Here are some common reasons to change your Wi-Fi network credentials:
| Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| New router setup | Default admin Wi-Fi names/passwords should be changed |
| Forgotten password | Easily reset and update for a working connection |
| Enhanced security | Stronger passwords protect against intruders |
| Wi-Fi sharing | Custom guest network for visitors |
Now let‘s walk through exactly how to update Wi-Fi passwords safely stored on your iPhone.
Step 1: Access iPhone Settings
First, unlock your iPhone and tap the Settings app icon. This launches the management portal for all system configurations:
Tip: You can also access Settings from the Home Screen by swiping right to open Search, then typing "Settings".
Step 2: Select the Wi-Fi Option
Next, scroll down on the Settings menu and tap the Wi-Fi button. Verify the Wi-Fi toggle switch at the top is enabled (green).
Under CHOOSE A NETWORK, you should see your connected Wi-Fi network name.
Important: Make note of your current Wi-Fi names before proceeding. You may need to re-select or re-enter them when changing saved passwords.
Step 3: Access Network Details
Now tap the blue information (i) icon next to your connected Wi-Fi network name to view additional options:
This screen displays useful data like your network IP address, subnet mask, router, and more.
But for changing passwords, your focus is the Forget This Network button.
Step 4: Forget the Existing Network
To update your iPhone‘s saved Wi-Fi password, you first need to remove the current network details. This is done by tapping Forget This Network:
Once tapped, you‘ll see a confirmation popup making sure you want to delete the Wi-Fi network details. Select Forget to proceed.
Important: This only erases the network details saved locally on your current iPhone. It does not modify actual router settings.
Step 5: Rejoin the Wi-Fi Network
After forgetting the old Wi-Fi network, your iPhone will automatically return to the network selection list under Wi-Fi settings.
You should still see your router‘s Wi-Fi name populating in the CHOOSE A NETWORK section. Simply tap it again as if connecting for the first time.
Because you erased the old details, your iPhone will now prompt you to re-enter the current Wi-Fi password associated with your router.
Time to update your credentials!
Step 6: Enter New Wi-Fi Password
With the previous Wi-Fi network forgotten, tapping your router‘s name again brings up the connection screen requesting the password.
Here, you can input an updated password for your network.
Type in the new Wi-Fi password you want to use moving forward. It‘s best to choose a strong credential that uses numbers, special characters, capital letters, and minimum 12 characters in length.
When ready, tap Join to connect with the changed Wi-Fi credentials now safely stored. Enjoy your more secure wireless network!
And if your router supplies the network details again later, your iPhone will automatically reconnect thanks to the newly saved login info.
Updating iPhone Mobile Hotspot Passwords
If you use your iPhone‘s Personal Hotspot feature to share its cellular data connection, changing the Wi-Fi details of that mobile hotspot works a bit differently but is still straightforward.
Here are simplified steps:
- Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot and tap the Wi-Fi Password field
- Manually input your new preferred password
- Tap Done to save credentials
Now your iPhone will broadcast your selected password when other devices attempt to connect to your mobile hotspot internet access tethering.
Troubleshooting Guide
While the process for changing saved Wi-Fi passwords on iPhones is typically quick, you may occasionally run into issues. Here are some common problems and fixes:
| Issue | Likely Cause | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Can’t reconnect | Typed new password incorrectly | Double check credentials, use router default if unsure |
| Password won‘t save | Didn‘t tap Done after typing | Exit network screen and rejoin to resave passwords |
| Connects but no internet | Wi-Fi network requires login | Some public networks need additional login after connecting |
| Frustrated with technology | It happens to everyone! | Take a deep breath, grab some water, then retry step-by-step |
Still having problems? Don‘t worry – Apple technical support is always available by phone and online chat to help get your iPhone connecting properly again.
Key Takeaways
Updating your Wi-Fi password helps keep unwanted intruders out of your network and personal data safe. Follow these iPhone steps to easily change wireless network credentials:
- Open Settings > Wi-Fi
- Tap the information icon next to your network
- Choose Forget This Network
- Reconnect by re-entering your new Wi-Fi password!
Change passwords every 3 months as part of routine iPhone maintenance. Share this guide if any friends or family need assistance updating their wireless network security!
