How to change the Wi-Fi password on a Citylink router: instructions with pictures and tips

Changing the Wi-Fi password on equipment from Citylink — a procedure that every subscriber faces sooner or later. Whether you're strengthening security by notifying suspicious devices on your network or simply updating an old password, the process is straightforward once you know the steps. However, many users are confused by the router interface, especially if they've never accessed its settings before.

In this article we will look at all possible ways to change your password — from the standard web interface to the Citylink Online mobile app. You'll learn how to choose the right one. encryption type (WPA2-PSK or the new WPA3), which characters make a password strong, and what to do if devices fail to connect to the network after changing. We'll also cover common errors that can prevent a new password from being saved and provide a checklist for checking your network after changes.

Important: If you rent a router from Citylink Depending on your plan, some settings may be blocked by your provider. In this case, you'll need to contact support—contact information is provided at the end of this article.

1. Preparing to change your password: what you need to know in advance

Before you begin changing your password, make sure you have:

• 📡 Access to the router - physical (if a reset is required) or via Wi-Fi/cable.
• 💻 Device for entering settings: computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
• 🔑 Current login details for the admin panel (usually found on the router sticker).
• ⚡ Stable power supply for the router — If the power goes out while saving settings, the router may reset to factory settings..

If you don't remember your login and password for logging into your router settings, try the standard combinations:

• 🔹 Login: admin, password: admin or password.
• 🔹 Login: user, password: empty or user.
• 🔹 Data from the sticker on the bottom of the router (for example, SSID And Password or Key).

⚠️ Attention: If the standard data is not suitable and the sticker is erased, you will need hard reset router button ResetAfter this, all settings, including the Wi-Fi password, will be reset to factory defaults.

2. Method 1: Change the password via the router's web interface

This is a universal method that works on all router models. Citylink, including Keenetic, TP-Link (reflashed to the provider's brand), ZTE And HuaweiThe instructions are suitable for both new devices from 2023-2026 and older models (for example, ZTE ZXHN H267N or Huawei HG8245H).

Steps to change your password:

1. Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi (use the current password).
2. Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1If the page doesn't open, check the router's IP address in your device's network settings.
3. Enter your login and password to log in (see the "Preparation" section).
4. Go to the section Wi-Fi, Wireless network or Wireless (the name depends on the model).
5. Find the fields Wi-Fi password, Network Key or Pre-Shared Key. Enter a new password.
6. Select encryption type:
   • 🔒 WPA2-PSK (AES) — the optimal option for most devices.
   • 🔐 WPA3-PSK — a new standard, but may not be supported by older gadgets (before 2018).
   • 🚫 WEP or Open network - unsafe options, not recommended.

Save changes (button Save, Apply or Apply).

The new password contains at least 8 characters|

Capital letters, numbers and special characters used|

Encryption type - WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSK|

Connected devices are ready to reconnect-->

After saving, the router will reboot (this will take 1-2 minutes). All devices will be disconnected from Wi-Fi and will need to be reconnected with the new password.

⚠️ Attention: If after changing the password the router does not reboot or the Internet disappears, check if the settings have been reset WAN (connection to the provider). In rare cases, resetting the Wi-Fi password may also affect these settings—you'll have to restore them manually or call support. Citylink.

3. Method 2: Change your password via the Citylink Online mobile app

For subscribers Citylink There is an official app available that simplifies router management. It runs on Android And iOS, but requires prior registration in your provider's personal account. The advantage of this method is that you don't need to remember the router's IP address or login/password.

Instructions for changing your password through the app:

1. Download and install the application Citylink Online from App Store or Google Play.
2. Log in using your contract number or the phone number associated with your tariff plan.
3. Go to the section My devices → select your router.
4. Open the tab Wi-Fi or Network settings.
5. Find the field Password and enter a new one. The app will automatically check its security.
6. Save the changes and the router will reboot remotely.

If the app doesn't allow you to change your password, it means one of two things:

• 🔧 Your router does not support remote management (usually older models before 2020).
• 🔒 Settings are blocked by your provider - you will need to call support to unblock them.

4. How to create a strong Wi-Fi password

Weak passwords are the leading cause of home network hacking, according to Kaspersky, 60% of users use passwords of the type 12345678 or qwerty, which are hacked in seconds. To protect your network, follow these rules:

Password characteristics	Example (do not use!)	Why is this important?
Length	MyWiFi_2026!Pass (16 characters)	Passwords shorter than 12 characters are vulnerable to brute force attacks.
Register	SiTyLiNk_2026	The alternation of upper and lower case letters makes the selection difficult.
Numbers	HomeNetwork555	Numbers in the middle of the password are better than those at the end.
Special characters	Secure@WiFi#2026	Signs !@#$% increase the password entropy.
Meaningfulness	P@ssw0rd_N3t (bad example!)	Do not use dictionary words or personal information (birthdates, names).

To generate a strong password, you can use password managers (1Password, Bitwarden) or online generators (for example, https://passwordsgenerator.net/ru/). Main - do not save your password in plain text on devices connected to the same network.

An example of a strong Wi-Fi password

7T#kL9@mP2!vQ1*e — This password contains 16 characters, capital letters, numbers, and special characters. To make it easier to remember, you can break it down into sections: 7T#kL (first part) + 9@mP2 (part two) + !vQ1*e (third part).

5. Common mistakes when changing your password and how to avoid them

Even following the instructions, users often encounter problems. Here are the most common errors and their solutions:

• 🔄 The router does not save the new password.:

  Reason: Conflict with browser cache or insufficient memory on the device. Solution: Try a different browser (e.g. Mozilla Firefox in incognito mode) or reset the cache.

• 📶 Devices won't connect to Wi-Fi after changing the password:

  Reason: The encryption type is incorrectly selected (for example, WPA3 for an old smartphone). Solution: go back to WPA2-PSK or update the firmware of your gadgets.

• 🔌 The Internet disappeared after changing the settings.:

  Reason: Accidental change of parameters WAN or DNSSolution: Check the section Internet in the router settings, the parameters must match the data in the contract Citylink.

• ⚠️ Page 192.168.1.1 won't open.:

  Reason: The router has a different IP address (for example, 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.8.1). Solution: find out the address via the command line (ipconfig for Windows or ifconfig for macOS/Linux).

6. Additional Wi-Fi security settings

Changing your password is just the first step to protecting your network. For complete security, we recommend:

• 🔄 Disable WPS:

  Function Wi-Fi Protected Setup vulnerable to brute-force attacks. Disable it in the section Wi-Fi → WPS.

• 📡 Hide network name (SSID):

  In the Wi-Fi settings, uncheck the box Broadcast SSIDThis won't make the network completely invisible, but it will reduce the number of accidental connections.

• 🔒 Enable MAC address filtering:

  In the section Wireless Network → MAC Filter Specify the addresses of only your devices. Disadvantage: you'll have to add new devices manually.

• 🛡️ Update your router's firmware:

  Outdated software contains vulnerabilities. Check the firmware update in the section System → Update.

If you rent a router from CitylinkSome of these features may be disabled. For example, MAC address filtering is often blocked by ISPs to simplify technical support.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use "guest network" on routers Citylink For permanent devices. This feature is intended for temporary connections (e.g., guests) and typically has limited speed.

7. What to do if you forgot your new password

If you have successfully changed your password but have forgotten it, there are two ways to recover it:

1. View the password on the connected device:
   • 🖥️ Windows: Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settingsRight-click on your network → Wireless network properties → check the box Show entered characters.
   • 📱 Android: Root access or an app like this is required WiFi Password Viewer (does not work on all devices).
   • 🍎 macOS/iOS: Passwords are stored in Keychain (search through Spotlight).

Reset the router to factory settings:

Press and hold the button Reset (usually located on the back panel) for 10-15 seconds. After the reset, your login and password for entering settings, as well as your Wi-Fi password, will return to the factory defaults (indicated on the sticker).

If none of the methods helped, please contact support. Citylink by phone 8 800 700 80 00 (The call is free). Specialists can reset your password remotely if the router is linked to your contract.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing your Wi-Fi password on Citylink

Can I change my Wi-Fi password through my personal account on the Citylink website?

No, through your personal account on the website citylink.ru You can manage your plan, payments, and some services, but not your router settings. To change your Wi-Fi password, use the router's web interface or the Citylink Online mobile app.

What is the default password on Citylink routers?

The factory password is indicated on the sticker on the bottom panel of the router in the field Password, Key or Network key. This is usually an 8-digit combination (for example, 12345678) or a phrase with numbers (for example, Citylink2026). If the sticker is missing, try the standard ones. admin/admin.

Why don't some devices connect to Wi-Fi after changing the password?

This can happen for three reasons:

1. The device does not support the selected encryption type (for example, WPA3 does not work on smartphones before 2018). Solution: go back to WPA2-PSK.
2. The password uses characters not supported by the device (for example, Cyrillic or rare special characters). Solution: Use only Latin characters, numbers, and standard symbols (!@#$%).
3. The device has old network settings. Solution: "Forget" the network in the Wi-Fi settings and reconnect.

Is it possible to change the Wi-Fi password if the router is rented from Citylink?

Yes, you can change your Wi-Fi password even on a rented router. However, some advanced settings (such as changing the channel or disabling DHCP) may be blocked. If you're unable to save the new password, contact support—they'll temporarily unlock the settings.

How often should I change my Wi-Fi password?

Recommended password change frequency:

• 🏠 Home network: once every 3-6 months or if there is a suspicion of hacking (unknown devices on the network, slow internet).
• 🏢 Office/cafe: once every 1-2 months (due to the large flow of connections).
• 🔍 After the data leak: immediately if your password could have fallen into the hands of third parties (for example, after using public Wi-Fi with the same password).

Changing your password regularly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, but does not guarantee complete protection. It is more important to use complex combinations and modern encryption.