How to Change the Wi-Fi Password on a MikroTik Router: 3 Methods + Security Tips

Why and when should you change your MikroTik Wi-Fi password?

Routers MikroTik — a popular solution for home networks and small businesses thanks to its flexible settings and stable operation. However, even the most reliable equipment requires regular security updates. Changing your Wi-Fi password — this is not just a formality, but a necessary measure to protect against unauthorized access, traffic leakage, or attacks through vulnerable connection points.

When should you update your password? First, if you notice suspicious devices in the list of connected clients (checked in IP → DHCP Server → Leases). Secondly, after purchasing a used router, the previous owner may have left a "back door." Thirdly, if the password is too simple (for example, 12345678 (or network name) or shared it with guests. Finally, experts recommend updating your password every 3-6 months—this reduces the risk of hacking even if a data leak occurs.

In this article we will analyze three official methods change password: via utility WinBox, web interface WebFig and the command line CLIWe'll also explain how to choose a strong password, avoid common mistakes, and verify that new settings have been applied correctly.

Preparing to change your password: What you need to know

Before you begin setting up, make sure you have:

• 🔌 Access to the router via cable (recommended) or a stable Wi-Fi connection. Changing the password will break all wireless connections., so it's better to use a wire.
• 🖥️ Utility WinBox (you can download it from official website) or access to WebFig via browser at the address 192.168.88.1.
• 📝 Current router login details (default logins/passwords): admin without password or admin/admin for new models).
• ⚡ Backup your configuration (optional, but useful). You can do this in Files → click Backup.

If you have forgotten the current password for your router, you can reset it physically: press and hold the button Reset on the device body for 5–10 seconds (until the indicators flash). After the reset, all settings will return to factory defaults, including Wi-Fi and PPPoE configuration! This method should only be used as a last resort.

⚠️ Attention: On models MikroTik with firmware RouterOS version 7.x+ interface WebFig may look different than in older versions. If you can't find the menu items you need, check your software version in System → RouterBOARD.

Method 1: Change Wi-Fi password via WinBox (recommended method)

WinBox — is a proprietary utility for managing routers MikroTik, which offers maximum control over settings. It works even when the internet is disconnected and supports all device models. Here's how to change your Wi-Fi password using it:

1. Open WinBox, in the field Connect To Enter the router's IP address (default) 192.168.88.1) or select it from the tab list Neighbors. Click Connect.

2. Enter your login and password (default) admin (without a password). If access is blocked, try resetting the router (see the "Preparation" section).

3. Go to the menu Wireless (antenna icon). A list of all wireless interfaces will open.

4. Double-click on the desired network (usually it is wlan1 or wlan2). The settings window will open.

5. Go to the tab Security ProfilesIn the field Authentication Types must be selected WPA2 PSK (recommended safety standard).

6. In the field WPA2 Pre-Shared Key Enter a new password. It must contain at least 8 characters, include letters of different cases, numbers and special characters (for example, WiFi@MikroTik_2026!).

7. Click OK, then ApplyThe settings will be saved automatically.

The new password is written down on paper or in a password manager|

There are no important connected devices (IP cameras, servers) on the network |

The router's power supply is stable (no risk of power failure)|

It has been verified that in Authentication Types WPA2 PSK selected-->

After applying the changes, all devices will be disconnected from Wi-Fi. Reconnect them using the new password. If something goes wrong (for example, the network disappears), check:

• 🔄 Is the wireless interface disabled (in Wireless the green indicator next to it should be on wlan1).
• 📡 Is it specified correctly? Security Profile in the network settings (tab General).
• 🔒 Check your password for typos (spaces at the beginning/end are also included!).

Method 2: Change your password via the WebFig web interface

Web interface WebFig convenient for quick changes if you don't have one at hand WinBoxIt works through any browser and doesn't require any additional software. Instructions:

1. Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.88.1 (or another IP of your router). Click Enter.

2. Log in with your username and password. If you don't remember your details, try admin without a password or reset the settings (see the "Preparation" section).

3. In the left menu, select WirelessA list of wireless interfaces will open.

4. Click on the name of your network (for example, wlan1).

5. Go to the tab Security ProfilesIn the table, find the profile used by your network (usually default or profile1).

6. Click on the profile name. In the field WPA2 Pre-Shared Key Enter a new password. For security, use a combination of 12+ characters, including mixed uppercase and lowercase characters.

7. Click Apply And OKThe settings will be saved and all devices will be disconnected.

If the changes are not applied after saving, check:

• 🔄 Is your browser cache being used? (Try refreshing the page.) Ctrl+F5 or open in another browser).
• 🔒 Does it match? Security Profile in the network settings with the one you edited.
• 📡 Is the wireless module disabled (in Wireless there must be a status running).

⚠️ Note: In some versions RouterOS (e.g. 6.48+) after changing the password in WebFig You may need to reboot your router. Do this through System → Reboot, if the new settings are not applied.

Method 3: Changing the password via the command line (CLI)

For experienced users or automation of tasks it is convenient to use command line (CLI). This method works through WinBox (tab Terminal), SSH or TelnetHere are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Connect to the router via WinBox (as in Method 1) and go to the tab Terminal. Or use SSH-client (for example, PuTTY) with the router's IP address.

2. Enter the command to view current wireless interfaces:

   /interface wireless print

   Remember the interface name (eg. wlan1).

3. View the current security profile:

   /interface wireless security-profiles print

   Usually it is default or profile1.

4. Change the password for the profile (replace profile1 to your profile and New Password to the current one):

   /interface wireless security-profiles set [ find default=yes ] wpa2-pre-shared-key="new_password"

   If you have multiple profiles, please specify the name instead. [ find default=yes ].

5. Apply changes:

   /system configuration save

To check that the password has changed, run:

/interface wireless security-profiles print

In the column wpa2-pre-shared-key The new password should be displayed (in the form of asterisks).

How to choose a strong Wi-Fi password on a MikroTik

A weak password is like an open door for hackers. According to research, more than 30% of Wi-Fi networks They use passwords that can be cracked in minutes. To keep your network secure, follow these rules:

• 🔐 Length must be at least 12 charactersShort passwords (8-10 characters) can be cracked using brute force in hours.
• 🎲 Complexity: Use a mixture of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols (!@#$%). Example: MikroTik_Router_2026!.
• 🚫 Avoid obvious combinations: dates of birth, names, words from the dictionary, sequences (12345678, qwerty).
• 🔄 Regular change: Update your password every 3-6 months or after it has been shared with guests.
• 📱 Password manager: Keep your password in a safe place (e.g. KeePass, Bitwarden), so as not to forget.

Check the strength of your password using online services (for example, How Secure Is My Password?If the service shows that your password will be hacked in less than a year, come up with a different one.

If you are afraid of forgetting a complex password, use by the phrase method: Take an easy-to-remember phrase and transform it. For example:

• ILoveMikroTikIn2026! → YLMTv2026! (first letters + year + sign).
• MyRouterIsTheFastest! → MRSB!26.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when changing their password. MikroTikHere are the most common problems and their solutions:

1. The network disappeared after changing the password.:

   • Check if the wireless interface is disabled (Wireless → status should be running).
   • Make sure that in your network settings (Wireless → tab General) the correct one is indicated Security Profile.
   • If used VLAN or Bridge, check their settings.

2. Devices do not connect to Wi-Fi:

   • Reboot your router (System → Reboot).
   • On devices, "forget the network" and reconnect.
   • Check if it is turned on MAC filter (Wireless → Access List).

3. The password is not saved:

   • Make sure you have sufficient rights (the user must have a group full or write).
   • Check your free disk space (Files → if less than 1 MB, clear log files).
   • Update your router firmware (System → Packages → Check For Updates).

/ip firewall filter add chain=input src-address=!192.168.88.0/24 action=drop

/ip dhcp-server lease print