How to Change a Linksys Passcode

Ports On A Router

A Linksys router allows multiple computers to share network resources, namely printers, servers and Internet connectivity. Although there are scores of different models of Linksys routers, all models fall into two categories; wired and wireless. While having a password is vital on wireless units, it's also important to enable admin security on a non-wireless model, as a connected user could change the settings and disrupt network connectivity on a Linksys router.

Things You'll Need

• Ethernet RJ-45 cable

Instructions

1. 

   Ethernet Connections

   Attach your computer to the Linksys router using an Ethernet cable. Plug the cable into one of the numbered ports on the back of the unit. If your Linksys is wireless and doesn't have any RJ-45 ports on the back or it's inaccessible or inconvenient to access it, you will have to connect wirelessly as described in Step 2.

2. 

   Using A Laptop To Connect Wirelessly

   Connect to your wireless network. Windows users can click on the Wireless icon in the system tray (lower right of the screen). If you're on a Mac, pull down the wireless icon (a pizza slice-shaped icon in the upper right of the screen) to select your wireless network. If you don't know the wireless passcode, then you have to connect with an Ethernet cable or reset the router as described in Step 6.

3. 

   A Passcode Protects Your Network

   Confirm your router's IP number. On a Windows PC, select "Run" under "Start" type in "cmd" and then type in ipconfig/all" to see your router's IP number. On a Mac, launch "System Preferences" in "Applications' and click on "Network" to see the router's IP number. The default IP number for Linksys routers is 192.168.1.1, but if another user has configured the unit, the IP might be different.

4. 

   Your Router Connects To Your Modem

   Enter the router's IP number in the URL bar of a Web browser. Enter "admin" for both the user name and password. However, if this was reset by a previous user, you need to enter the correct user name and password; otherwise you need to reset your router as described in Step 6.

5. 

   Record Your Wireless Password

   Click on the "Administration" tab in the Linksys admin page to change the administration user name and password. Click on "Save Changes" and "Continue" when finished. Click on the "Wireless" tab and then "Wireless Security" to change the wireless passcode. Pull down the "Security Mode" menu if it indicates "None" to enable security. Although there are many choices, select "WEP" and enter a 26-character passcode in the "Key 1" field. Record this password for future reference.

6. 

   Use A Pen To Reset Your Linksys

   Reset the unit to its original factory defaults if all else fails. Use a pen to hold in the "Reset" button (found on the back of the unit) for 45 seconds. Connect to the Linksys either wired (with an Ethernet cable) or wirelessly (selecting the wireless network named "linksys") and then enter 192.168.1.1 in you browser. Type in "admin" for both the user name and password, and then change the wireless password as well as the admin user and password as described in Step 5.

Tips & Warnings

• Perform a screen capture of the settings in the event you need to reconfigure the router.

• If you're on DSL, confirm you have your DSL login name and password before resetting your Linksys.

References

• Linksys® by Cisco

Resources

• Microsoft: Wireless Support
• Apple: Wireless Support