How do I connect all my devices to my new WiFi router?

You need to manually reconnect each WiFi device. Start with your phone or tablet by going to WiFi settings, forgetting the old network, and connecting to the new one. Then repeat for computers, printers, Smart TVs, and other devices. Each device has slightly different steps, but the general process is: forget old network, select new network, enter password.

Should I use the same network name (SSID) as my old router?

Use a new network name for your new router. While using the same name seems convenient, it often causes confusion because devices get stuck searching for the old network. A new name makes it clear which network is active and prevents connection issues.

How do I find my new WiFi password?

Check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router for the default network name and password. You can also find it in the router's setup paperwork. If you changed it during setup and forgot it, you'll need to access your router's admin page or reset the router to factory defaults.

WiFi Not Working After New Router? How to Get All Your Devices Connected

Step 1: Find Your New WiFi Network Name and Password

Check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router for the default network name and password. Before you can reconnect anything, you need to know the name of your new WiFi network (called the SSID) and the password. Your router came with this information, and you may have changed it during setup.

Where to Find This Information:

On a sticker on the router: Most routers have a label on the bottom or back with the default network name and password
In the router's setup instructions: Check the quick start guide or paperwork that came with the router
On a device that's already connected: If your phone or computer is already connected, you can find the password in WiFi settings

Why This Matters:

Your devices are still trying to connect to your old WiFi network. To connect them to the new one, you need to manually tell each device the new network name and password.

Step 2: Reconnect Your Phone or Tablet First

Go to WiFi settings on your phone, forget the old network, then select your new WiFi network and enter the password. Start with your phone or tablet because it's the easiest to reconnect, and once it's connected, you can use it to help reconnect other devices.

On iPhone or iPad:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap WiFi
3. You'll see your old network with "Not Connected" — tap the (i) icon next to it
4. Tap "Forget This Network" to remove the old one
5. Go back and select your new WiFi network from the list
6. Enter the new password and tap Join

On Android Phone or Tablet:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Network & Internet (or Connections)
3. Tap WiFi
4. Tap your old network name, then tap Forget
5. Select your new WiFi network from the list
6. Enter the new password and tap Connect

Step 3: Reconnect Your Computer

Forget the old network in your computer's WiFi settings, then select your new network and enter the password. Your laptop or desktop computer needs to forget the old network and connect to the new one.

On Windows 10/11:

1. Click the WiFi icon in the taskbar (bottom right of screen)
2. Click Network & Internet settings
3. Click WiFi, then Manage known networks
4. Find your old network name and click Forget
5. Click the WiFi icon again and select your new network
6. Enter the new password and click Connect

On Mac:

1. Click the WiFi icon in the menu bar (top right)
2. Click WiFi Settings
3. Click Advanced
4. Find your old network in the list and click the minus (-) button to remove it
5. Click OK, then click the WiFi icon again
6. Select your new network and enter the password

Step 4: Reconnect Your Printer

Press the WiFi or Wireless button on your printer, run the Wireless Setup Wizard, select your new network, and enter the password. Printers are often the most frustrating device to reconnect because the WiFi setup process varies by brand. Here's the general approach that works for most printers.

General Steps for Most Printers:

1. On the printer's control panel, look for a WiFi or Wireless button
2. Press it to open the WiFi settings menu
3. Select "Wireless Setup Wizard" or "Network Setup"
4. The printer will scan for available networks
5. Select your new WiFi network from the list
6. Use the printer's keypad or touchscreen to enter the new password
7. Confirm and wait for the printer to connect (it may take 1-2 minutes)

Printer-Specific Note:

If your printer doesn't have a screen or buttons, you may need to use WPS (WiFi Protected Setup). Look for a WPS button on your router and on your printer. Press the WPS button on your router, then press the WPS button on your printer within 2 minutes. They'll connect automatically without needing a password.

Step 5: Reconnect Your Smart TV or Streaming Device

Navigate to Network settings on your TV, select your new WiFi network, and enter the password using the on-screen keyboard. Smart TVs, Roku devices, Fire Sticks, and Apple TVs all need to reconnect to your new WiFi network.

For Most Smart TVs:

1. Press the Home or Menu button on your TV remote
2. Navigate to Settings
3. Find Network or WiFi settings
4. Select Wireless Network or WiFi
5. Choose your new network from the list
6. Enter the new password using the on-screen keyboard
7. Confirm and test the connection

Should I Use the Same Network Name as My Old Router?

Use a new network name for your new router to avoid connection confusion and issues. Some people think using the same network name (SSID) and password as the old router will automatically reconnect all devices. This sometimes works, but it often causes confusion because devices get stuck trying to connect to the old network that no longer exists.

Our Recommendation:

Use a new network name for your new router. It takes a little extra time to reconnect everything manually, but you'll avoid confusion and connection issues down the road. Give your new network a slightly different name (like "MyHome-WiFi-NEW") so you can tell them apart.

Why This Works Better:

When you use a different network name, your devices won't get confused trying to connect to the old network. You can clearly see which network is the new one and manually reconnect each device with the correct settings.

Do I Need to Forget the Old Network First?

Yes, forget the old network on phones, tablets, and computers before connecting to the new one to prevent battery drain and connection problems. For phones, tablets, and computers, yes — it's best to forget the old network before connecting to the new one. This prevents your device from constantly searching for the old network and draining battery.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✗Don't assume devices will reconnect automatically: They won't. You need to manually reconnect each WiFi device.
✗Don't skip forgetting the old network: Leaving the old network saved causes connection problems and battery drain.
✗Don't give up on printers too quickly: Printer WiFi setup is finicky, but it works if you follow the steps carefully. Check your printer's manual if needed.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

✓Make a list of all WiFi devices: Write down every device that connects to WiFi (phones, tablets, computers, printers, Smart TVs, security cameras, smart speakers, etc.).
✓Reconnect one device at a time: Don't rush. Connect and test each device before moving to the next.
✓Write down your new WiFi password: Keep it somewhere safe so you don't have to hunt for it every time you need to connect something new.
✓Test internet speed after reconnecting: Visit speedtest.net on each device to make sure your new router is working properly.

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