How to Fix an Incorrect Network Password: Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Wi-Fi Credentials

Entering your Wi-Fi password only to receive an incorrect network password error can be frustrating. Whether you recently changed your password, forgot it, or are facing a Wi-Fi authentication issue, there are several reasons why this error might occur.

This step-by-step guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve incorrect network password errors, reset your Wi-Fi password, and restore connectivity using your router admin settings.

Common Causes of Incorrect Network Password Errors

A Wi-Fi password error can occur due to:

• Typing mistakes – Extra spaces, wrong capitalization, or missing characters.
• Recent password change – If the password was updated, devices may try to connect using the old credentials.
• Saved network settings conflict – Cached Wi-Fi credentials can cause connection failures.
• Router configuration changes – A reset or firmware update may have reset the Wi-Fi password.
• Caps Lock or Num Lock enabled – Many passwords are case-sensitive.

Now, let’s go through step-by-step troubleshooting to resolve this issue.

Step 1: Verify and Re-enter the Wi-Fi Password

Before making changes, double-check the password you’re entering:

✅ Ensure proper capitalization – Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive.
✅ Avoid unnecessary spaces – Some devices auto-insert spaces at the end.
✅ Confirm special characters – If your password contains symbols, ensure they are typed correctly.

If you’re still getting the incorrect network password error, move to Step 2.

Step 2: Forget and Reconnect to the Wi-Fi Network

Cached credentials may be preventing a proper connection. Forgetting and reconnecting can fix this.

For Windows:

1. Open Settings > Network > Internet > Wi-Fi.
2. Click Manage Known Networks.
3. Select your Wi-Fi network and click Forget.
4. Reconnect and enter the correct password.

For Mac:

1. Open System Preferences > Network > Wi-Fi.
2. Click Advanced and find your Wi-Fi network.
3. Select it and click Remove (-).
4. Reconnect using the correct password.

For Android & iPhone:

1. Open Wi-Fi settings and tap on the connected network.
2. Tap Forget This Network.
3. Reconnect and enter the correct password.

If the issue persists, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3: Check the Router’s Wi-Fi Password

If you’re unsure of the correct Wi-Fi password, check your router admin settings.

How to Find Your Wi-Fi Password in the Router:

1. Log in to your router’s admin panel (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Enter your router admin username and password (usually found on the router’s label).
3. Navigate to Wireless Settings > Wi-Fi Security.
4. Look for the Wi-Fi password (WPA/WPA2 key).
5. If necessary, reset or update the password.

Use this password to reconnect your device. If it still doesn’t work, move to Step 4.

Step 4: Restart Your Router and Device

A simple restart can resolve Wi-Fi authentication errors.

1. Turn off your router and modem.
2. Unplug them for 30 seconds.
3. Restart your phone, laptop, or other devices.
4. Turn the router back on and try reconnecting.

If the problem persists, continue to Step 5.

Step 5: Check If Your Device Is Blocked in the Router

Some routers have security settings that block unknown devices, preventing them from connecting.

How to Check Device Access in Router Settings:

1. Log in to your router admin panel.
2. Navigate to Wireless Settings > MAC Filtering or Access Control.
3. Check if your device’s MAC address is blocked or blacklisted.
4. If blocked, remove it and save changes.

If your device was blocked, it should now be able to connect. If not, proceed to Step 6.

Step 6: Reset or Change Your Wi-Fi Password

If you can’t remember your Wi-Fi password, you can reset it in the router admin panel.

How to Reset Wi-Fi Password in Router Settings:

1. Log in to your router admin panel (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Go to Wireless Settings > Security.
3. Set a new Wi-Fi password (use a strong but memorable one).
4. Click Save and restart the router.
5. Try connecting with the new password.

If you still see the incorrect network password error, move to Step 7.

Step 7: Update Network Drivers (Windows & Mac)

Outdated network drivers may cause Wi-Fi authentication issues.

For Windows:

1. Open Device Manager (Win X > Device Manager).
2. Expand Network Adapters.
3. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and select Update Driver.
4. Restart your computer and try reconnecting.

For Mac:

1. Open System Preferences > Software Update.
2. Install any available updates.
3. Restart your Mac.

If the password error persists, proceed to Step 8.

Step 8: Reset Network Settings on Your Device

If network settings are misconfigured, resetting them can help.

For Windows:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (Win R, type cmd, press Enter).

Type the following commands and press Enter after each:
perl
CopyEdit
netsh winsock reset

netsh int ip reset

ipconfig /flushdns

1. Restart your computer.

For Mac:

Open Terminal and type:
nginx
CopyEdit
sudo ifconfig en0 down

sudo ifconfig en0 up

1. Restart your Mac and reconnect.

For Android & iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > General > Reset.
2. Tap Reset Network Settings.
3. Reconnect to Wi-Fi with the correct password.

If you still get an incorrect password error, proceed to Step 9.

Step 9: Factory Reset the Router (Last Resort)

If all else fails, resetting the router to factory settings will restore default Wi-Fi credentials.

How to Factory Reset Your Router:

1. Locate the reset button (usually at the back of the router).
2. Press and hold it for 10-15 seconds using a paperclip.
3. Release and wait for the router to reboot.
4. Log in to router settings and set up a new Wi-Fi password.

Once reset, reconnect your devices using the new credentials.

Get Expert IT Support for Wi-Fi and Password Issues

If you’re still facing incorrect network password, Wi-Fi authentication issues, or password recovery problems, expert help is available. TechNow offers IT Support Services in Germany, specializing in Wi-Fi troubleshooting, router admin access, and password recovery. Contact us today for expert solutions!