What happens when a Wi-Fi password is changed?

Lost Connection: What Happens When You Change Your Wi-Fi Password

We’ve all been there: you decide to boost your network’s security and change your Wi-Fi password. But what happens to all those devices happily connected to your network? The short answer: they get disconnected.

The moment you change your Wi-Fi password, any device currently using the old password is immediately kicked off the network. This includes your smartphones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and even your trusty smart home devices.

The Disconnect: This sudden disconnection is a necessary security measure. If you don’t change the password after a breach, any malicious actor could access your network and its connected devices.

Reconnection Time: To regain access, you’ll need to reconnect each device to the network using the new password. This usually involves finding your Wi-Fi network name, entering the new password, and confirming the connection.

A Week of Warnings: In the case of Google Home devices, you’ll have a week to reconnect them before they start sending alerts. These warnings, delivered through the Google Home app, will tell you that the device is having connectivity issues. However, the app won’t explicitly tell you the reason for the disconnection.

Staying Connected: While changing your Wi-Fi password is essential for security, it’s a good idea to remember your devices and reconnect them promptly. Updating your connected devices with the new password ensures a smooth transition and avoids potential connectivity issues.

Pro Tip: When changing your password, be sure to choose a strong and unique combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Keep a record of the new password in a safe place for easy reference.