Recommended: Crashes or Glitches? A Free Driver Scan Usually Finds the Culprit →Recommended: PC Feels Slow? A Free Scan Shows What's Dragging Windows Down →Recommended: Update Every Outdated Driver on Your PC in One Scan - Free →
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Yes—set the new router to use the exact same Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password as the old router. Devices that saved those credentials can generally reconnect without you entering them again. It is not guaranteed for every device: a typo, an incompatible security mode, or both routers broadcasting the same network can cause problems.
Set up the new router with your existing Wi-Fi details
- Get the modem and internet service ready. Follow the setup method for your router, such as its phone app, web interface, or guided setup. For example, Google Nest Wifi setup connects the router’s WAN port to the modem with an Ethernet cable; use a suitable cable if you do not already have one. See Google’s Nest Wifi setup instructions.
- Enter the old Wi-Fi name and password. Open the new router’s Wi-Fi or wireless settings and copy both values exactly, including capitalization and punctuation. Passwords may be case-sensitive. If the router offers separate settings for different bands, match the network names and settings your devices used; the available controls vary by model. ASUS documents both per-band settings and differences between firmware menus in its wireless name and password instructions.
- Save or apply the changes. The phone or computer you used to configure the router may lose its connection when the settings change. Select the configured Wi-Fi network and reconnect if needed. NETGEAR’s instructions use its router login interface; your router’s app or menus may differ. See NETGEAR’s steps for changing a Wi-Fi name or password.
- Stop the old router from broadcasting the same Wi-Fi network. Turn off its Wi-Fi or shut the router down if it is no longer needed. If both routers broadcast the same name, devices may connect to either one. If you need to keep the old router in service, follow the vendor’s guidance for that network setup rather than leaving duplicate Wi-Fi broadcasts by accident.
Google recommends reusing the previous network name and password so devices can stay connected. Its guidance is not a promise that every device will reconnect under every configuration. See Google Nest Wifi setup and Google’s Wi-Fi name guidance.
Check security compatibility if a device will not connect
The saved name and password are only part of a Wi-Fi connection; the device and router also need a compatible security mode. Microsoft recommends WPA3 when both the router and Windows PC support it. Some older devices may not connect to WPA3-Personal, according to ASUS.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
If an older device cannot join, check which security modes it supports and consult the router’s documentation for a suitable mixed or compatibility mode. Prefer WPA3 when all relevant devices support it, but do not assume every client does. Avoid weakening security more than necessary.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
TP-Link Smart WiFi 6 Dual Band Router 4 Gigabit LAN Ports
- OneMesh Compatible Router - Form a seamless WiFi when work with TP-Link OneMesh WiFi Extenders
- Next-Gen Wi-Fi 6 Technology – The Archer AX10 leverages advanced Wi-Fi 6 features like OFDMA and 1024-QAM to deliver improved efficiency across your entire network. Perfect for high-bandwidth activities like streaming, gaming, and smart home connectivity.
- Next-gen Dual Band router - 300 Mbps on 2. 4 GHz (802. 11n) plus 1201 Mbps on 5 GHz (802. 11ax)
- Connect more devices than ever before - Wi-Fi 6 technology simultaneously communicates more data to more devices using OFDMA and MU-MIMO while reducing lag dramatically
- Powerful Dual-Core 900MHz Processor – Handles multiple data streams simultaneously for reliable performance across your devices. Ensures smooth streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing without buffering or lag.
Troubleshoot a device that does not reconnect
- Verify the credentials: Compare the SSID and password character by character with the old settings. Check capitalization, spaces, and punctuation.
- Check the saved network on the device: If it still fails, remove or forget the saved Wi-Fi network on that device, then select the new router’s network and enter the password again.
- Check the security mode: Confirm the router is not set to WPA3-only if the device does not support WPA3. Use a mode supported by both, following the router maker’s guidance.
- Check for a second router using the same name: Turn off the old router’s Wi-Fi if it is no longer needed. Google notes that devices may attach to either router when both broadcast the same network; see its guidance on changing the Wi-Fi name.
- Reconnect the setup device: If the phone or computer used for setup disconnected after saving the settings, select the configured network and join it again.
Keep the Wi-Fi password separate from the router admin password
The Wi-Fi password lets devices join the wireless network. The router administrator password is used to sign in to router settings; it is a different credential. NETGEAR explicitly distinguishes the two in its router password and network name instructions. Enter the old Wi-Fi password in the wireless settings—not in an administrator-password field.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 4
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX73)
- 𝐆𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐅𝐢 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟖𝐊 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 – Up to 5400 Mbps WiFi for faster browsing, streaming, gaming and downloading, all at the same time. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, & obstacles such as walls.
- 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐅𝐢 𝟔 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫 – Equipped with 4T4R and HE160 technologies on the 5 GHz band to enable max 4.8 Gbps ultra-fast connections.Power:12 V 2.5 A
- 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 – Supports MU-MIMO and OFDMA to reduce congestion and 4X the average throughput
- 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 - Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft. High-Power FEM, 6× Antennas, Beamforming, and 4T4R structures combine to adapt WiFi coverage to perfectly fit your home and concentrate signal strength towards your devices.
- 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭 – Improved vented areas help unleash the full power of the router
Rank #4
NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Router R6700AX, Up to 1,500 sq ft, 1.8 Gbps
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
Rank #3
TP-Link Dual-Band AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Gigabit Internet Router for Home
- Next-Gen Gigabit Wi-Fi 6 Speeds: 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz bands ensure smoother streaming and faster downloads; support VPN server and VPN client¹
- A More Responsive Experience: Enjoy smooth gaming, video streaming, and live feeds simultaneously. OFDMA makes your Wi-Fi stronger by allowing multiple clients to share one band at the same time, cutting latency and jitter.²
- Expanded Wi-Fi Coverage: 4 high-gain external antennas and Beamforming technology combine to extend strong, reliable, Wi-Fi throughout your home.
- Improved Battery Life: Target Wake Time helps your devices to communicate efficiently while consuming less power.
- Improved Cooling Design: No heat ups, no throttles. A larger heat sink and redefined case design cools the WiFi 6 system and enables your network to stay at top speeds in more versatile environments.
Rank #2
Sale
TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21 V5)
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
