A correct-looking password can fail because the device selects a similarly named network, uses stale credentials, cannot support the security mode or receives a smart-setup prompt. Compare the exact network name, including capitalisation, on a device that is already connected.
Differential
Likely causes of “Wi-Fi keeps saying the correct password is wrong”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The device is trying to join a similarly named network
What separates it The password is right for one network but the device selected another, such as an extended, guest or 2.4 GHz twin with a slightly different name.
How to confirm Compare the exact network name, including capitalisation, on a device that is already connected.
- 2
Stale saved credentials from before a password change
What separates it The device connected before the password was changed and keeps offering the old one.
How to confirm Forget the network on the device and enter the password by hand.
- 3
The security mode is not supported by the device
What separates it An older device fails against WPA3-only or an unusual security setting, while newer devices join without trouble.
How to confirm Check the router's security mode and try WPA2/WPA3 transition mode for the older device.
- 4
A special character or typing error in the password
What separates it The password contains symbols that the on-screen keyboard changes, or a letter O and a zero are mixed up.
How to confirm Type the password into a text field first to check it, and compare characters carefully.
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact network name shown on a connected device and on the failing one.
- The router's security mode and whether the password was changed recently.
- Whether the device is older and whether other devices join the same network.
Try in this order
0 of 4 completedCapture the exact symptom
ReversibleVerify the exact SSID, capitalization and router security mode from an already connected device.
Run the smallest isolation test
ReversibleForget the network, type the password manually and test WPA2/WPA3 transition mode for older hardware.
Correct only the proven cause
ReversibleRename confusing duplicate/extended SSIDs or update the client; change the network password only if every device is affected.
Verify before changing anything else
ReversibleReconnect after restart and confirm the saved network rejoins automatically.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Change the Wi-Fi password only if every device can be rejoined afterwards; a change to fix one device can disconnect all the others.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my phone say the password is wrong when it is right?+
The phone may be trying a different network name, holding an old saved password or failing on the security mode. Forget the network and re-enter it by hand.
Why does a correct password get rejected?+
Security-mode mismatches, a router glitch or a saved old network entry can cause the error.
Could the router security type matter?+
Very old devices may not support newer security like WPA3. Switching to WPA2 on the router can help.