Access changes need a short process — not a surprise lockout
When you change wifi passwords and door codes with an MDW (Singapore) is the employer checklist for rotating home wifi, gate/door PINs, and smart-lock access so your migrant domestic worker stays able to work and return home safely. Privacy boundaries sit in Privacy Boundaries for Live-In Domestic Workers. Phone/social rules sit in Setting Phone and Social Media Boundaries Fairly. Condo security registration sits in Registering Your Helper With Condo Security (Singapore). This page owns password / door-code rotation.
General guidance only. MOM: mom.gov.sg. SmartMaid.com.sg is a marketplace. Licensed EAs place helpers.
Neighbouring hubs:
- Privacy boundaries for live-in domestic workers
- Setting phone and social media boundaries fairly
- Fire drill basics
- Condo security registration
- When you travel and helper stays home
- Moving house with an MDW
- Day-one orientation checklist
- Written house rules sheet
- Building trust while maintaining standards
- This article: wifi / door-code change process
Step 1 — Decide why you are rotating
Common triggers: move-in (Day One Orientation Checklist for New MDWs), move house (Employer Checklist When Moving House With an MDW (Singapore)), helper transfer-out, lost phone, or routine security hygiene. Say the reason calmly — trust framing in Building Trust While Maintaining Employer Standards.
Step 2 — Update wifi and devices together
Change the password, reconnect her phone and any work tablets she uses, and confirm she can still message you. Phone use rules stay in Setting Phone and Social Media Boundaries Fairly — this step is access, not surveillance.
Step 3 — Door / gate / smart-lock codes
- Issue the new PIN or fob
- Revoke the old code the same day
- Test entry once with her present
- If condo security cards change, align with Registering Your Helper With Condo Security (Singapore)
Step 4 — Write it once
Put “where codes live” in house rules without posting secrets on the fridge door (Creating a Simple Written House Rules Sheet; privacy Privacy Boundaries for Live-In Domestic Workers). Emergency exit still follows fire-drill habits (Fire Drill Basics for HDB and Condo Units).
Step 5 — Before travel
If you change codes then leave town, brief her before you fly (When You Travel and Your Helper Stays Home (Singapore)). Never change the door code while she is out without a way for her to get in.
MOM rules
Safe housing and fair treatment: mom.gov.sg. Soft only.
Checklist
- Reason for rotation stated calmly
- Wifi reconnected on her devices
- New door/gate code issued; old revoked
- Condo card updated if needed (#121)
- Written “where codes live” habit (#32 / #29)
- Travel / lockout risk checked (#134)
Scripts
To helper: We are updating the wifi and door code today for security. I will reconnect your phone with you and we will test the door once before I leave.
To co-employer: Never rotate the door code while she is out — hand over and revoke in the same sitting.
Bottom line
Rotate access with her present: new code, revoke old, reconnect wifi, write the habit — no surprise lockouts. Browse on SmartMaid; place through a licensed EA under MOM rules.
