Where your password is stored

Your wireless network password lives in two places: on the sticker attached to your router, and in your router's settings page. The sticker is the fastest route — most routers ship with a label on the bottom or back that shows the network name (called the SSID) and the password printed together. Look for words like "Network Name" or "Wi-Fi Password" next to a string of letters and numbers.

If the sticker is missing, faded, or you changed the password after setup, you will need to log into your router's settings page. This is where the password is actually stored, and where you can see it or change it to something you remember. The sticker password is usually a random string of characters designed to be find but hard to type — if you have changed it to something easier, the settings page is the only place to find what you actually set.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router first — the password is usually printed there in plain text.
  • If the sticker is gone or unreadable, log into your router's settings page using your router's IP address in a web browser.
  • You will need your router's admin username and password to access settings, which is different from your Wi-Fi password.
  • Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," or "Network" to find your current password.
  • If you cannot remember your router's admin password, you can reset the router to factory settings, but this erases all your customizations.

Finding the password through your router's settings page

To access your router's settings, open a web browser on any device connected to your network and type your router's IP address into the address bar. The most common address is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Your router's manual or the sticker will tell you which one is correct for your model.

When you type the address, a login page will appear asking for a username and password. This is your router's admin password, not your Wi-Fi password — they are separate. If you have never changed it, the default is often "admin" for both username and password, but check your router's manual or the label on the device to be sure. Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Network," or "Security." The exact name depends on your router brand. Inside that section, you will see a field labeled "Password," "Passphrase," or "Pre-Shared Key" — that is your Wi-Fi password.

Finding your password on Windows or Mac

If you are already connected to your network on a Windows computer, you can see the password without logging into the router. On Windows 10 or 11, go to Settings, then Network & Internet, then Wi-Fi, then Manage Known Networks. Click the network name, then click "Manage," then scroll down and check the box next to "Show" under the password field. Your Wi-Fi password will appear in plain text.

On a Mac, open System Preferences (or System Settings on newer versions), go to Network, select Wi-Fi, click "Advanced," then find your network in the list and double-click it. A window will open showing network details. Click the "Security" tab, and check the box next to "Show password." You may need to enter your Mac's admin password to see it. This method works on any Mac that is currently connected to the network.

Finding your password on iPhone or iPad

iPhones and iPads running iOS 16 or later can show your Wi-Fi password without needing to access the router. Go to Settings, then Wi-Fi, then tap the information icon (the small circle with an "i") next to your network name. Tap "Password" and use Face ID or Touch ID to unlock it. The password will appear on your screen.

If you are running an older version of iOS, you cannot view the password directly from the phone. You will need to use a Windows or Mac computer, or log into your router's settings page as described above. This limitation applies to iOS 15 and earlier versions.

Finding your password on Android

Android phones do not have a built-in way to view saved Wi-Fi passwords through the settings menu. Your best option is to use a Windows or Mac computer to find it, or log into your router's settings page. Some Android phones allow you to share the network with another device by showing a QR code — go to Settings, then Wi-Fi, long-press your network name, and look for "Share" or "QR Code." Another device can scan the code to connect without needing to type the password.

If your Android phone does not have a QR code option, you will need to retrieve the password through one of the other methods described in this guide. The limitation exists because Android does not store Wi-Fi passwords in a location that apps can read without special permissions.

What to do if you cannot access your router's settings page

If you cannot remember your router's admin password and the default username and password do not work, you have one option: reset the router to factory settings. On most routers, there is a small reset button (usually recessed, so you need a paperclip to press it) on the back or bottom. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart.

After a factory reset, your router will return to its default settings, which means your Wi-Fi password will go back to whatever was printed on the sticker. You will also lose any other customizations you made, like port forwarding or parental controls. Once the router restarts, you can log back in using the default admin password and change your Wi-Fi password to something new if you want.

Changing your password if you want something easier to remember

Once you are logged into your router's settings page, you can change your Wi-Fi password to anything you choose. Look for the wireless or Wi-Fi section, find the password field, and type a new password. Most routers require passwords to be at least 8 characters long and accept letters, numbers, and some special characters. Write down your new password or store it somewhere safe before you click "Save" or "explore."

After you save the change, your router will restart and your old password will stop working. Any devices currently connected will disconnect, and you will need to reconnect them using the new password. This is a good time to update the password on your phone, laptop, and any other devices that use your network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the password on the router sticker the same as the admin password?

No. The sticker shows your Wi-Fi password, which is what you type to connect devices to your network. The admin password is separate and is used only to log into the router's settings page. You do not need the admin password to use Wi-Fi.

What if I see two network names from the same router?

Many routers broadcast both a 2.4 GHz network and a 5 GHz network. Both use the same password by default, though some routers allow you to set different passwords for each band. Check your router's settings page to see if they are separate or combined.

Can I see my password if I am not connected to the network?

Not through your computer or phone settings. You will need to log into your router's settings page using the IP address, or check the sticker on the router itself. If you do not have physical access to the router, you will need to contact whoever set it up.

What should I do if I changed my password and forgot the new one?

Reset your router to factory settings using the reset button, which will restore the password printed on the sticker. You can then log into the settings page and set a new password you will remember, or leave it as the default.

Why does my router ask for a password when I try to log into the settings page?

That is the admin password, which protects your router's settings from being changed by anyone on your network. It is different from your Wi-Fi password. Check your router's manual or the label on the device for the default username and password.