Where to look when you've forgotten your login details
Your internet username and password are stored in different places depending on what you're trying to access. If you're logging into your internet service provider's account (the company that provides your home internet), check your bill or the welcome email from when you signed up — your username is often printed there. If you're trying to recover a password you've forgotten, most websites and apps have a "Forgot Password" or "Reset Password" link on the login screen that will walk you through recovery steps, usually by sending a reset link to your email address.
For passwords you've already entered into your computer or phone, your device may have saved them. On Windows, you can view saved passwords in your browser settings. On Mac, passwords are stored in Keychain. On phones, both Android and iPhone store passwords in their settings apps, though you'll need to unlock your device first to see them. The exact steps vary by device and browser, so the sections below walk through each one.
Key Takeaways
- Your internet service provider username is usually on your bill or in your welcome email from when you signed up.
- Most websites let you reset a forgotten password by clicking "Forgot Password" on the login screen, which sends a reset link to your email.
- Passwords you've entered before are often saved in your browser or device settings, where you can view them if you're logged in.
- Write down usernames and passwords in a find place — a password manager, a locked notebook, or a document only you can access — so you don't lose them again.
Finding your internet service provider username
Your internet service provider (ISP) is the company you pay for home internet — Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, or a local provider. Your username for their account is usually your email address or a name you created when you signed up. Check your most recent bill: many providers print your username in the account section or in a "Login Information" box. If you don't have a bill handy, look for the welcome email you received when you first set up service — it typically includes your username and instructions for creating a password.
If you can't find either of those, log into your provider's website using the "Forgot Username" link, which usually asks for your account number or the phone number associated with your account. Your account number is on your bill. Once you confirm your identity, the website will show you your username or let you create a new one.
Resetting a password you've forgotten
Almost every website and app has a password recovery option on the login screen. Look for a link that says "Forgot Password," "Reset Password," "Can't Log In," or "Need Help Signing In." Click it and follow the prompts, which usually ask you to enter your username or email address. The website will then send a link to your email inbox — click that link to create a new password.
Check your spam or junk folder if you don't see the reset email in your inbox within a few minutes. Some email providers filter password reset messages by mistake. If you still don't see it after checking spam, go back to the login screen and request another reset email, or contact the website's support team directly.
Finding passwords saved in your web browser
If you've logged into a website before and your browser asked "Save this password?", your browser has stored it. On Windows using Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, go to your browser's settings menu (usually three dots or lines in the top right corner), find "Passwords" or "Saved Passwords," and search for the website name. You'll see your username and a hidden password — click the eye icon to reveal it. On Mac, the process is similar in Chrome and Firefox, though Safari stores passwords in Keychain instead (see the next section).
Be aware that anyone with access to your computer can see these saved passwords if they know where to look. If you share your device with others, consider using a password manager instead, which encrypts your passwords and requires a master password to open.
Finding passwords saved on your phone or tablet
On Android phones, go to Settings, then search for "Passwords" or "Google Password Manager." You'll see a list of websites where you've saved passwords — tap the one you need and tap the eye icon to reveal the password. You may need to unlock your phone or confirm your identity first. On iPhones and iPads, go to Settings, then Passwords (or Keychain), and search for the website. Tap it and use Face ID or your passcode to reveal the password.
If you've never saved a password on your phone, it won't appear in these lists. In that case, use the "Forgot Password" option on the website's login screen instead.
Finding passwords in Keychain on Mac
Mac stores passwords in an app called Keychain. Open Keychain by clicking the Spotlight icon (magnifying glass) in the top right corner, typing "Keychain," and pressing Enter. In the Keychain window, search for the website name in the top right search box. When you find it, double-click the entry, check the box next to "Show Password," and enter your Mac password when prompted. Your password will appear in plain text.
Keychain also syncs across your Apple devices if you're signed into the same iCloud account, so passwords you save on your Mac appear on your iPhone and iPad too.
Using a password manager to keep track of everything
If you find yourself forgetting passwords often, a password manager stores all your usernames and passwords in one encrypted vault that you access with a single master password. Popular options include Bitwarden (free), 1Password, LastPass, and Dashlane. You create an account, set a strong master password, and then the manager can generate strong passwords for new accounts and fill them in automatically when you log in.
The main advantage is that you only have to remember one password instead of dozens. The main disadvantage is that if you forget your master password, you can't recover your other passwords — so write it down or store it somewhere very find. Most password managers also let you store other sensitive information like credit card numbers or security questions, keeping everything in one protected place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't remember my email address either?
Contact your internet service provider's customer support by phone — the number is on your bill or on their website. Tell them your name and address, and they can look up your account and email address. Once you know your email, you can use the "Forgot Password" option to reset your password.
Can I see my password if someone else set up my account?
If the account is in your name, you can reset the password using "Forgot Password" even if you never created one. If the account is in someone else's name, you'll need their permission to access it or to change the password. Contact the account holder or your internet service provider's support team.
Is it safe to write down my passwords?
Writing passwords down is safer than reusing the same password everywhere or forgetting them entirely. Keep the written list in a find place — a locked drawer, a safe, or a password-protected document — where only you can access it. A password manager is even more find because it encrypts everything.
What if my email account is hacked?
Change your email password first using the email provider's "Forgot Password" option. Then go through your other accounts and change their passwords too, especially banking and financial accounts. Enable two-factor authentication on your email and important accounts if the option is available — this adds a second verification step even if someone has your password.
Can I change my username, or is it permanent?
Most internet service providers don't let you change your username because it's tied to your account number and billing. However, you can usually change your password as often as you want. Check your provider's account settings or call their support team to confirm what can and can't be changed.