Check the sticker on your router first
The easiest place to find your router password is on a sticker attached to the device itself. Most routers have a label on the bottom or back that lists the network name (SSID) and the default password. Look for text that says "WiFi Password", "Network Key", "PSK", or straightforward "Password" — the password is usually a string of letters and numbers.
If the sticker is still there and readable, you can use that password to connect a device right now. This password is the one the manufacturer set before the router shipped to you. Many people never change it, so the sticker password often still works.
If the sticker is missing, faded, or you cannot read it, move to the next step. Do not assume the password has changed — the default may still be active even if you cannot see the label.
Log into your router's admin panel to see or reset the password
To view or change your WiFi password, you need to enter your router's admin panel — a settings page you reach through a web browser or an app. This requires a different password: your admin password, which lets you change router settings. This is not the same as your WiFi password.
Open a web browser on a computer or phone connected to your WiFi. Type one of these addresses into the address bar: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or routerlogin.net. One of these will load your router's login page.
When prompted for a username and password, try admin for both fields — this is the default for most routers. If that does not work, check the sticker on your router again; it may list the admin credentials separately from the WiFi password. If you changed the admin password in the past and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the router (see the section below).
Once you are logged in, look for a section called "WiFi Settings", "Wireless", "Network", or "Security". Your current WiFi password will be displayed there, often in a field labeled "Password", "Passphrase", or "Pre-Shared Key". You can also change it to something new if you want.
Key Takeaways
- The WiFi password is printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of your router, and this default password often still works even if you do not remember setting it.
- You can view your current WiFi password by logging into your router's admin panel at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 using the default admin username and password.
- The admin password (used to change router settings) is different from the WiFi password (used to connect devices), and both may be listed on the router sticker.
- If you cannot log in with the default admin credentials, you will need to perform a factory reset, which erases all your settings and returns the router to its original state.
Reset your router if you cannot log in
If the default admin password does not work and you cannot remember the one you set, the only way forward is a factory reset. This erases all your router settings and returns it to the state it shipped in, including resetting the admin password back to the default.
Locate the reset button on your router — it is usually a small, recessed button on the back or bottom. You will need a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press it. Hold the button down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the router will blink, and it will restart. This process takes a few minutes.
After the reset completes, the router will be back to factory defaults. The WiFi password will be the one on the sticker (or the manufacturer's default if the sticker is gone). The admin password will also be the default — usually admin and admin, or whatever is listed on the sticker. You can then log in and change both passwords to something you choose.
Warning: a factory reset will disconnect all your devices from WiFi and erase any custom settings you made, such as port forwarding or parental controls. Only do this if you truly cannot remember your admin password.
Find your password if you are using a modem-router combo
Some internet providers give you a single device that combines a modem and router. The process is the same: look for a sticker with the default WiFi password, or log into the admin panel at 192.168.1.1 to view and change it.
The main difference is that your internet provider may have set a custom default password instead of the manufacturer's standard one. If the sticker password does not work and the default admin credentials do not let you in, contact your provider — they have a record of what they set and can tell you the default or help you reset it.
Use your phone or computer to see the password you are already connected to
If you are already connected to your WiFi on a phone or computer, you can view the password from that device without logging into the router.
On Windows: Right-click the WiFi icon in the taskbar, select "Open Network & Internet Settings", then click "WiFi" and "Manage Known Networks". Click the network name, then "Properties". Scroll down to "Security type and password" — the password appears there, though it may be hidden. Click the eye icon to reveal it.
On Mac: Open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight). Search for your network name. Double-click the result, check the "Show password" box, and enter your Mac password when prompted. The WiFi password will appear.
On iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings, then WiFi, and tap the network name. The password does not display directly, but you can use AirDrop to share it with another Apple device, or take a screenshot to see it in the image.
On Android: The process varies by manufacturer and Android version. Generally, go to Settings, then WiFi, long-press the network name, and select "Share" or "Show password". Some phones require you to enter your PIN first.
Change your password after you find it
Once you have found your password, consider changing it to something only you know. A strong WiFi password prevents neighbors or passersby from connecting to your network and using your internet.
Log into your router's admin panel, navigate to WiFi or Wireless settings, and look for a field labeled "Password", "Passphrase", or "Pre-Shared Key". Enter a new password — aim for at least 12 characters mixing letters, numbers, and symbols. Save the change, and your router will restart. All your devices will disconnect and will need the new password to reconnect.
Write down or save your new password somewhere safe, such as a password manager. This prevents you from being locked out again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between my WiFi password and my admin password?
Your WiFi password is what you type to connect a phone, laptop, or other device to your network. Your admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings page to change configurations. They are separate, and you need the admin password to view or change the WiFi password.
Will resetting my router delete my internet connection?
No. A factory reset erases only the router's settings — your internet connection from your provider remains active. After the reset, you will need to reconnect your devices using the default WiFi password, but your internet service itself will not be interrupted.
Can I view my WiFi password if I am not connected to the network?
Not from your phone or computer. You must either be connected to the network, have access to the router's admin panel, or check the sticker on the device itself. If you are locked out of the admin panel and cannot see the sticker, a factory reset is your only option.
What should I do if the default admin password does not work?
If you previously changed the admin password and cannot remember it, you will need to perform a factory reset. This returns the router to its original state and resets the admin password to the default. After the reset, you can log in and set a new admin password.
Is it safe to use the default WiFi password that came on the sticker?
The default password is better than no password, but it is not ideal because it is the same across many routers of the same model. Anyone with the same router model could potentially guess it. Changing it to a unique, strong password is a better practice for security.