Where your router password is stored

Your router password is usually printed on a sticker attached to the router itself — often on the bottom or back. Look for a label that says "WiFi Password," "Network Key," "PSK," or sometimes just "Password." The sticker may also show your network name (SSID) and the router's admin password, which is different from your WiFi password.

If the sticker is missing or faded, you have three other places to check: the documentation that came with your router, your internet service provider's account portal, or the router's settings page itself. Each route works differently depending on whether you need your WiFi password or your admin password.

Key Takeaways

  • The WiFi password is printed on a sticker on the router's bottom or back, and this is what you need to connect devices to your network.
  • The admin password (used to change router settings) is separate from the WiFi password and is also usually on the sticker or in your router's manual.
  • If you cannot find the sticker, check the paperwork that came with your router or log into your ISP's account portal to view network details.
  • Resetting your router to factory settings will erase all your custom settings and restore the default password printed on the device.

Checking the router's physical label

Start by looking at the bottom of your router. Most manufacturers place a label there with the default network name and password. The label usually lists both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network names if your router broadcasts both bands. The password may be labeled as "WiFi Password," "Network Key," or "Passphrase."

If the bottom is clean, check the back panel and the sides. Some routers have the label on the back near the power input or on a side panel. If your router is mounted on a wall, you may need to carefully remove it to see the label. Take a photo of the label with your phone before you put the router back — you will have the information saved if you need it later.

Looking in your router's documentation

The box your router came in usually contains a quick-start guide or manual with the default network name and password printed inside. If you still have the box, check the inside cover or the first few pages. Some manuals print this information on a separate card or sheet.

If you have thrown away the physical manual, search online for your router's model number (printed on the label) plus the word "manual." Most manufacturers publish PDFs on their support websites. Once you find the manual, search the document for "password" or "default network" to locate the credentials quickly.

Accessing your ISP account to view network details

Your internet service provider keeps a record of your router's default password in your account. Log into your ISP's customer portal using your account username and password. The exact location varies by provider — some put network information under "My Services," others under "Internet" or "Equipment."

Common ISPs like Comcast (Xfinity), Charter (Spectrum), AT&T, and Verizon all allow account holders to view or reset their router password through the online portal. If you cannot find it in the obvious sections, use the portal's search function or contact your ISP's support line with your account number. They can confirm the password over the phone or email it to you.

Logging into the router's settings page to reset the password

If you have forgotten the password and cannot find it anywhere else, you can reset the router to its factory defaults. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. This takes you to the router's login page. The default username is often "admin" and the default password is often "admin" or "password" — try these first.

If those do not work, look up your router's model number and search for "default login credentials." Once you are logged in, look for a section called "WiFi Settings," "Wireless," or "Network." You should see your current network name and password displayed there. Write down the password before you close the page.

If you cannot remember the admin password either, you will need to perform a factory reset. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. This erases all your custom settings and returns the router to its original state, including the default password on the sticker. After the reset, you can log back in with the default credentials and set up your network again from scratch.

What to do if the password has been changed

If someone else set up your router and changed the password from the default, you have two options: contact the person who set it up and ask them for the password, or reset the router to factory settings. A factory reset is the only way to regain access if you do not know the current password and cannot reach the person who changed it.

Before you reset, know that this will disconnect all your devices from the network and erase any custom settings like port forwarding or parental controls. After the reset, you will need to reconnect each device and reconfigure any special settings you had in place. If your router is managed by your ISP (some providers own the equipment), contact them first — they may be able to reset it remotely or provide the password without you having to do a manual reset.

Keeping your password find once you find it

Once you have located your password, consider changing it from the default. Default passwords are publicly known, which means anyone with your network name could potentially guess the password. Log back into the router's settings page and look for "WiFi Settings" or "Security." Change the password to something only you know, and make sure the security type is set to WPA3 or WPA2 (not WEP, which is outdated).

Store your new password in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your phone or computer. This way you have it backed up if you forget it again, and you do not have to write it down on paper or store it in a text file on your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between my WiFi password and my admin password?

Your WiFi password is what you type into your phone or laptop to connect to the internet. Your admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings page to change network names, passwords, or other configurations. They are usually different, and both are printed on the router's label.

Can I see my WiFi password if I am already connected to the network?

On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click "Properties." On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, and check "Show password." On phones, you usually cannot view a saved password without resetting the network connection.

What happens if I reset my router to factory settings?

All your custom settings will be erased, including your WiFi password, network name, and any port forwarding rules. Your devices will disconnect from the network. After the reset, you will need to reconnect them using the default password on the router's label and reconfigure any special settings.

My router does not have a label. What do I do?

Check the manual or search online for your model number plus "default password." If that does not work, log into your ISP's account portal or call their support line. If none of those options work, perform a factory reset using the reset button on the back of the router.

Is it safe to change my router password from the default?

Yes, it is strongly recommended. Default passwords are public knowledge, so changing yours makes your network harder to access without permission. Use a strong password with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and store it in a password manager.