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 "Network Key", "WiFi Password", "Passphrase", or straightforward "Password". The sticker may also show a QR code you can scan with your phone to connect without typing the password.
If you've never changed the password since you set up the router, this default password will work. If the sticker is worn, faded, or missing, you can often find the same information in your router's manual or on the manufacturer's website by searching for your specific model number.
Key Takeaways
- The router's physical sticker on the bottom or back usually shows the default password and network name.
- You can log into your router's admin panel using your browser to see or change the password without needing the WiFi password first.
- If you changed the password and forgot it, resetting the router to factory defaults will erase your custom password and restore the original one.
- Your internet service provider may have records of the password if the router came from them, though you'll need to verify your account first.
- Connecting via ethernet cable lets you access the router's settings even if you don't know the WiFi password.
Log into the router's admin panel to view or reset the password
If the sticker is gone and you need to change the password, you can access your router's control panel through a web browser. Connect to the router using an ethernet cable (this bypasses the need for the WiFi password), then open your browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. Most home routers use one of these addresses.
You'll be asked for a username and password to log in. The default is often "admin" for both, though some routers use "admin" and "password", or "admin" and a blank field. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the exact defaults. Once you're logged in, look for a section labeled "WiFi", "Wireless", "Security", or "Network Settings" where you can view the current password or create a new one.
If you don't remember the admin password either, you'll need to reset the router to its factory defaults, which will erase any custom settings you've made.
Reset the router to restore the default password
A factory reset erases all custom settings and returns the router to the state it was in when you first unboxed it. This means the password on the sticker will work again. To reset, locate the small reset button (usually recessed into the device) and hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or similar tool. The lights on the router will blink, and the device will restart. This process takes a few minutes.
After the reset, the network name and password will revert to the defaults printed on the sticker. You'll need to set up your WiFi connection again and reconfigure any custom settings you had before, such as a new password or network name. If you've made changes you want to keep, write them down before you reset.
Contact your internet service provider if the router came from them
If your internet service provider (ISP) supplied the router as part of your service, they may have a record of the default password in your account. Call the customer service number on your bill or visit their website to log into your account. Some providers let you view router details online; others require a phone call. You'll need to verify your account information, such as your account number or the phone number associated with the service.
Keep in mind that if you've changed the password since setup, the ISP's records will show the original default, not your custom password. In that case, you'll either need to remember the change you made or reset the router.
Use your phone or another device to find the network details
If you have another device already connected to the WiFi network, you can sometimes view the saved password through that device's settings. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, and select "Share Password" — this doesn't display the password in plain text, but it lets you share it with another device by scanning a code. On Android, go to Settings > WiFi, long-press the network name, and select "Share" to see a QR code; the password itself is usually not visible in the standard settings.
Windows computers store WiFi passwords in a way you can retrieve. Open Command Prompt, type netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear (replacing "YourNetworkName" with your actual network name), and press Enter. The password will appear next to "Key Content". On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your computer's login password.
Check your email for setup confirmation or documentation
When you first set up your router or received it from your ISP, you may have received an email with the network details. Search your email inbox and spam folder for messages from the router manufacturer or your ISP that contain "WiFi", "network", "password", or "setup". These emails often include the network name and default password, or instructions on where to find them.
If you set up the router yourself and created a custom password, you might also have written it down in a notes app, password manager, or document on your computer. Check any files labeled "WiFi", "Network", "Router", or "Home Network" that you may have created.
Prevent this problem in the future
Once you've regained access, write down your WiFi password and store it somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, or a note in your phone's notes app. If you change the password in the future, update your record at the same time. You can also take a photo of the router's sticker before the label fades, or screenshot the password from the router's admin panel and save it to a find location.
Consider using a password you can remember but that isn't obvious, such as a phrase or combination that means something to you. Avoid using the default password long-term, as it's the same for every router of that model and poses a minor security risk if someone gains physical access to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't find the reset button on my router?
Some routers hide the reset button under a removable panel or label. Check your router's manual for the exact location. If you can't find it, you can also reset many routers by unplugging them for 30 seconds, plugging them back in, and then holding down the power button for 10 to 15 seconds while the device is on.
Will resetting the router disconnect my other devices?
Yes. After a factory reset, all devices will lose their connection to the WiFi network. You'll need to reconnect each device using the default password from the sticker. Any custom settings, such as a new network name or password, will be erased and must be set up again.
Can I see the password if I'm connected to the WiFi but don't know what it is?
On most devices, no — the password is stored but not displayed in plain text for security reasons. However, you can retrieve it from a Windows computer using the Command Prompt method described above, or from a Mac using Keychain Access. On phones, you'll need to use the QR code share feature or reset the router.
What if the default password on the sticker doesn't work?
The router may have been set up with a custom password by a previous owner or installer. Try the admin panel login at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 using "admin" as the username. If that doesn't work, your only option is a factory reset, which will restore the default password.
Is it safe to use the default password long-term?
The default password is the same for every router of that model, so it's not ideal for long-term use. Change it to a unique password through the router's admin panel. This prevents anyone with the same router model from connecting to your network if they gain physical access to your home.