Where Your Router Password Lives

Your router password is almost always printed on a sticker attached to the router itself — usually on the bottom, back, or side. Look for a label that says "WiFi Password", "Network Key", "PSK", or sometimes just "Password". The sticker also shows your network name (SSID) right above it. This is the fastest way to find it.

If the sticker is missing, worn off, or you cannot find the router, you have three other paths: check your email for the original setup message, log into the router's admin panel to see or reset the password, or contact your internet provider. Most people find the answer within the first two steps.

Key Takeaways

  • The WiFi password is printed on a physical sticker on your router — check the bottom, back, or sides first.
  • Your internet provider sent the original password in an email or printed letter when you set up the account, and that message is often still in your email archive.
  • You can log into your router's settings page using the admin username and password (usually "admin" and "admin" or printed on the same sticker) to view or change the WiFi password.
  • If you cannot find or remember the admin password, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, which erases all passwords and returns it to the default.

Check the Physical Sticker on Your Router

Locate your router and look for a label stuck to the outside. Most routers have this sticker on the bottom or back panel. The label will list several pieces of information: the model number, the WiFi network name (SSID), and the WiFi password. The password may be labeled as "WiFi Password", "Network Key", "Passphrase", or "PSK".

Write down the exact password as it appears — it is case-sensitive, meaning capital letters matter. If the sticker is faded or partially peeled off, try to read it under bright light or use your phone's camera to zoom in on the photo. If the sticker is completely gone or unreadable, move to the next step.

Search Your Email for the Original Setup Message

When you first signed up for internet service, your provider sent you a welcome email with your account details, including the WiFi password. Search your email inbox (and spam folder) for messages from your internet provider using terms like "WiFi", "password", "network", or "setup". Common provider names to search for include Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, Charter, Cox, or whatever company you use.

If you have changed email addresses since you set up the account, you may need to check an old email account or contact your provider to confirm which address received the original message. Once you find the email, the password will be listed there — copy it exactly as shown, including any capital letters or special characters.

Log Into Your Router's Admin Panel

If you cannot find the sticker or the original email, you can view the password by logging into the router itself. Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. Press Enter. A login page should appear asking for a username and password.

The default username and password are usually both admin, or they may be printed on the sticker on your router. If those do not work, try admin and password, or search online for "[your router model] default login" — most manufacturers publish this information. Once you log in, look for a section labeled "WiFi", "Wireless", "Network", or "Security". Your current WiFi password will be displayed there, often in a field labeled "Passphrase" or "Pre-Shared Key".

Reset the Router if You Cannot Log In

If you do not know the admin password and cannot log in, you can reset the router to its factory settings. This erases all passwords and returns the router to the state it was in when you first bought it. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident.

Use a straightened paperclip or a pen tip to press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the front will flash or go dark. Release the button and wait two to three minutes for the router to restart. Once it is back online, the admin username and password will be the factory defaults (usually admin and admin), and you can log in to set a new WiFi password. Note that resetting also erases any custom settings you made, so you will need to set up the network again from scratch.

Contact Your Internet Provider as a Last Resort

If none of the above steps work, call your internet provider's customer support number — it is on your bill or on their website. Tell them you need to recover your WiFi password. They can look it up in your account or walk you through resetting the router remotely. Some providers can even reset the password for you over the phone.

Have your account number or the phone number associated with your account ready when you call. The process usually takes a few minutes, and the provider will either give you the current password or set a new one for you. This is the most reliable option if you are stuck, though it does require a phone call.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Log into the router's admin panel using the steps above, and you can see or change the WiFi password from there. If you also forgot the admin password, reset the router to factory settings, then log in with the default credentials and set both a new admin password and a new WiFi password.

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

No. The sticker shows two passwords: the WiFi password (what you use to connect devices to the network) and the admin password (what you use to log into the router's settings). They are different. The WiFi password is what you need to connect your phone or laptop.

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

On Windows, go to Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click Properties to see the password. On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your computer password. On phones, you usually cannot view the password directly — you would need to use the router admin panel instead.

What happens if I reset the router?

Resetting erases all custom settings, including your WiFi password, admin password, and any port forwarding or other configurations you set up. All devices will be disconnected from the network. You will need to reconnect them using the new password and reconfigure any advanced settings. It is a last resort, but it works if you are locked out.

Do I need to call my provider if I reset the router?

No. Resetting the router does not affect your internet connection itself — your modem will still work. You just need to set up the WiFi network again on the router. However, if you also need to reset your modem or your internet is not working, then you should contact your provider.